Last night, I played Rocket League. My first match was a great 1v1 where I won 5-4. My second match was a 2v2 where I lost 4-2. However, during my play, I noticed a new game mode called Rocket Labs, where players can try experimental arenas. I gave it a go, played a few matches, and came to an early conclusion that these experimental arenas might pose a threat to Rocket League. Before I present my five reasons why, I’d like to emphasize that despite these concerns, I still love Rocket League. Here are the reasons why.
The arenas
The arenas in Rocket Labs are different. No longer is every arena a regular football pitch; instead, there are smaller arenas, larger arenas, more curvy arenas, and arenas with more goals to aim for. As the saying goes, ‘Stick to Your Roots.’ In most sports, the arenas remain the same. We will never see a change in the size of a football pitch because it’s already great. The original arenas are what made Rocket League a success to begin with, and it’s what Rocket League needs to stick with.
You are no longer even
No longer do you know each map like the back of your hand. You dive into unfamiliar surroundings, where a learning curve is required—one that can cost you the match. Due to the different variations and sizes of the maps, the more consistent and experienced players have learned the new layouts and can beat casual gamers with ease. The scores are much more one-sided; I lost one game 7-1, which is my biggest loss to date. This sparks another major issue…
The community
Last night, a member of my team called me and other teammates ‘noobs’ (a person who is inexperienced in a particular sphere or activity). It was the first time I had ever been insulted on Rocket League and the first time I saw someone not just using the speech options on the D-pad. This incident occurred during the 7-1 loss I mentioned earlier. What made things worse was that this player soon left the game, leaving us a man down. This made the game much harder, more one-sided, and caused frustration and disappointment for me and my team. The new maps are damaging Rocket League’s great community, which is one of the major reasons Rocket League is so enjoyable to play.
Trying to be something it’s not
Less than two months ago, I wrote a blog on why Rocket League is great. One of the reasons for its greatness was that the maps are not over the top, like those seen in games such as Mario Kart. I mentioned that the developers ‘could also have included objects on the field such as walls, exploding barrels, and weapons,’ but thankfully decided against it. However, it’s only been six months, and already Rocket League has taken the first step in the wrong direction. How long until we see more unnecessary add-ons such as weapons and objects?
Game modes
December 2015 introduced a new game mode to Rocket League – the Hockey Mode. In this mode, players used an ice hockey puck instead of a football, providing a fresh and festive addition to the game. The altered dynamics between the puck and a football brought a unique twist to the gameplay without requiring changes to the map. Although the Hockey Mode is no longer available, its absence is already felt. The primary reason I initially embraced Rocket League was my passion for football. Instead of introducing unnecessary new arenas, the developers should consider bringing back the Hockey Mode and exploring variations with other sports. Incorporating a golf ball or an American football/rugby ball could introduce subtle yet impactful changes, potentially appealing to a broader audience of golf and rugby fans.
Overall
I appreciate how these new maps are called experimental arenas. The developers aren’t forcing these new maps down our throats. Instead, they are giving us the option to play or not. They are also asking us to help improve their game, which I am happy to assist with, but these new arenas won’t improve Rocket League; they will hurt it. Stick to the classic maps, similar to football fields. One of my suggestions is for the developers to use real-life stadiums such as Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Barcelona’s Nou Camp. But most importantly, focus on a community where anyone can play, where everyone is on an even playing field, and where everyone can get along.
5 reasons why Rocket League is in danger of harming itself. Thanks for reading. Please like, share, and comment with your opinions on the new Rocket League Experimental Arenas. Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter X @rhysbritton.
