While Rocket League reimagined soccer, Bucketplay’s Metaball (coming to PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam) aims to do the same for basketball. In this free-to-play team sports game that offers full cross-play support, six players will jump on their hoverboards and work as a team of three to score as many points as possible while stopping an opposing team in their tracks.
To do so, each player is equipped with a chain that acts like a slingshot of sorts that can be used to launch the ball into the hoop. Don’t worry though, as players will still be able to channel their inner LeBron and dunk the ball to their heart’s content.
If all this sounds like your kind of thing, you’ll be happy to know that Metaball is now available in Early Access on Steam and in Open Beta on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. There will also be a Metaball Tournament on September 30 (registration starts on September 22) that will reward the top three teams with a cash prize. All of this is leading up to Metaball’s official launch on October 12, 2023.
If you need a bit more convincing, we’re here to break down everything you need to know about this futuristic version of basketball.
First, Metaball sets itself apart from other sports games by focusing on its swing mechanic, which sees players swinging the ball around in a circle before choosing the perfect time and angle to shoot for a basket. This allows for high creativity and some unbelievable shots as it rewards players who learn its systems and improve their precision. This is not a game that has some simple automatic aim function, it’s meant to be easy to play while rewarding skillful play.
Metaball encourages creativity by allowing players to use every part of the arena to their advantage. Players can ride on the walls, use tilt and dash mechanics to get a quick boost or shift their body to get the perfect angle to shoot, or use double or triple jumps to attack from above. Teamwork is also integral to victory as a well-coordinated team will be able to take on any challenge that heads their way, and successful coordination even extends to complex basketball moves like alley-oops.
Metaball also offers a ton of character customization options, allowing players to earn and find a style that matches their own. Outfits, celebration moves, emotes, and more are unlockable via XP, completing challenges, and rising the ranked ladder. After all, style and fashion are half the battle, right?
One of the ways you can unlock cosmetics is by racking up MVP Points each week from the MVP Points Rush events that will let players unlock the loot-filled Beam Drops, which are filled with hats, shirts, pants, shoes, and much more.
Rank Points – earned by winning ranked matches – can also be redeemed for items. These special points can only be used in a special shop that only those who prove their worth in ranked matches can shop in. This shop will feature some of the most exclusive gear in all of Metaball.
Lastly, Experience points will be rewarded for players who complete daily, weekly, or season quests, and these quests will encourage players to learn all of Metaball's mechanics and improve their skills. These points will help them progress in the Season Pass (called the Meta Pass), which will also feature some spectacular cosmetics and currencies.
As a reminder, Metaball is now available in Early Access on PC via Steam and in Open Beta on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, and the full game launches on October 12, 2023. It’s also important to note that no online subscription is needed to play Metaball, so everyone is encouraged to give it a shot!
To learn more about Metaball and its first tournament, as well as download the game, head over to developer Bucketplay’s Metaball site. Also, be sure to check out Metaball’s Discord to stay up to date with everything happening in the world of Metaball.
