Cel Damage
Game Type: Released
Max Players: 4
Genre: Racing
Developers: Pseudo Interactive
Publishers: EA Games
Cooperative: No
PEGI: 16
Game Overview
Cel Damage is a vehicle shooter in which players compete against one another using weapons to either gain smack points or stop other opponents from achieving their goal, depending on the game mode. Weapons include black holes, boxing gloves, grenades, chainsaws, baseball bats, chain guns, axes, and freeze rays. The three game modes are Smack Attack, in which players attack other players and/or computer players to gain a certain number of points first; Gate Relay, in which players race to checkpoints; and Flag Rally, in which players race to collect flags. Smack Attack is the only mode not initially locked. Additional characters and areas are also unlockable in the game. The HD re-release in 2014 contained small differences from the original such as including life-bars and altering the method to unlock certain items but otherwise contains the same content with a few new weapons and a new stage. The story focuses on six cartoon characters from a fictional cartoon show called "Cel Damage". The characters annihilate each other to the delight of TV audiences and, since they are cartoons, instantly regenerate. The player battles through thirteen different levels and three game modes. Weaponry for Cel Damage includes cartoon staples like vacuum nozzles and portable holes, mundane weaponry like chainsaws and baseball bats, and items like freeze rays, giant springs, and portable nuclear devices.
Introduction to the Chaos of Cel Damage
Cel Damage is a vehicular combat game set in a cartoonish, exaggerated world where players compete in a series of arenas. The game revolves around wacky characters, each with their own vehicle and weapon arsenal, battling for supremacy. The concept mirrors a cartoon show, with the combat taking place as if the players are part of an over-the-top televised event. The plot canters on the competition's host, a sadistic producer who thrives on the chaos and destruction caused by the participants. The players must navigate various environments while engaging in absurd and high-energy battles against AI-controlled opponents or friends in multiplayer mode.
The Backstory of the Characters
Each character in Cel Damage has a unique backstory that adds depth to their participation in the competition. Fowl Mouth, for instance, is a gangster-inspired duck with a tough attitude and a sharp tongue, while Violet, a punk-rock mechanic, is driven by her rebellious nature and quest for fame. There’s also Sinder, a hot-headed demon who thrives on destruction, and Dominique Trix, a confident dominatrix whose wit matches her combat skills. These diverse personalities contribute to the game’s vibrant and humorous tone, as the characters' quirks and motivations clash in the arena. The colourful cast ensures that no two battles feel the same.
The Mechanics of the Competition
The game’s competition is structured around a series of arenas, each designed with unique hazards and obstacles. Players must use their vehicles’ abilities and weapons to outmanoeuvre and outgun their rivals. The goal is to score points by causing damage, collecting items, or completing objectives depending on the chosen mode. The gameplay thrives on chaos, with weapons ranging from rocket launchers to giant axes, allowing for diverse strategies. The arenas themselves, set in themes like haunted forests, space stations, and desert canyons, add to the unpredictable nature of the battles. Each environment challenges players to adapt their strategies.
Chaos Unleashed in Deathmatch Mode
In Deathmatch mode, the objective is straightforward: destroy your opponents to rack up points. The characters’ rivalry escalates as players compete for dominance, making use of the wild weaponry scattered across the map. The battles are frantic, with players employing everything from boxing gloves on springs to massive chainsaws to annihilate the competition. Each hit adds to the player’s tally, bringing them closer to victory. The combination of fast-paced action and exaggerated destruction creates an exhilarating experience, emphasizing skill and quick thinking. This mode embodies the essence of Cel Damage, showcasing its unapologetically chaotic gameplay.
The Strategy of Flag Rally
Flag Rally introduces a tactical twist to the gameplay, tasking players with capturing flags and delivering them to specific zones. While the core mechanics remain centered on vehicular combat, this mode requires careful planning and coordination. Players must navigate through the chaotic arenas while avoiding enemy attacks and strategically using their weapons to intercept opponents carrying flags. The mode adds layers of complexity, as players balance offensive and defensive strategies to secure victory. The thrill of snatching a flag just before an opponent scores highlights the unpredictable and competitive nature of Cel Damage.
Survival in Gate Relay Mode
Gate Relay mode challenges players to race through checkpoints while fending off relentless attacks from rivals. This mode shifts the focus to speed and precision, as players manoeuvre through obstacle-filled tracks while dodging enemy fire. The arenas are filled with hazards like collapsing bridges and spinning blades, adding to the difficulty. Success in Gate Relay depends on mastering the vehicles’ handling and leveraging weapons to disrupt opponents. This mode introduces a dynamic blend of racing and combat, rewarding players who can adapt to the changing conditions of the race and maintain their composure under pressure.
The Role of the Host
The competition is overseen by the sadistic host, whose personality adds a darkly comedic edge to the game. This character thrives on the mayhem created by the battles, constantly egging on the participants and revelling in their destruction. Their presence serves as a reminder of the stakes, as the host’s commentary injects humour and tension into the gameplay. The host’s sarcastic remarks and exaggerated enthusiasm create an engaging backdrop to the action, enhancing the cartoonish atmosphere. This role ties together the game’s narrative, emphasizing the absurdity and spectacle of the competition.
The Evolution of the Arenas
As players progress, the arenas become increasingly complex, introducing new challenges that test their skills. Early levels feature simpler layouts, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the mechanics, while later stages incorporate more intricate designs and environmental hazards. From icy tundras with slippery surfaces to lava-filled caverns that punish reckless driving, each arena offers a distinct experience. This progression ensures that the gameplay remains engaging and varied, encouraging players to experiment with different characters and strategies. The evolving arenas contribute to the sense of accomplishment as players conquer increasingly difficult challenges.
The Climactic Showdown
The game culminates in a high-stakes final showdown where players face off against the toughest opponents in the most elaborate arena. This ultimate battle tests every skill learned throughout the game, demanding precise control, strategic use of weapons, and quick reflexes. The arena’s design amplifies the intensity, with a combination of hazards and tight spaces that force players to think on their feet. The climactic nature of this battle reinforces the competitive spirit of Cel Damage, providing a satisfying conclusion to the chaotic journey. Victory in this final stage crowns the player as the undisputed champion of the competition.