PGC NEWS

Independent game developers often explore unique concepts that larger studios might overlook, especially in the fighting game genre. Traditionally, fighting games involve complex combos and strategic play. But what if victory could be achieved with a single, decisive blow? That’s the premise behind Slice, Dice & Rice, a bold and unusual fighting game developed by Dojo Games and published by Playway S.A. This review explores the game’s unique mechanics, striking visuals, and potential shortcomings.

Slice, Dice & Rice – Gameplay Screenshot

One Strike, One Kill: The Core Gameplay

Slice, Dice & Rice is a 2D fighting game that embraces simplicity. Instead of memorizing complex button combinations, players focus on precise timing and strategic attacks. Victory can be achieved with a single well-placed blow, making every encounter a tense and exciting affair.

The control scheme is straightforward, featuring light and heavy attacks, a special move, and basic blocking. Understanding each character’s weapon range and attack speed is crucial for success. Matches are often quick and brutal, rarely lasting longer than a minute. One wrong move can lead to a swift defeat, encouraging a cautious yet aggressive playstyle.

Slice, Dice & Rice – Combat Screenshot

A Visually Striking World

Dojo Games complements the unique gameplay with a distinct art style. The game features a stark black and white aesthetic reminiscent of comic books, punctuated by vivid splashes of blood. The Japanese-inspired setting adds to the atmosphere, evoking a sense of dark folklore and ancient legends.

The game also includes a story mode where players face off against bosses who can withstand more than one hit. This mode offers a slightly different challenge compared to the standard versus mode and serves as a good training ground for honing one’s skills. The difficulty curve is well-balanced, allowing players to gradually improve their abilities.

Content Concerns: Repetition and Lack of Depth

Slice, Dice & Rice features eight playable characters, but they all share the same basic combat system. Besides their weapon of choice, there’s little to differentiate them, leading to a somewhat homogenous gameplay experience. Strategic options feel limited, and matches can become repetitive.

The one-hit kill mechanic also renders the three attack types (light, heavy, and special) somewhat redundant. While they initially offer some variety, the focus quickly shifts to landing quick attacks, as speed often trumps power. The lack of combo potential further contributes to this issue.

Slice, Dice & Rice – Environment Screenshot

While each character has a unique storyline, the repetitive nature of the story mode makes it difficult to stay engaged. The narrative lacks significant high points or memorable moments, and the constant recycling of environments further detracts from the experience.

The absence of online multiplayer is another notable drawback. Slice, Dice & Rice offers only local versus modes (player vs. player, player vs. AI, and AI vs. AI), which may limit its long-term appeal.

Conclusion: A Unique but Flawed Experience

Slice, Dice & Rice presents a refreshing take on the fighting game genre with its one-hit kill mechanic and striking visuals. However, the lack of character differentiation, repetitive gameplay, and limited content hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the initial thrill of landing a decisive blow is undeniable, the game struggles to maintain that excitement in the long run. If you’re looking for a quick and unconventional fighting game experience, Slice, Dice & Rice might be worth a try. However, those seeking deep gameplay and long-term replayability may find themselves wanting more.