Probably archery is an archery simulator. However what you may not have guessed is that the game uses an intentionally awkward control system. In which you control each arm in order to perform the physical motions of using a traditional bow and arrow. Consequently, this makes everything you do a significantly more complex task in game. That is before you add in the challenge of playing the game properly. Which biased on what game mode you pick can be a very frustrating experience.
With regards to the game, you only get a choice of 6 single player scenarios in which you do archery. While a few of the scenarios are somewhat playable. Many of the scenarios are particularly frustrating to play upon.
Firstly you have 2 different target shooting scenarios each with their own difficulty in the challenge provided. I think that the 2 different scenarios each having their own difficulty level is good. Primarily because the first target shooting scenario it is more of a tutorial. In this scenario you are provided with static targets in a field. This scenario provides a good basis for getting used to control system. Before practicing various game mechanics such as how you should aim your bow to get the best score.
Another thing is that when the arrow is placed on the bow. The arrow is often aligned to the far left/right of where you want to aim. Consequently this makes aiming where you want to aim fiddly and annoying. You also have to be aware of how the physics work in game. The main reason you should be aware of the in game physics is because in some scenarios you will be required to hit targets at a large distance. So it wise to learn how high to aim when aiming for targets at long range.
The second target shooting scenario is an advanced version of the previous scenario. Even though it operates in the same field as the previous scenario, and even has the same targets. It does also have 1 big difference that being all the targets in the field move in different directions. Although your targets will move in a repetitive left to right motion, this level is a more difficult experience.
There are also other scenarios available that offer a different experience biased on what is chosen. In particular, I like the zero gravity scenario as I like the environment as the background is pretty. I like the way that you can watch an arrow fly directly from your bow. You get to watch it fly in zero gravity directly in a straight line with an illuminated path. I think that scenario has a bizarre start. As at the start of the scenario there is a warrior that charges towards you in a straight path. I think that introduction to this level is out of place.
But if you think that the aforementioned scenarios are difficult. The aforementioned scenarios are a piece of cake, at least compared to the more complex scenarios that are on offer. Namely a scenario that challenges you to shoot 10 flying eggs which are in a china shop. This is the most difficult and fiddly scenario of the game. As not only do you have to avoid shooting the plates/tea pots in the background. However in this scenario you are against the clock.
But it isn’t just based around target shooting. Since there is a combat scenario in which you take on wave after wave of warriors charging directly at you. To back you up you have an army of archers shooting arrows alongside you. I feel that although it is a cool experience that is very medieval. Sadly it is ruined because instead of watching where I am shooting. I was more concentrated on where my arms where because of the control system in the game.
Lastly, you get Zoccer which is a game that has added onto the main game. Zoccer is a first person football game. Unlike football, zombies chase you across the field rather than the ball. The only item you have is a cricket bat that you can use to defend yourself. It is a bizarre experience because all the zombies are running after everyone. Also, every zombie has the same asset with no variations so you cannot tell the difference between them.
The best way to experience Zoccer is in multiplayer alongside others. However, the online modes for this mode and the multiplayer component of the main game have nobody available to play with. Consequently isn’t really worth looking at unless you have friends who own the game. I feel that it is unnecessary add on for the game. It would have been better if the developers instead put the time into other things. Namely adding more archery related content such as different scenarios or bows and arrow styles into the game. Frankly, Zoccer should have been its own game rather than a mode on this game.
Sadly I can’t recommend Probably Archery due to the limited amount of content on offer. This game feels like a tech demo or even an early access game rather than a finished game. Regardless as to how accessible the content is for players. This game could have been more than what is in its current form. Since currently what is on offer is a shallow and cumbersome experience that will frustrate many players.
