Toribash PC Review

Toribash is sort of a game sort of a simulation...I'm not really sure what it is..but it is definitely unique, an acquired test, and quite entertaining...though not really a game. It is described to me in an email as a unique turn-based fighter. That is actually a very concise and fitting description. You take turns affecting the physics of your fighter (or fighters). This is done by simply clicking a body part. You press space and the simulation iterates until the battle is over. YOu are then left with a battle simulation and replay that you can save. Very Unique Graphics, great physics, quirky idea...and ultimately hard to review...

Gameplay: 5/10
Pros: Very unique. I don't think I've ever played a "turn-based fighter." And the physics engine is excellent. The replays online are amazing and I loved watching them.
Cons: The gameplay is click this click that...and I get really impatient before the round is over. The commitment involved to alter each muscle is too much. I really wanted to be able to click a body part and drag and rotate it where I wanted to. It's an acquired taste, but managing each muscle every move isn't really for everyone.

Graphics: 8/10
Pros: Again Unique (you'll see that come up a lot) and minimalistic. I think the style actually works really well for the game. The blood and movements can be quirky and hokey and the graphics complement that. Again, physics shine through and the ragdoll "dummy" characters animate incredibly well.
Cons: Graphics feel like placeholder graphics. Something a studio puts in to be functional and then after the gameplay is in there...they make it look sleeker. Looks like a tech demo. No background at all.

Sound/Music: 6/10
Pros: all the smack, whoosh, crunch, bash, etc. sounds found in the typical fighters make it into the game...very satisfying
Cons: Music is a very repetitive (if faint) drumming.

Lasting Appeal: 7/10
Pros: If you download the demo and like the game you can have a blast making your own fighting videos and playing people online multiplayer.
Cons: As stated earlier, I get bored clicking body parts mid-round and would prefer to watch the replays rather than make them. Not a plethora of options/features: single player, multiplayer...that's it.

Average: 65.00%
Tilt: =/- 0.00%

This game is like nothing you've ever played! and that's both good and bad. Download the demo...if you like that....buy it. If you try the demo and get bored of it...don't buy it. The purchase of this game depends entirely on your patience level and enjoyment of "turn-based fighting." I think this idea is great, but felt the control is clunky and it's hard to get your guy to punch and kick and do what you want....though other people have obviously figured it out (see replays). I just don't have the patience to do it. Yes, I managed to kick someone's head off, do a jump kick, punch, etc., but did about one move and then just tapped space repeatedly to end the match. I do see the potential in this game for some though and that's why I urge everyone to try the demo. It's not for me and may not be for you, but some will love it!

Verdict: 65%