Morphies Law’s premise is a satisfyingly simple one, but much like Splatoon 2 - a game Swiss developer Cosmoscope has clearly taken a great deal of inspiration from - those arcade wares hide plenty of depth should you care to delve deeper. Here’s how it works: shoot another player and the body part you hit will shrink, while the corresponding limb on your own robotic Morphie inflates. It’s a bizarre concept, and it makes for some of the strangest firefights ever, with giant heads on tiny bodies battling oversized torsos running around with inflated thighs.
There’s a subtle balance at play here, too. The more mass you carry, the slower you become. Inversely, if you’ve had a run of bad luck and your character has been reduced to ‘Tiny’ status, you can move a lot faster, thus making you far harder to target. Your weapons also retain their standard damage regardless of size, so being small makes you no less deadly. Outside of the map, you’ll also notice two giant Avatars staring down at the map like eerie sentinels. The more mass your team has by the end of the match, the bigger your Avatar becomes. When the timer runs out, biggest one wins.
The more you play, the more you realise there’s far more to gathering mass than simple speed loss/gains. Increasing the size of your legs greatly affects how high you can jump, while making your arms bigger will increase the speed and reach of your grappling hook. You’ll also need to be careful where you go in each map as certain doorways will be too small to navigate if you swell too large. It’s the kind of arrangement that caters to less experienced players as the Morphies who are doing better are far easier to hit (and thanks to the fact the game measures success by overall mass stolen rather than kills).
At launch, Morphies Law comes with three standard match types. Morph Match is the game’s answer to Turf War, and uses the basic rules above for a deathmatch-style formula. Then there’s Head Hunt, which uses that age-old CTF setup and sees you fighting to control - you guessed it - an actual head in the middle of the map. Get said cranium back to your side of the arena and your team wins, but pick up the noggin when you’re too small and it’ll gradually drain your health until it crushes you flat.
The third and final mode is Mass Heist, and it’s here that the game’s size-stealing concept really comes together. Each of its four launch maps (the spinning discs of Maztec Temple, the shifting sands of Morphie Salon, the trap/launch pads of Fan Antonio and the tilting madness of Tanker Town) are dotted with shield switches. You need to stand on one coloured to match the opposing team, turn your weapon on their giant Avatar, and shoot a certain body part to fill up on mass. If you make it to a randomly placed altar that keeps changing location, you’ll add that mass to your own Avatar. It’s a mode that caters to both teamwork and lone wolves and, like most modes in the game, it would have really benefitted from some form of voice chat support.
It’s just a shame that Morphies Law only has four maps to its name, especially for a game that’s a) been delayed so much and b) asking for £20/$20 upfront. However, while the game does lack the polish of Splatoon 2, the dynamic DNA of these maps shows some real creativity with plenty of tactical application. Tanker Town especially - which tilts from one side to the other side depending on how heavy one Avatar is over the other - is a hoot to explore, offering much more than simple corridors for ambushes and the like.
That asking price is quite high, though, and it’s sometimes at odds with the rate of progression. There are no microtransactions and all cosmetic items can be bought from the game’s internal shop via a currency of metal washers you earn from wins and losses. The problem is these matches offer such a meagre reward in both XP and currency you’d be fooled into thinking you're playing a free-to-play title specifically designed to facilitate grinding. It also doesn’t help that some of best cosmetic items in the shop are locked behind unnecessarily steep prices. Levelling up does gift you with a loot crate-esque piñata, but it's a balance that needs some adjustment.
Most of the 'items' you'll be buying and randomly unlocking all go towards customising your Morphie. Your arms, legs, chest, and butt all have unlockable static designs that can be mixed and matched at will, but the real flexibility, of course, is your face. You can customise your eyes, forehead, chin, mouth, and moustache with a level of freedom that would make a Mii blush. Every object can be individually moved, rotated, appropriately changed in size, and even be omitted entirely, allowing for an unprecedented number of possible combinations that range towards the infinite. Just don't go making anything rude, or we'll know.
