Initial release date: 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S
Publisher: GameMill Entertainment
Developers: Bamtang Games, Bamtang Games SAC
Genres: Sports video game, Action game, Simulation Game, Sports
It’s been a while since the Looney Tunes were relevant, but the moment I launched Wacky World of Sports, I felt right at home. Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Taz were all part of my upbringing, and I still think Space Jam is an unappreciated gem. Is it worth playing, regardless of whether you’re familiar with these insane cartoon characters? We don’t have many sports titles that emphasize on fun and arcade-style gameplay. Nintendo has done so well with its Mario sports titles; is it worth giving this a try over the Switch’s already superb lineup of games?
Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports is neither horrible nor wonderful. Some of the sports perform better than others, but it’s difficult to call this anything than mediocre. Golf is likely the most enjoyable of the four sports, with a standard two-button hit mechanic and an interesting range of courses. It’s the better sport because of its slower pace and the fact that you don’t have to clatter about courts or pitches but can instead focus on striking a beautiful shot.
Take basketball as an example. Movement is clunky and slow, with no flow at all. Moving around the court gets manageable if you’re used to it, but it’s never enjoyable. Shots are much easier to get off, and you rarely miss without interruption. You can jump in front of an opponent to block their shot, or even toss a pie at them, although the controls aren’t that responsive. You can create an energy gauge that allows you to shoot from long distances, slam with special animations, and push opposing players off the ball, but it never seems fun.
Football is slightly better, however scoring is imbalanced. You can shoot from close range, but the keeper saves it way too easily, whereas an opponent scores from a distance and it goes into the top corner with no resistance. This felt like a recurring theme throughout each encounter, and you had to become acquainted with the defects to have any fun. You can build up a chance to perform a special shot like Mario Strikers, and each character has their own animation. It works quite well, but outside of these gorgeous images, the movement is still awkward.
Tennis is the fourth sport in Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports, and it can be enjoyable to hit rallies with your opponent. Trying to find an opportunity doesn’t feel satisfying when you make that crucial shot because the AI doesn’t appear to be that intelligent. I also found it difficult to go across the back line to hit my competitor’s sweeping shot because it wasn’t as responsive as it should have been. Despite concerns with poor movement and a lack of responsiveness, playing against a friend or family member in a local co-op can be fun.
The animations are excellent, particularly the way the arenas come to life during matches. Some of the locales are fantastic, with crowds coming to life and making the overall experience more immersive. The characters deliver voice lines with ease, displaying some fantastic humour recognizable to the ACME audience. It’s vivid and detailed in ways I hadn’t expected, and if the game were more enjoyable to play, I’d have a much better impression of it.
Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports might have been so much better if the movement was faster, and some of the controls should have been tweaked for greater responsiveness. Golf is the standout mode, but there isn’t enough polish to suggest it above previously released titles that do it so much better. The look is fantastic and works nicely across all of the locales; it’s just a bad the games aren’t enjoyable to play.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 73%
Controls: 75%
Aesthetics: 80%
Content: 70%
Accessibility: 76%
Value: 74%
Overall: 75%
GOOD
Summary: “Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports” offers a fun and amusing experience for fans of the iconic characters, with a selection of wacky mini-games that encapsulate the franchise’s essence. While the gameplay is pleasant, it might become tedious owing to a lack of complexity and material. The vivid artwork and familiar characters contribute to an appealing ambiance, while some mini-games may suffer from imprecise controls. Overall, this title is a pleasant choice for casual gamers and Looney Tunes fans seeking for a humorous sports experience, while it may not have long-term appeal.