WHAT THE CLASH? Review (iOS & PC)

If you’re on the hunt for the wildest multiplayer experience on Apple Arcade, WHAT THE CLASH? by Triband is an absolute must-play. This game is pure, unfiltered chaos wrapped in a colourful, quirky package. Whether you’re playing solo, challenging friends to a one-on-one showdown, or diving into its bizarre mini-games, WHAT THE CLASH? Never stops entertaining with its over-the-top action and unexpected twists. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the game’s mechanics, mini-games, customisation options, and overall appeal to see if it truly delivers the fun-filled experience it promises.

Chaotic Competition

At first glance, WHAT THE CLASH? Seems like your typical party game: simple controls, fast-paced action, and an emphasis on multiplayer mayhem. However, as soon as you dive in, it becomes clear that this game is far from ordinary. It’s a multiplayer game that thrives on unpredictability, absurdity, and pure fun moments.

The game revolves around 1v1 battles where players face off in a zany mini-game series. The key to the gameplay lies in the ability to unlock modifier cards, which can introduce wacky combinations and mechanics to each match. Now, these cards can turn an already chaotic game into something even more ridiculous, and that’s where the true fun lies. Imagine playing Sticky Tennis but with a modifier that turns the tennis ball into a gigantic jellyfish that flops around unpredictably. Or trying to land a perfect shot in Toasty Archery, only for the target to suddenly start moving in a way that makes no sense at all. The unpredictability ensures that no two games ever feel the same.

The controls are simple, relying on easy touch inputs that anyone can pick up. Interestingly, players don’t need to memorise complex moves or combinations. Just tap, swipe, or hold to perform actions. This simplicity makes WHAT THE CLASH? Incredibly immersive, allowing even non-gamers to jump into the madness without feeling overwhelmed. 

Despite the simplicity, there’s a surprising amount of depth. The real challenge comes from reacting to the ever-changing mechanics of the mini-games. It’s all about making split-second decisions and embracing the chaos that unfolds in each match.

The Heart of the Chaos

The mini-games in WHAT THE CLASH truly set it apart. Each one offers something unique, a wide range of challenges that keep things fresh and exciting. The mini-games are designed to be short, engaging, and, most importantly, unpredictable. 

The sticky brings a hilarious twist on the classic sport, requiring players to avoid the sticky traps while trying to hit the ball over the net. Here is the interesting part: the ball sticks to surfaces in unpredictable ways, and the physics involved is hilariously exaggerated. It’s fast-paced, fun, and will always leave players laughing.

On the other hand, the toasty Archery allows players to shoot arrows at targets. But don’t expect it to be that easy. The targets are constantly moving, and the added challenge is to ensure your arrows don’t miss. Surprisingly, they can get knocked off course by obstacles like the wind or other random modifiers. 

Now, Milk the Fish adds another completely absurd concept, challenging players to milk fish for points. The mechanics are simple: grab your fish, shake it, and try to milk it as much as possible before time runs out. It’s ridiculously silly, but that’s precisely what makes it so fun. You can’t help but burst out laughing as you struggle to wrangle your fish into submission.

Additionally, Giraffle is one of the most unpredictable mini-games. Players must balance on a giraffe while trying to knock their opponent off. The giraffe is wobbly, the controls are slippery, and the whole thing feels like a wacky circus act gone wrong. Giraffe is a prime example of how WHAT THE CLASH? Thrives on randomness. The moment you think you’ve got the upper hand, something completely ridiculous happens. 

Modifiers and Cards

One of the standout features in WHAT THE CLASH? is the use of modifier cards. Players will unlock these cards in the game, each introducing new, often ridiculous, mechanics to the mini-games. These cards allow players to create absurd combos that completely alter the gameplay experience. For example, you can combine Toasty Archery with the Giraffe card. Surprisingly, it turns the already difficult archery challenge into a completely chaotic experience where both players attempt to shoot arrows while balancing on wobbly giraffes.

The modifier cards inject a huge level of variety into the game. You never know what combination you’ll end up with, and that unpredictability is a big part of what makes WHAT THE CLASH? So entertaining. These cards are the perfect tool for keeping each match fresh and fun, as you can continuously experiment with new combos to see what works.

Additionally, in WHAT THE CLASH?, everyone plays as The Hand, a stretchy, charming, and often hilarious character. The Hand is precisely what it sounds like: a hand with legs. But it’s not just any hand; it’s customizable. Progressively, players unlock a variety of items to dress up their Hand. From eye patches to dresses, earrings, and even wacky accessories like hats and shoes, The Hand can be decked out in various outfits that give it a unique and often ridiculous appearance.

This customisation adds a personal touch to the game, allowing players to express themselves through their character’s appearance. The options are endless, whether you want your Hand to look like a pirate, a fashionista, or just plain bizarre. It’s a fun way to make this game feel more personalised.

Solo, Local, and Online Fun

WHAT THE CLASH? Excels in multiplayer, offering several ways to play with friends or strangers. In local multiplayer, players can challenge friends to one-on-one battles, which is perfect for quick, impromptu sessions. The action is fast-paced, and the game’s chaotic nature makes for some seriously fun and often hilarious showdowns.

For those who want to compete with players from around the world, the game also features an online multiplayer mode. The matchmaking is generally smooth, and the game does a good job of pairing players of similar skill levels. The game has a competitive element to make it more interesting. Players can climb leaderboards, enter tournaments, and prove their worth as the ultimate Hand master. The combination of solo play, local multiplayer, and online competition ensures that WHAT THE CLASH? is never short on options. 

Visually, WHAT THE CLASH? is a treat. The cartoonish art style fits perfectly with the game’s chaotic nature. The sound design complements the visuals with energetic, upbeat music that gets your blood pumping. Notably, each mini-game has its own set of sound effects, adding to the frantic atmosphere. The sound of a sticky ball in Sticky Tennis, the slap of arrows hitting targets in Toasty Archery, and the squeaky noises of The Hand all come together to create a lively and immersive experience.

The Drawbacks

While WHAT THE CLASH? is undoubtedly a fun and chaotic game, it’s not without its flaws. A few aspects may prevent it from being the perfect party game for everyone. Despite the variety of mini-games and modifiers, the gameplay loop can start to feel repetitive after a while. If you’re playing a lot in one sitting, you might find yourself tiring of the same mechanics and losing interest in the unpredictability.

Additionally, while the online multiplayer is generally smooth, there are occasional issues with matchmaking and connectivity. The game may take longer to find opponents, and lag can sometimes interfere with the fast-paced action. This can be frustrating during key moments.

Furthermore, for players who enjoy games with deep strategy or intricate mechanics, WHAT THE CLASH? might feel slightly shallow. While the modifiers and random nature of the game add some variety, there’s not much in terms of long-term progression or complexity. It’s a great, fast-paced action game for quick bursts of fun, but it may not have the staying power of other party games that offer more depth.

Additionally, while the game does offer solo play, it’s clear that WHAT THE CLASH? Shines most in multiplayer. The solo experience feels a bit hollow, especially if you’re playing without the chaotic energy of other players. The lack of more in-depth single-player modes or campaigns makes it feel somewhat limited for those who prefer to play alone.

Verdict

In conclusion, WHAT THE CLASH? is a chaotic, unpredictable, and entertaining multiplayer game that shines in its absurdity. With its wide variety of mini-games, customizable characters, and modifier cards, the game offers endless replayability and humor. Whether you’re playing solo, challenging friends locally, or competing against strangers online, there’s always a new twist to discover. The game ensures that players will never tire of the madness.

Despite some minor drawbacks like repetitive gameplay, connectivity issues, and a lack of depth in solo modes, WHAT THE CLASH? Delivers exactly what it promises. It offers fast-paced gameplay and chaotic fun, which is perfect for parties and casual multiplayer sessions. If you love quirky, unpredictable party games that provide plenty of laughs, this one is well worth checking out. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the most entertaining and unique multiplayer experiences out there.