Thankfully, all game-affecting unlocks are all based on progression, so don’t worry about Star Wars: Battlefront II-style advantage abuse. As you progress through levels and upgrade your robotic Morphie, you’ll gain access to different Specs and Plugins. Each Spec relates to a certain body part and provides a tangible buff (such as increased health for your Chest when that body part is grown in size, or a reduction in kickback if you select one based on your Right Arm). Plugins are special abilities you unleash in battle via ‘ZL’. These vary in application - from the Discomfort Zone shield to the Sticky Hand grappling hook - and each one is affected by the current mass of the relevant body part. It’s a great system in practice and one that’s got a great deal of potential for both inexperienced and more devious players.
There’s also an Ultimorph meter - which, when filled, enables you to briefly control that giant Avatar and either group heal your team or attack the opposing side with a deadly beam of energy. In reality, though, it's Morphies Law’s version of an air strike/care package and rarely has much of an impact on a match as it’s so unwieldy to use. The Loadout option has plenty of potential, too - with two wheels that enable you to select a base weapon (ranging from assault rifles to simple shotguns) and a secondary fire option (such as bullets that leave paint splashes that slow enemies and partially heal teammates). It’s not quite as revolutionary as it first appears, but its simplicity will appeal to users that just want to make a quick combo and jump straight back into the action.
Any online game worth its salt needs a solid net code - especially one launching a month before Nintendo Switch Online’s proper infrastructure implementation - and Morphies Law is, well, erratic at best. Said code has been a little wobbly since its launch on 20th August. Sometimes you’ll be stuck for ten minutes at a time waiting for a match, while other times you’ll be kicked from a match for seemingly no reason. The promised ‘60-ish fps’ is extremely accurate, but there are occasional instances of jitteriness (especially when boost jumping across the map) that aren't present when playing offline against bots. There's a fair amount of lag as well, but the developer has promised it's working on a workaround - and a day on from release we've already noticed a slight reduction in lag and matchmaking issues.
Conclusion
While Morphies Law lacks the grandeur of Splatoon 2 and the F2P gratification of Fortnite, there’s no denying that its mass-shifting gimmick has legs - giant ones, at that. It just needs the right kind of post-launch TLC from its developer and some smart adjustments to both net code and player progression. With added gyro controls making the most of those Joy-Cons (should you want to gather mass via motion controls) and support for local play with up to eight players (as opposed to online's four), this indie shooter has the potential to grow into a genuine sleeper hit.
Comments 63
This is such a trippy 3v3!
I don't have much interest in multiplayer games anymore since I have way too many to juggle at once. Hopefully this game gets good post-launch support though.
I've been pretty interested in this one but all the reports about the only being a bit dodgy has thrown me off for now. I'll happily grab it at some point if they can fix its issues.
I don't think its a really good game. It looks really cool but everything goes to fast to think about tactics and stuff. I just played it one time and i immediately regret my purchase
So this isn't better than Robbotto?
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/robbotto
@BigKing The score is a recommendation not some quantitative ranking regime
Offline bots and interesting mechanics win a buy from me. I just hate the dang art style. Hope I like the feel.
$20 is a high price? What?
Buying this as soon as my brother gets home with my switch, been wanting it since last year, I can deal with the bugs for now until a patch comes. I'm just really happy it's only 20 bucks and not 60 like splatoon, even 30 probably would put me off until a little later
@GrailUK they call the score a guideline for comparison and quality of the game
I'm not sure when 20$ became a huge asking for a game. Especially as this seems like it could last a while if the netcode issues are fixed.
7/10 seems like a perfect score for this one... if they continue to support this I will keep an eye out down the road
I have no interest in this game, but this review’s subtitle is very very good. Haha.
@BigKing I really don't think the scoring (or game scoring in general) is as deep as your making it out to be. First off, it's highly subjective. What a 7 is to you might be a 5 or 9 to me, depending on yours or my taste and tolerance. But if you are going to live and die by them or NL's guidelines, then a 7/10 is simply recommending the game, but keeping in mind its flaws. I don't see what the issue is here
Local multiplayer, interesting gameplay mechanic and colourful calaca style aesthetic make this a hit for me. £20 does seem a lot for the base game as is though, $20 seems closer to the mark. I may wait to see if there is a discount or if they add a few more maps.
