Boomerang Fu is a fighting game developed and published by Cranky Watermelon. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One on August 13, 2020. The game released for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on January 13, 2022. In the game, players control anthropomorphic food-based characters armed with boomerangs and various superpowers. Boomerang Fu received generally favorable reviews.

Boomerang Fu
Developer(s)Cranky Watermelon
Publisher(s)Cranky Watermelon
Designer(s)Paul Kopetko
Artist(s)Julian Wilton
Composer(s)Paul Kopetko
Engine
Platform(s)Windows
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch
Release
  • Windows, Switch, Xbox One
  • August 13, 2020
  • PS4, PS5
  • January 13, 2022
Genre(s)Fighting, party
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay edit

 
Avocado uses the Disguise power-up to disguise itself as a pot. When Watermelon walks near the pot, Avocado kills them with a boomerang.

In Boomerang Fu, players control food-themed characters armed with boomerangs. Players can either throw the boomerangs or use them as melee weapons.[1] Thrown boomerangs will fall to the floor if it hits an object. Dropped boomerangs can be recalled by the player.[2] Each character can only be hit once.[1] The game has over 30 different arenas.[3] To earn a point, the player or players have to be the last one standing.[4] It can be played in single-player against AI-controlled opponents.[2] The game also supports local multiplayer, allowing up to six players per match.[5][2] Power-ups can be picked up during matches, and provide permanent upgrades for as long as the match lasts.[2]

Development and release edit

Boomerang Fu was one of 13 ID@Xbox games announced for the Xbox One.[6][7] It was also one of the 30 games featured at Microsoft's booth at the 2019 Game Developers Conference.[8][9] The game's release date was announced on July 9, 2020.[10][3] On August 13, the game was released on Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.[3][11] The game later released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on January 13, 2022.[12]

Reception edit

Boomerang Fu received "generally favorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.[13]

Ollie Reynolds from Nintendo Life rated the game 7/10 stars, praising the premise, gameplay, and power-ups. However, Reynolds criticized the lack of online multiplayer and the few game modes.[2]

Maria Alexander from Gamezebo rated the game 4/5 stars, calling the game's presentation "adorable". However, Alexander was disappointed by the lack of online multiplayer.[1]

Awards and nominations edit

Boomerang Fu received the award for Best Gameplay at the 2020 Australian Game Developer Awards.[14][15] The game was also nominated for Best Sound and Game of the Year, but lost to Audioplay: Alien Strike and Moving Out, respectively.[16] It also received a nomination for Best Sound for Interactive Media at the 2020 Australian Screen Sound Guild Awards.[17]

Year Award Category Result Ref
2020 Australian Game Developer Awards Best Gameplay Won [18]
Best Sound Nominated [19]
Game of the Year Nominated
Australian Screen Sound Guild Awards Best Sound for Interactive Media Nominated [17]

References edit

Notes
  1. ^ Score based on 5 reviews.
References
  1. ^ a b c d Alexander, Maria (10 October 2021). "Switch Review Round-Up - Boomerang-Fu, Exodemon, Nongünz, and more". Gamezebo. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Reynolds, Ollie (31 August 2020). "Mini Review: Boomerang Fu - Light-Hearted Chaos That's Great With Friends". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Romano, Sal (9 July 2020). "'Frantic boomerang brawler' Boomerang Fu for Xbox One, Switch, and PC launches August 13". Gematsu. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  4. ^ Pocket Gamer staff (22 February 2022). "Top 25 best Switch multiplayer games". Pocket Gamer. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  5. ^ Musgrave, Shaun (13 August 2020). "SwitchArcade Round-Up: 'Collar X Malice -Unlimited-' Review, 'Faeria' and Today's Other New Releases, Plus the Latest Sales – TouchArcade". TouchArcade. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
  6. ^ Sheehan, Gavin (11 March 2019). "Xbox Announces 13 New Games Ahead of GDC 2019". Bleeding Cool. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  7. ^ Leonard, Matt (11 March 2019). "13 new ID@Xbox games announced, along with some ports". GameRevolution. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  8. ^ Fogel, Stefanie (11 March 2019). "Microsoft to Showcase 30 Games at GDC 2019". Variety. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  9. ^ Sinha, Ravi (12 March 2019). "CrossCode, Afterparty, and More Confirmed for Xbox One at GDC 2019". GamingBolt. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  10. ^ "Boomerang Fu - Release Date Trailer - IGN". IGN. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  11. ^ Craddock, Ryan (13 August 2020). "Cute Multiplayer Madness Awaits In Boomerang Fu, Out On Switch Today". Nintendo Life. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  12. ^ Whritenour, Jacob (13 January 2022). "Boomerang Fu Available Now for PS4, PS5 - Hardcore Gamer". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  13. ^ a b "Boomerang Fu for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  14. ^ Handrahan, Matthew (8 October 2020). "League of Geeks named Studio of the Year at Australian Game Developer Awards". GamesIndustry.biz. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  15. ^ O'Connor, James (7 October 2020). "Australian Game Developer Awards 2020 Winners Announced--Moving Out Takes Top Prize". GameSpot. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  16. ^ Walker, Alex (7 October 2020). "Here Are The Winners Of The 2020 Australian Game Developer Awards". Kotaku Australia. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  17. ^ a b "ASSG AWARDS 2020 – Non-Feature Nominations". ASSG. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  18. ^ "WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2020 AUSTRALIAN GAME DEVELOPER AWARDS". GCAP22: Ambition. 7 October 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  19. ^ "IGEA ANNOUNCES FINALISTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN GAME DEVELOPER AWARDS". GCAP22: Ambition. 20 September 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2022.

External links edit