I’ve loved football since I was a kid. It’s my favourite sport and the only one that I kept up with as an adult. However, in recent years the sport that I love has been completely corrupted by billionaires, corporate greed, and the rise of state-owned clubs. I can’t even play games like FIFA EAFC and PES eFootball because they’re symbols of the injustice that, in the view of this legacy fan, is ruining the game.
Armed with that context, Footgun: Underworld stands as the only football game I’m interested in playing in 2024. This action-roguelite blends ball kicking with platforming to create a truly unique gaming experience that I found immediately compelling.
What is Footgun: Underworld?
Footgun: Underworld has you exploring underground tunnels armed only with a football and a bionic leg. Don’t worry, though, this ball-kicking combo is a deadly weapon when used properly. You can charge up a shot and fire the ball at the insect enemies that emerge from dark holes in the level. Hit them a few times while dodging their attacks, and they’ll die, dropping gold and gear.
This gear can include upgrades and new balls. The first one I unlocked was a bomb ball, which was active for less time than the standard ball, but explodes on contact. Big boom: bye bye bugs.
It’s not long before you’re juggling two balls in the air, firing off shots as and when you can, and all the while trying to stay out of harm’s way. The difficulty seems to ramp up well, but you’ll need to improve your baller (there are several to unlock) with extra health and other passive bonuses, including to your balls.
Footgun: Underground’s release date
This unique little title, which has been created by Turtle Knight Games and is being published by CobraTekku Games, is due to release in April 2024.
That’s not too far off in the distance, however, if you can’t wait that long, there is a very playable demo available now via Steam Next Fest.
The demo includes a good chunk of the game, by the looks of it. It also gives you a chance to get the hang of your cybernetic leg before the game’s launch in April.
If you’ve been waiting for an absurd, post-apocalyptic roguelike with balls, this is it.