Should have been a f2p model with a fortnite style hook. Think ill pass
@GrailUK @UmbreonsPapa @BigKingYep, I'm on the same level as ya'll. The score for a game is independent of another game's score. BigKing just likes to be contrary, it seems.
This looks wacky enough for me to pick up. and it has bots so works for me. (I don't play shooters online)
Still not too sure on this. The artstyle doesn't appeal to me at all honestly. The characters, even when properly proportioned, just look weird to me. Might pick it up sometime but for the moment I'll pass.
Got it last night pretty much soon as it launched and regret(ted) it. Seen a few reviews of it today and everyone seems to at least not hate it like I do, so maybe there is something in there somewhere.
I may give it another chance - but theres kind of a rule I adhere to now with Switch and thats "a 7/10 is not good enough for the Switch". Theres so many good games, its hard to justify buying a 7/10 game.
@Yosher The art and animation is so janky. Its like the demo code you might build in a "LEARN UNITY IN 20 MINUTES!" ebook...
Eh... pass.
How does having a 4v4 online match work if it’s only 4 players?
i don't have a switch so i can't play it, but that new Mario Odyssey dlc for Tostarena looks amazing.
I hate how Dom didn't even detail the offline options at all. The game has bots?! Seriously? It supports 8 players offline? Do you mean over wireless? Is there any split screen? Be more detailed, man. I say this as a former YouTube reviewer.
Sounds like they are planning on sneaking in loot boxes or micro transactions based off of what the reviewer said about loot progression.
Waiting on this. Was interested but...between Fortnite and Splatoon and Paladins (not the best game but I uh...was dumb enough to buy early access), and the new COD on Ps4, not really down for anything else unless it's GREAT.
Might check it out someday once it goes on sale.
I just bought it and I'm downloading it right now. Can't wait to play this.
This is definitely looking like a very interesting title. Rough around the edges, but from seeing some gameplay, I can tell there's fun and silliness to be had. Looks like it's at least worth a shot, and if the Devs stay the course and keep working on it, avoiding something like microtransactions, I can see this becoming really great, but for now, it looks like a fun time on its own.
@EVIL-C You can basically play normal online matches, or online with bots in addition to singleplayer with bots and up to 8 players wirelessly. No splitscreen.
For us it has been a lot of fun to team up against the bots for some quick matches to prove our superiority to AI. We've yet to go online, but the bots are actually pretty good so far, definitely worthy of a lunchbreak beatdown.
Hoping the developers support the game in the long run, but the core is fairly strong. Good controls and movement, fast pace, decent gunplay and variety, and opportunities for neat tactics.
EDIT: Should say the game is quite smooth in local and bot matches.
@Painkiller_Mike They already have loot pinatas, but there are no signs they are going the microtransaction route or plan to ask people to pay to open them. Not sure where you got that or if it's just a cynical take.
It's merely a progression system catering to modern sensibilities.
I really wish one of these shooter games (Splatoon, Fortnite, Paladins, Morphies) would support at least 2 player split screen........I don't mind waiting turns but I'd like some games that I can play together with people. If this had 2 or 4 player split screen I'd buy it now......as it sits I will wait and consider it sometime in the future.
This game looks silly fun and the creativity in design makes me want to play it. Maybe a patch or some added content will twist my arm into a purchase. 2 player split screen would have gotten $30 out of me easily.
$20 is NOT a high price. Those people that made the game have to pay for their electricity, water etc.
@GrailUK the question was quite easy: is Robbotto just as good and just as much as an recommendation?
@UmbreonsPapa deep? I just ask if it's better than Robbotto. I have $20 and can buy one game: which one should I buy.
