Secret Ponchos

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 108
  3. Negative: 23 out of 108

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  1. Chivey
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    I have been playing this game on steam early access and got to try the more polish version of Secret Ponchos on Ps4. I have to say its been a blast to play. The gameplay is fun and addicting! Lots of various versus modes: 1v1, 2v2, 4v4, and even an 8 player free for all. There are 5 unique characters and 5 maps. Future maps are free, while paid DLC will consists of costumes and newI have been playing this game on steam early access and got to try the more polish version of Secret Ponchos on Ps4. I have to say its been a blast to play. The gameplay is fun and addicting! Lots of various versus modes: 1v1, 2v2, 4v4, and even an 8 player free for all. There are 5 unique characters and 5 maps. Future maps are free, while paid DLC will consists of costumes and new characters.

    The devs are responsive and awesome. They will address your concerns as much as they can at forums.secretponchos.com. Less than a week after launch a patch was push out to address newly reported bugs and issues.

    Its free for psn+(for dec). Great game! Great price! Buy it! Play it now!    … Expand
  2. lsdreamer13
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    Awesome game I've been playing non-stop since i got it free and got my friends hooked on the early access for PC since they don't have PS4. By far one of the funnest games I've played in a long time. The matches are generally about 2 mins long which lets you play a bunch of matches quickly. 8 player free for all is chaos lol just sneak around and steal kills for the most part. But whereAwesome game I've been playing non-stop since i got it free and got my friends hooked on the early access for PC since they don't have PS4. By far one of the funnest games I've played in a long time. The matches are generally about 2 mins long which lets you play a bunch of matches quickly. 8 player free for all is chaos lol just sneak around and steal kills for the most part. But where its at is 2v2's especially if you have a friend.
    Twin stick shooter at its best. Dead Nation my fav Co-op twin stick. Secret Ponchos my Fav twin stick PVP shooter.    … Expand
  3. Stinger911
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    Secret Ponchos is the secret gem of PS Plus. It's a twin-stick competitive shooter with a unique visual flair and a surprising amount of depth buried in the mechanics. I've been a PS Plus member for about seven months, and, to be quite honest, I've been pretty underwhelmed by the free game on offer. They've almost all been some kind of single player adventure game variant. SecretSecret Ponchos is the secret gem of PS Plus. It's a twin-stick competitive shooter with a unique visual flair and a surprising amount of depth buried in the mechanics. I've been a PS Plus member for about seven months, and, to be quite honest, I've been pretty underwhelmed by the free game on offer. They've almost all been some kind of single player adventure game variant. Secret Ponchos is refreshing in that its strictly multiplayer and caters to the competitive crowd.

    There are five characters to choose from with two more on the way, and each one feels unique. They've all got primary and secondary weapons that can be used in multiple ways and their stats for things like agility, speed, and damage vary wildly. For instance, The Killer is a somewhat balanced character who wields a six-shooter and a knife that he can slash with or throw. The Deserter is more of a tanky character that can soak damage, use his special medkit to heal, and dictate range.

    As you play, you earn experience you can allocate to each character's stat points, lending the game a sense of progression and a motivation to keep entering matches.

    It's worth noting that what took me off guard is how deep the tactical rabbit goes if you pay attention. On the surface, all you'll see are some cartoony characters running around and shooting randomly. But there are youtube videos online right now where astute players showcase elaborate tactical setups and move chains. In this sense, the game is akin to a competitive fighting game, like Street Fighter. Of course you can just mash the buttons (or triggers, as it were) and have fun, but it's much deeper than that if you want it to be.

    Honestly, this is an impressive title. By all accounts it was made by an independent developer, but you wouldn't know it by the triple-A production value and the obvious forethought given to the core mechanics.

    If you're on the PS4, give it a shot. If you have PS Plus you have nothing to lose. The devs have stated that they intend to continually support the game with new characters and maps going forward, so this is just the beginning.    … Expand
  4. Pooh_Bear
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    I played secret poncho on both the ps4 and early access on steam. This game is alot of fun and very accessible that anyone can just pick up and play, but also alot of depth to master. I love the art, looking forward to more skins and characters!
  5. Pureray
    Dec 5, 2014
    8
    Secret Panchos is a twin shooter cowboy game with 3 different modes that turned about being fun in my case. The maps are greatly sized, there are only 5 outlaws that play differently from each other with their own techniques to killing. Problems are is that your outlaw could be deleted if you remain stuck in match making and then close the application. Another issue is that their isn't anySecret Panchos is a twin shooter cowboy game with 3 different modes that turned about being fun in my case. The maps are greatly sized, there are only 5 outlaws that play differently from each other with their own techniques to killing. Problems are is that your outlaw could be deleted if you remain stuck in match making and then close the application. Another issue is that their isn't any dedicated servers or being able to increase the rounds since death match is such a quick mode to complete when you don't have your opponents running away.

