When it comes to sports on mobile, although the emphasis nowadays has been on pushing the envelope technically, it seems that there's still a place for minimalism. This is clearly demonstrated with the latest release from publisher Frosty Pop, Big Time Sports.
The essence of Big Time Sports harks back to its spiritual predecessor, Track & Field, which, if you've ever encountered in the wild, you'll know is equal parts fantastic and frustrating. The game features simple controls, with each sport functioning as a microgame where you need to perform a straightforward, repetitive movement to succeed. Not exactly complex, but as Track & Field fans can attest, it's strangely enticing.
The gameplay is straightforward and accessible. For instance, when playing baseball, you hold your finger down to pitch and release it at the right time to swing. In high diving, you hold to spin. By breaking down sports simulation to its bare essentials, it's surprising that Big Time Sports hasn't found its way to mobile sooner.
I'm on my way I'm making itIt's a fun contrast that one of Frosty Pop's latest mobile releases, I Am Your Beast by Strange Scaffold, contrasts so well with Big Time Sports. On one hand, you have high-octane, hardcore gameplay, and on the other, simple, casual microgames that even the least dedicated gamer has a chance at succeeding in.
While I can't necessarily see Big Time Sports being something people return to again and again, for what it is, it seems like a neat little, visually pleasing take on a genre that remains still quite niche.
If you're a fan of sports and perhaps a dedicated follower of top anime on the subject, you'll be excited to learn that the iconic volleyball series Haikyu!! has a new volleyball sim coming to mobile worldwide very, very soon!
