Set. Spike. Win!

Introduction
Oh no. Can you feel it? The tingling for a new adventure, or perhaps the urge to collect all that you see—because that is the way.
This is a refreshing and artful take on an iconic genre of games, those known to inspire an obsession with cute little creatures.
And yet, while the monster-collecting RPG are the game's core, I think the application and design of actual combat breaks through and beyond that template.
Did I forget to mention? This game is all about Volleyball Beastieball. You build your team and you compete for points against others.
I didn't think it  would happen this fast. The game captures you in seconds, and that is something that occurs even before the gameplay itself has had a chance to shine.
The wrapping of a package does not determine the quality of the package. That is true.
And yet, when you first open the game, you are instantly hit with a stunning crafted interface, one that to me, gave me confidence in the direction and quality of the rest of the game.
Not to mention, that it goes beyond the aesthetic detailing, and extends to the options, customisations, and other features themselves.
This demonstrates such a care for the player experience and integration between all parts of the game, that I can wholeheartedly state is maintained and is represented in every facet of the game.

Story
Cute little beasties surround you, the world would be quiet if it weren't for the fact there were balls everywhere!
They're in the trees, in the bushes, in your room— they're all over the place.
You are more likely to find the elusive 4 leaf clover than find an inch of land without the familiar thumping of a ball in the distance.
The world is one giant volleyball court, and it's waiting for you to make your mark!
Beasties were born for this, and as the trainer it is your duty to help them grow and experience Beastieball to the maximum, they couldn't be happier!
Beastieball is a way of life, but it is also a responsibility, one that you must bear to save your little friends from the greedy hands of the powers that be.
They want to build over the habitat sanctuary that you call home, endangering your beasties and those that seek refuge there, and they won't listen to the town's pleas.
But perhaps, if you can make a name for yourself in the Beastie league, maybe then you can have the power and influence to protect your town.
It's time to tie the bootstraps, and set out to challenge other teams across the lands, it's time for adventure!

Gameplay & Performance
Beasts + Volleyball + Epic combos. I assure you the game is turn-based, no matter how intense the spike thrown at you looks, you aren't on the clock.
The core mechanics are based around a set of traits, abilities and 2 win conditions.
The combat or match is won by either knocking out 2 Beasties, or scoring 2 points with the ball.
Each beastie has their traits and special attacks, some that benefit from combos by passing to their fellow beastie, and some they can even learn through friendship!
The game puts value and autonomy on each beastie, making them more than a unit, and closer to a true companion, each developing their unique skill sets depending on their training, friendships and experience.
The Beasties will develop these based on their battles, and who they spend and or interact the most with, which can unlock powerful unexpected synergies.

Performance wise, I have zero complaints, this game runs beautifully. It has very little impact nor resource consumption and looks amazing at all times.
You can play it with controller, you can play it with keyboard, either way the controls are pretty intuitive and comfortable, however I would recommend controller for a more comfy and laid back experience.

Graphics & Sound Design

Look at it. Seriously. It's hand drawn! The vibes are immaculate.
The graphics are 2D sprites set within a 3D environment, which allows for a much more complex and immersive scene.
Here is where we find one of the unique and characteristic differences that this game has over more traditional pixelart top-down takes on the genre.
The lighting and shading is very nicely made, and there are many other quality of life aspects that make the game feel so cozy and loving.
There is a beautiful mix of innovation and familiarity to childhood titles that might make you feel like you are playing a handheld game.
In general, the integration of the 2D into the 3D environment is expertly made, and the interactions of the characters with the elements around them are the cherry on top.
You will find that the world feels incredibly alive, as your beasties are affected by the world's condition, and they actively seek to interact with props and circumstance on their own.

The music is nice, they are nice subtle bops that play in harmony with the game, and  shift to a more intense competitive melody when in Beastieball matches. I will always advocate for more music, but the current album is more than sufficient and does in fact change and become unique depending on where and who you are fighting. Oh and, the music is the work of a well known and loved artist, Lena Raine, so if you're wondering why you are bopping your head, that's why.

Experience & Replay-ability
I had a lot of fun playing this game, and have massive appreciation for how much care has been put into all the peripheral areas of the game.
The menus are so nice to spend time in, and the features within make the game's potential unknown.
This is because, there is a whole buff system gained through friendships based on your encounters, and what I am hoping will eventually extend into online multiplayer capabilities.
Currently you can play private matches, and there is some framework in place for a possible trading system in the future.
Did I forget to mention? This game is only in EARLY ACCESS! And it's this good already? Yep.
I am very excited to see how this game continues to develop itself, it is already fully playable as it is and the devs don't seem to be slowing down at all.
Every playthrough is a unique experience, as you can expect from an RPG. The main story is a constant, however how you choose to interact with the different towns is up to you.
There are quests and side-quests, hidden loot and unique randomised encounters with Beasties.
And of course, there are harder difficulties available and integrated restrictive options you can activate if you are seeking a real challenge.

Final Thoughts
This is a very wholesome game, and also a really fun variation of familiar concepts with it's own unique flavour.
It doesn't take a lot of searching to find that the devs and others responsible for the production of this game have a personal stake in it.
They have poured their love for games, creatures, and cuteness into this work, and it's infectious.
You will feel the love when you play this game, and perhaps that's why it felt so complete to me despite being in Early Access.
There is a clear direction both artistically and game design wise that is being nurtured in every aspect of the game.
What is most pleasing and evident is their interest and focus on the consumer/player side of the game, their incredibly accessible settings and customisable options that allow for easy and proprietary methods to change characteristics of the game to fit the player's needs, whether they want a more competitive edge, or a more laid back off hand experience is proof enough.
All in all, a great outlook and wish them the best in the continued development.
What are you waiting for?