Grapple Hoops is a slam dunking simulation game from developer Andreas Georgiou. This over-the-top, single-player game combines grappling hook mechanics and parkour to make dunking a basketball thousand times more exciting. It’s like the love-child of NBA Jam, Mirror’s Edge, and A Story About My Uncle. 

In Grapple Hoops, you control a robotic character equipped with a grappling gun and a basketball. The game features many stages each with unique objectives such as scoring a dunk or eliminating all enemies. It’s a challenging game, but very satisfying once you get familiar with the controls and mechanics.

Ridiculously fun

Grapple Hoops is the only game where you parkour through rooftops, grapple onto buildings and aircraft, knock down goons with a ball, and explosively dunk on a rim. It sounds ridiculous because it is, and it is ridiculously fun. Each level is unique and is filled with different enemy types that you need to either avoid or knock down as fast as you can since they can one-shot you.

The game features a generous bullet time mechanic that slows time, giving you enough time to aim the ball properly. This mechanic is incredibly satisfying to use especially when airborne. If you miss your shot, you can immediately retake the ball with just a press of a button. If you fall or get killed, the level instantly restarts so you can start another attempt without staring at a loading screen.

This isn’t an AAA game, but the visuals, which are similar to Borderlands’ comic-book style graphics, are pleasing to look at. Moreover, the fast-paced gameplay is complemented by a great set of soundtracks. You might notice problems in the level design and a lot of elements that need more polish, but they don’t take away from the excellent core gameplay.

Is it worth playing?

Absolutely. Grapple Hoops offers a gameplay experience no other game in the market offers. The lack of polish in some places and the barebones features are apparent, but they won’t degrade the ridiculously fun gameplay unless you’re nitpicking. If you’re up for a fresh and challenging game, one that you’ve never experienced before, this indie game is definitely worth picking up.