Rocket League Nintendo Switch Review: Still Scoring Strong

It’s kind of stunning to see how Rocket League has become such a success over the years. It’s not even the original game in the series (it’s a follow-up to the less popular and oddly named Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars), and yet it’s a best seller with casual fans and hardcore players alike.

So it only made sense that Nintendo would figure out a way to secure the game for its Switch platform, assuring a little third-party muscle just in time for this year’s Black Friday sales event. And it’s a move that’s paid off, as Rocket League not only expands the Switch’s library with yet another quality title, but gives it even more of a push when it comes to having fun with a easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master sports game. There’s still nothing like it.

The concept of the game is easy – you’re playing soccer, or a number of other sports, but instead of running around with a player, you’re driving a car. The goal is to score as many points as you can by booting a ball (or puck or other object) into a certain area. But the game isn’t just about being on the offensive – you can make some spectacular saves and steal the ball to try to score in your own right, if you’re good enough to get the job done.

Performs Like a Champ

Some have complained that Rocket League‘s visuals aren’t quite as high-definition as they are on other platforms. That is sort of true, as you can see some of the rough edges with the game’s performance, either docked or in portable mode. But that’s a design choice by the developers at Psyonix, working alongside the team at Panic Button (who also handled the impressive port of Doom for the Switch).

This duo did make light sacrifices to the graphics, but that’s only because they wanted to assure that the game runs at a smooth frame rate, so that the physics don’t feel off in the slightest when it comes to hitting the ball or setting up a big power play near the goal. And it’s a move that pays off in dividends for Rocket League on the Switch, since it plays just as superbly as other versions. And even with its minor graphical hitches, it still looks great.

Gameplay feels just as good as it ever has thanks to this performance choice, meaning that you can set up some good power runs or flying jumps with ease, though you may want to practice a little bit before taking on more experienced players. You’ve probably seen the highlight reels where players go flying in and do unbelievable stuff for a goal – it’ll take you a while to get that good. That said, there are scenarios you can practice to get there, along with AI matches that you can set up to your liking.

Bring On The Competition

Once you do get the hang of things, you can set up for an online match and take on others however you see fit. Online play is surprisingly well done, as there are many options available since the game supports cross-play with both the Xbox One and PC platforms. (Sorry, Sony owners, you’re still waiting.) If you prefer local match-ups, those are available as well in a split-screen format, and though things can get a little cramped this way, it makes for one of the better couch experiences you can get with the Switch right now. Either way, you’re in for some competition, and it’s a lot of fun.

Rocket League also comes with a variety of content that can be unlocked. While it’ll take a while to earn some of the better cars in the game, there’s a lot of goods you can get to design your vehicle however you see fit, including toppers, flags and even custom smoke designs. What’s more, you get some great Nintendo cars out of the deal, including sleek Metroid-inspired numbers and two Mario/Luigi cars that actually make the authentic “boing” noise when you leap into the air. Gotta love that. Now we just need a Bowser car that leaves a fiery smoke trail, and maybe a Toad car that lets out a “Whoa!” whenever you hit the ball. (Just thinking, Nintendo.)

So, really, the game doesn’t do that much wrong at all. Sure, the audio’s about the same as other versions, with no exclusive Nintendo themes or anything, and some may be finicky about the game’s visuals not being as smooth as other versions. But at the end of the day, Rocket League still plays like a dream, looks great, and has dividends in the multiplayer department, whether you prefer having fun with friends or hopping online and taking on the world. Plus there’s tons to unlock, and there’s no shortage of ways to practice so you can “get good”.

You may have a lot on your Switch plate already this holiday season, but save some room for Rocket League – it’s a fine dessert after you’ve become stuffed with a full-course meal.

WWG’s Score: 4.5 / 5

Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher.