Tape to Tape Early Access Preview

Sports fans that play games on PC have had a rough go of it the past few decades. When PC gaming shifted to Steam and other proprietary game clients, the EA Sports series didn’t make a seamless transition. It’s only in recent years that you could play NBA, Madden, and FIFA on computers. Sadly, they’re less-than-perfect ports and typically sit at negative reception on Steam. With the NHL series not arriving on PC yet, hockey fans are left without much to play. That changed with Tape to Tape launching in Early Access at the start of this month. So, was the wait worth it?

Tape to Tape is not your average hockey game, it’s a Roguelite. You can select your character with unique stats for checking, speed, and more, as well as acquire abilities you can use to give you an edge on the ice. If you lose a match, your run is over. However, you accumulate pucks as a currency to upgrade characters and unlock new ones, as well as powerups that your next run’s characters can have. There’s a lot of room for upgrading, and you’ll carry the knowledge of what to expect in subsequent runs, as well.

The opponents in Tape to Tape are downright hilarious. You’ll face off against everything from a team of refs, to cult worshippers and a squad of golfers. Each of these special teams has its own quirks you’ll have to work past to come out on top. For example, one character’s slapshot takes a few seconds to wind up, but if you don’t check them, they’ll have a guaranteed goal. Another team eats beans before their matches and farts regularly, knocking you away if you’re too close. The humor had me howling more than a few times. It’s a delight for hockey gamers.

Mechanically, Tape to Tape is exceptionally sound for just now launching into Early Access. Framerates are high thanks to a cartoony presentation. Additionally, your teammates put themselves in a spot for one-timers and close in on the puck holder in the defensive zone, and you’ll have to aim your shots accordingly to get past the opposing goalie.

I slipped into this game like a hockey glove thanks to growing up with NHL games. It is at a difficulty where your mistakes are punished but your skill will pay off if you know how to work these kinds of games. I managed to complete the campaign in my very first run on Easy mode but had a few close calls as this game demanded the best of me.

I absolutely love Tape to Tape. Aside from already craving Roguelite games, it only complements the fun factor of a well-thought-out hockey game that is finally on the PC platform. There’s a lot of room for Excellent Rectangle to make this one for the ages if they can add even more variety. Even at this title’s starting point, it’s worth a celly and I’m going to keep in installed and follow along for its updates until it inevitably leaves Early Access when it’s at its absolute best.

A PC preview code for Tape to Tape was provided by Null Games for this Preview