I have a hard time deciding. Robbotto
@ACK Thank you. That's all the key info. NL should've given you the task of reviewing the game. Cheers, sir.
Kinda lost interest in this now. Shoulda given it some more dev time. Might pick it up if it has a price drop/updates.
Love the fresh concept .
I've just played it again. To be honest: this is the worst game I have ever played in my life. I really regret the purchase of this game
Multiplayer game? No thanks!
@ACK The reviewer mentioned that the games grind was akin to playing a free to play game so...........why not sneak in microtransactions later down the road.
@Dr_Corndog That's was my thinking too. 20 dollars was so worth it for this game
Just saying, bought it and love it, 20 dollars is the perfect price for the game and its lots of fun to play online with friends, really enjoying the game so far
This seems like one of those games I'd rather sit out until the developers iron out the wrinkles. I'm interested and it looks fun, but the many niggling issues here and there add up to a big turn off.
It's actually a shame this isn't fleshed out as a campaign as is a mere "pvp arena" shooter....the concept can go so far. The worn out arena shooter seems like a waste of a really cool idea.
4 maps, no voice chat, seems like a 6 out of 10 to me.
Looks cool and I’m still interested despite some feedback but I’ll be waiting because I have a lot of other games waiting for my attention.
@Aaron1207 Oof! Really that bad? I’m not interested in getting this, but I’m curious to read your thoughts.
I really think this is a unique concept and glad it's on the Switch. A few patches and it may have the potential to be 8/9 out of 10.
Not for me. While I have been craving a more traditional shooter recently, I'd rather have some like Halo 3/COD 4 good old team deathmatch traditional. If not that, I will stick to Splatoon 2.
Conceptually this sounds very cool. I've not played the game, but visually it looks really weird (and I can't quite put my finger on why).
I never game online (like many people), so would appreciate it if NL reviews delved into the offline game in more detail. And please developers - give us split-screen options - I love gaming with people I'm sitting next to on a couch
I wanna try it. Wished it had a demo, but $20 sometime down the road won’t be bad. I’ll keep my eye on it.
Definitely enjoying this, however I could really appreciate more than 3 maps and 3 modes. Some type of more "competitive" ranked mode would be cool
Also lots of little funky bugs, like the sound being all messed up at times.
More weapons I could appreciate as well
Hahaha I sound hypercritical but really I do love it, that's why I have all these suggestions:)
Mexican Power Rangers... the body part that people wanted to shoot and grow is not available, what are the devs thinking? If you want wacky, then go all the way and make it a MA18+ game.
This game is actually a lot of fun. Glad I got it.
This game has potential. Love the mexican style graphics. Bought it to support further development.
So far only tried it against bots local but will play online tonight, I have heard there is less lag now.
Its not perfect but it is fun...and hilarious. Ive laughed out loud quite a few times at the various grotesque body shapes running around.
Its definitely different to any other shooter ive played.
Really like it, have that special feeling and depth to the gameplay and progression is rewarding. Gyro aiming is spot on and so far my MP online games was smooth. Also bot support both locally and on internet with progression is nice.
It is kind of sad how people complain on the price, you get much fun out of it and servers are not free to maintain.
Patch is submitted to Nintendo, that will fix most problems.
I don't get the criticism regarding the price.
20€ is the absolute minimum what an indie 3D game with decent quality - a criterion which is met with the 7/10 score - should cost.
I'd even say it's a cheap price, 30€ would've made more sense for such an innovative game.
@MagicEmperor yes. You know i'm just being honest. The whole idea is super fun. Thats why I bought it in the first place. I was super hyped about the game. The price was good as well.
The idea of the game is dat je shoot your opponent on specific body parts. That should help you to make a strategy. But the game is so fast that you don't have the time to think about that.second of all: If you play with cpu's your gun is so weak if you compare it with them. Also the damage that you take is so weird. Idk how to explain it. I don't understand how some thing could kill you in one hit and other things don't.
But that's just my opinion
@Gerbwmu Disco Dodge ball is a first person game that has online and split screen for 2 players. It's a fun game.
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