By skyforbes So, Ball X Pit is basically a type of rogue-like / rogue-lite and combination of old-school brick breaker games like Arkanoid, Vampire Survivors, Peggle and a few other new and nifty ideas. The gameplay itself is solid, having you fire balls up at enemies as you move through levels, but it’s everything that supports the gameplay that makes it so special. Like Vampire Survivors, you collect gems to level up and then pick from upgrades to create unique builds that help you reach the end of a level and its three bosses.
What really surprised me, though, was how much some of the unlockable characters, upgrades and systems change up the gameplay, and how each new level comes with its own challenges that suit different characters and playstyles. And yet, to add even more to the magic formula, Ball X Pit has great, addictive pacing thanks to a surprisingly fun town-building element.
What I really liked is that between rounds, you manage a little town area where you use your money and materials to build and upgrade structures that provide boosts, harvest materials or unlock new characters, because it really keeps progression interesting. Keeping with the theme of the game, you even send your characters out to harvest or build by strategically bouncing them around your town.
The loop of playing a level, sorting out your town, collecting your resources and jumping back in for another run is exactly what makes this game so dangerously addictive. It’s perfect for 10-minute sessions but somehow manages to hook you for hours, especially with how much the gameplay and management systems keep expanding over time.
I had a few bugs in the town/building parts of the game where the interfact would stop working and I had to restart the game, but the most recent patch fixed it so I've had no issues since.
Honestly, I like Ball X Pit more than I ever liked Vampire Survivors (although both are awesome). The gameplay is classic fun mixed with clever new concepts, and you’re not just at the mercy of random upgrades. I’ve loved playing Ball X Pit on Xbox, but it would be absolutely perfect on a handheld (I wish it had cross-saves).
If you’re looking for something new and ridiculously fun, I highly recommend you check it out. (It's a 9/10 for me)