Square Enix just announced their new game, Foamstars, at the recent PlayStation Showcase event, and gamers are wondering if it can compete with Nintendo’s beloved game, Splatoon. We went hands-on with Foamstars at Summer Game Fest and can confirm that, while it certainly has a similar look and feel to Splatoon, it has its own unique features as well.

One thing that stands out about Foamstars is that it uses foam instead of ink for its gameplay mechanics, which adds a fresh angle to the online team shooter genre. By spraying foam in every direction, you can mold your own terrain on the fly, creating makeshift blockades to protect yourself from enemies or ambush opponents from above. It’s a cool addition that sets Foamstars apart from Splatoon.

The game mode we tested out was a deathmatch format, with each team having seven lives. When one team eliminates the other’s players, the player from the losing team with the best performance will become the “Star Player.” The Star Player gets a health boost and is marked on the map for all players to see, making them a key target for the opposing team. It’s a neat concept that offers a fresh take on classic online shooter modes.

Despite being a fun experience, Foamstars is also incredibly messy. The visuals look muddy, the performance can be shaky at times, and it can be hard to see what’s going on because of all the foam in the air. When a player is downed, they become a “foamball” and can be revived or killed by opponents. While markers indicate the location of downed teammates, it can still be challenging to find them amidst all the chaos. These issues could be smoothed out in time for launch, but for now, they detract from the gameplay experience.

One question we have about Foamstars is how much content will be in the full game. The deathmatch mode we played was enjoyable, but we’re unsure if it will have enough depth to keep players engaged for long. While Square Enix hasn’t revealed specifics, we anticipate more modes will be introduced post-launch. Additionally, it’s unclear whether microtransactions will play a role in the game or not. Given Square Enix’s ongoing exploration of NFTs, there is a possibility that Foamstars will be packed with microtransactions.

Foamstars has the potential to become a contender in the online shooter genre, but it has a ways to go before it can beat Splatoon’s slick, impeccably polished presentation. That being said, Foamstars’ unique features and deathmatch mode could be enough to set it apart from its formidable competition. While we remain hopeful for its future, it remains to be seen whether Foamstars can match Splatoon’s monumental success.

What are your thoughts on Foamstars? Do you think it can wow audiences like Splatoon did? Share your opinions with us in the comments!