Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Blast Lacrosse delivers a fast-paced, high-energy arcade-style experience that immediately draws comparisons to classics like NBA JAM and NFL Blitz. From the opening faceoff, matches move at breakneck speed, with acrobatic saves, thunderous checks, and full-court sprints becoming the norm rather than the exception. The “hat trick = on fire” mechanic is here in full force: score three times in a single game, and your player ignites with boosted speed, accuracy, and unstoppable lacrosse stick skills until an opponent finally brings them down.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game’s official National Lacrosse League license means you can pick from all nine teams of the 14th NLL season, complete with authentic rosters through the Professional Lacrosse Players’ Association license. Whether you’re suiting up as the Ottawa Rebel (cover athlete #88) or taking charge of the defending champions, every squad feels distinct, thanks to accurate player stats and team playstyles. Beyond standard exhibition matches, Blast Lacrosse offers several inventive modes—including Last Man Standing, Sudden Death, and Survivor—each adding unique strategic layers and replay value.

Controls are intuitive yet deep, striking a fine balance between pick-up-and-play accessibility and advanced maneuvers for die-hard fans. Passing, shooting, and checks all map to simple button presses, with context-sensitive inputs opening up spin moves, bounce shots, and stick tackles. Play-by-play commentary by Scott Ferrall heightens the intensity, punctuating every big save, fast break, and milestone goal with bombastic enthusiasm. Together, these elements make each match feel like a highlight reel waiting to happen.

Graphics

Visually, Blast Lacrosse opts for a bright, stylized look that complements its arcade roots. Arenas are richly detailed, featuring polished floors, dynamic lighting, and animated crowds that react in real time to big plays. Team uniforms, logos, and mascots appear in sharply rendered detail, giving each franchise its own personality. Whether you’re playing under the harsh glare of indoor lights or basking in the glow of an “on fire” player icon, the game maintains a crisp, colorful palette throughout.

Animations are fluid and impactful, from the windup of a power shot to the slow-motion highlight replays triggered by spectacular goals. When a player enters “on fire” mode, expect vibrant particle effects, trailing streaks of flame, and semi-transparent overlays that evoke the same adrenaline rush as NBA JAM’s legendary fireball. Crowd cameras swing around the arena, occasionally catching glimpses of branded in-game advertisements—most notably Shamrock Lacrosse—integrated into the dasher boards without feeling too intrusive.

That said, you may notice the occasional animation loop during extended play sessions, and some character models can appear slightly stiff during transitions between defensive and offensive animations. However, these minor hiccups rarely detract from the overall spectacle. The user interface remains clean and informative, with scoreboards, shot clocks, and power meters all clearly displayed without cluttering the screen.

Story

As with most arcade-oriented sports titles, Blast Lacrosse doesn’t offer a traditional narrative campaign. Instead, the story emerges organically through your journey in the Season mode, where you guide your chosen NLL team through a full slate of matches, chasing playoff positioning and ultimately the championship trophy. Each win builds momentum, and the ebb and flow of an intense season provides its own form of drama.

Rivalries and team personalities inject further narrative flavor. The mascots—ranging from a fiery rebel to a snarling predator—bring lighthearted banter to pregame intros, and Scott Ferrall’s commentary often references past encounters or key matchups, creating a sense of continuity match after match. Though there’s no cinematic cutscene tying everything together, the combination of authentic team identities and recurring storylines between franchises gives you reasons to care about every game.

Side modes like Last Man Standing, Sudden Death, and Survivor present mini-narratives of their own, raising the stakes with each knockout or sudden death faceoff. These concentrated bursts of high-pressure competition can feel like rival teams clashing in do-or-die scenarios, offering bite-sized adrenaline rushes distinct from the steady grind of a full season.

Overall Experience

Blast Lacrosse stands out as one of the few lacrosse games to capture both the spirit of the sport and the excitement of arcade-style gameplay. Its blend of licensed teams, over-the-top mechanics, and lively commentary creates an experience that appeals to casual fans and lacrosse purists alike. Multiplayer sessions—local or online—feel electric, with each player scrambling for loose balls, hunting hat tricks, and celebrating “on fire” streaks together.

The game’s strengths lie in its combination of authenticity and accessibility. Real-world teams and players lend credibility, while simple controls and explosive visuals ensure matches stay thrilling even for newcomers. Though the lack of a cinematic story mode and occasional animation loops are minor drawbacks, they hardly dampen the core fun. In-game ads for Shamrock Lacrosse are noticeable but never so distracting that they break immersion.

Whether you’re a die-hard NLL follower or simply seeking a fresh arcade sports fix, Blast Lacrosse delivers a uniquely entertaining package. Its varied modes, vibrant presentation, and breakneck pace make it a welcome addition to any sports game collection—and a must-play for anyone craving a fast, fiery lacrosse showdown.

Retro Replay Score

null/10