‘Tape to Tape’ is the sports video game of the year

The sports video game "Tape to Tape" has been captivating players since its release in early access in 2023. This run-based hockey roguelike has gained significant attention and become a viral sensation. The game's premise revolves around a world where hockey has been replaced by golf, and players embark on a quest to bring hockey back across three islands by playing games, meeting unique characters, and upgrading their team's stats.

One of the highlights of "Tape to Tape" is its execution that makes it utterly brilliant and addictive. Every run, lasting approximately an hour, offers immense variety, ensuring that no two attempts feel the same. Players can focus on building a team around critical chance, prioritize checking and injuring opponents, or even switch up the strategy entirely.

With 40 unique passive abilities, 20 active abilities, and a variety of team-changing relics, each player creates a distinct "build," leading to a truly unique experience when a run clicks.

However, the opponents in "Tape to Tape" are not to be underestimated. They cheat, employing various tactics to gain an advantage, such as referees assisting from the sidelines, prisoners restraining players with ball and chain, and even Team Canada seeking revenge. Despite these challenges, the game remains fun and engaging, occasionally becoming frustrating when players don't have the correct build but are quickly motivated to start another run.

"Tape to Tape" taps into the same addictive, unique, and team-building experience that modern sports video games often pursue, but without the need for additional microtransactions. Everything in the game is based on playing more, unlocking free agents, and building a team along the way. The gameplay is a throwback to early 90s arcade madness, featuring floaty controls and simple button presses, making it perfect for couch head-to-head matches where players can choose from 32 NHL teams represented in their unique way.

In contrast to the current trend of sports games focusing on realism and maximizing profits, "Tape to Tape" brings back pure fun and enjoyment in a sports game. Whether players want to play as their NHL team and satisfy their arcade hockey itch or delve into the roguelike aspects, "Tape to Tape" offers distilled fun that no other sports game can match this year. With a score of 10 out of 10, the game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Steam, priced at $19.99.