Warning: The version of the game provided is a Steam Early Access title. Due to this not all promised features are currently available including, but not limited to, modes, characters, features, and gameplay tweaks. I am only reviewing the title based on what it currently is and does not represent a review of their final product.

It is not often that I find a title that pays homage to such an obscure arcade game.

Gyrodisc Super League has its roots firmly placed in the NeoGeo fan base borrowing its mechanics and ideas from a game called WindJammers, a fun and unique frisbee-hockey mash up. I am actually pretty excited about this since no one did over the top and unique arcade sports titles like Neo-Geo, and if this Early Access demo is any indication maybe I can finally put my emulator to rest.

Currently there is only one option to actually play and it is Versus where you can choose one of two characters and do either 1v1 or 2v2. No arcade mode is available yet because it is currently being worked on but there is promise of much more on the way.

Even though arcade mode is not present at this time but I was able to get a feel for the gameplay.

The character selection consist of only 2 characters, one is a bearded strong man, the other is a lithe female. Colors can be switched but that is it for options. Developers have stated there will be a total of 6 characters and a host of alternate costumes (none of which are present here) that should add some much needed variety.

Graphics have a cartoon style aesthetic, think Team Fortress with brighter colors but less interesting to look at. The stadiums are bright and colorful but serve no other purpose other than to house the generic faceless spectators. This isn't too distracting since the in action camera is top down and only shows their soulless faces after a round ends. What is even better is the camera moves around the physical arena giving it a convincing sports coverage look in between rounds and before a match starts. I really appreciate this little touch because it adds character to the presentation. Outside of this there is currently not much else to gawk at since a good chunk of Gyrodisc is still in development.

The characters don't feel sluggish at all and dart across the screen on command, sliding to the direction I tell them to without fail. This is critical since the discs can move at very high speeds so great controls here are very important. Quick reactions are required here, especially when a trick shot is thrown and I had to dash to get on the other side of my field.  Luckily the controls handle very well and with the addition of a dash button getting that stray disc is no problem. 

For the time being there is only one stage but it has a few different designs to keep things feeling fresh. Layouts include the standard layouts and others with unique properties. For example: “Two Nets Two Walls” is a layout where not only does the disc have to go through narrow passages in the center of the stage, but those walls alter the flight path making it fly in unpredictable ways. Another stage to play for fun is the “Hockey” layout where the net is smaller, closer to the middle of the field, and the disc can bounce behind nets and build up speed. In these altered layouts it is crucial to keep an eye on the walls because if they are hit straight on the corner the disc can go flying into the air and giving the other player time charge up their shot.

Matches can get intense fast, luckily controls are easy to learn right away. This easy to learn control scheme comes in handy when your friends come over to join in on the fun. Just keep in mind couch multiplayer has the potential to test friendships and create rivalries. There is no planned online matches so local is the only option for multi-person shenanigans here.

I highly recommend doing this because while playing the CPU is an option, it just isn't the same as going head to head with a buddy. After playing rounds with the computer it felt like sometimes it plays dumb to feel “competitive” but comes off as artificial. There is no “Difficulty” option to remedy this issue. It is hard to match the fun playing against a real human anyways; creating tight back and forth matches, narrowly getting the win after a successful tricky throw work on an opponent, getting them to slide in the wrong direction for the win!

From what I have played here it is a promising start and one I will be keeping my eye on.

As a fan of WindJammers on NeoGeo arcade machines I have high hopes for this game.

This is a fun title overall with fast frenetic gameplay (especially if you have buddies over), it is easy to pick up and play, and with more unlockables on the horizon there should be more content to keep players coming back. If it can deliver on all of its promises I will no longer need to be playing my emulator anymore.