    Overall I look forward to seeing patches, more outlaws, maps, and even modes. I would highly recommend you give this game a shot since it's free this month for Ps+ owners.    … Expand
  6. EverellDalton
    Dec 7, 2014
    10
    Funny game with great graphics. Simply a twin stick shooter in the west. Fun multiplayer and great controls.I got it free with IGC (ps plus) and if I knew it would've been this good I probably would have bought it.
  7. Gamingsince1986
    Dec 15, 2014
    10
    This is hands down what i've been waiting for! The intrigue and entertainment factor for Secret Ponchos is incredibly intricately fun!! A big yes! The movement of characters is flawless and the control and agility is impressive. I love the open screen feel. I can't wait for new content! And the style and sequence of Secret Ponchos is very capturing - it grips you and sucks you into theThis is hands down what i've been waiting for! The intrigue and entertainment factor for Secret Ponchos is incredibly intricately fun!! A big yes! The movement of characters is flawless and the control and agility is impressive. I love the open screen feel. I can't wait for new content! And the style and sequence of Secret Ponchos is very capturing - it grips you and sucks you into the spaghetti western theme. I really love the development of the characters. Very enjoyable game!… Expand
  8. SpacePanther
    Dec 7, 2014
    8
    This game satisfies the craving for a MOBA-like experience on console. I been really wanting an isometric PVP arena game, and this certainly did not disappoint. Gameplay is fast, fun and fluid. Your performance is make or break based on how well you can strategize your next killer moves in the fly. Characters are unique and have pretty good balance overall.

    The biggest problems right    This game satisfies the craving for a MOBA-like experience on console. I been really wanting an isometric PVP arena game, and this certainly did not disappoint. Gameplay is fast, fun and fluid. Your performance is make or break based on how well you can strategize your next killer moves in the fly. Characters are unique and have pretty good balance overall.

    The biggest problems right now are with lag and matchmaking. There is often buggy game-breaking lag which causes some enemies to zig-zag across the map at blazing speeds and still kill you. Matchmaking is also inconsistent: either you get placement in a match quickly, or it never happens. I also had problems with being separated from my friends in the lobby. There should also be a way to stay in the same lobby at the end of the match.

    Overall, great game, but needs some more work on the backend.    … Expand
  9. ghostmeat
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Wasn't sure what I was getting in to when I downloaded this game but I was blown away. On the surface it looks like a chaotic simple shooter but the more you play it you realize how much depth and strategy there is. Every match had my heart racing with fast paced gun slinging action. On top of that it has some amazing graphics and art to boot. I know I have some friends with the XBONEWasn't sure what I was getting in to when I downloaded this game but I was blown away. On the surface it looks like a chaotic simple shooter but the more you play it you realize how much depth and strategy there is. Every match had my heart racing with fast paced gun slinging action. On top of that it has some amazing graphics and art to boot. I know I have some friends with the XBONE that wish this game wasn't an exclusive. I highly recommend.… Expand
  10. samura17
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    I've been playing Secret Ponchos since the beginning and I think it's a really interesting game. I was expecting more of a twin-tick shooter like Dead Nation but instead it plays like a fighting game. I feel like I am always constantly learning new things and the 5 characters are unique and balanced. Plenty of depth if you ask me. Bravo to the Switchblade Monkeys team - I can't stopI've been playing Secret Ponchos since the beginning and I think it's a really interesting game. I was expecting more of a twin-tick shooter like Dead Nation but instead it plays like a fighting game. I feel like I am always constantly learning new things and the 5 characters are unique and balanced. Plenty of depth if you ask me. Bravo to the Switchblade Monkeys team - I can't stop playing. The art style and the music are awesome too. Plus - we need more Western games.… Expand
  11. Wibu
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Beautiful game with awesome lighting and artwork. It fairly addictive! I like its focus on multiplayer and its many different mode, makes it very re-playable. I first played this at Pax and was instantly hooked!
  12. Dollparts
    Dec 4, 2014
    10
    I played about 200+ Hours of Secret Ponchos. And i can tell you guys this Game is so much Fun if you get with some People and play it on a Different Lvl then some of the people who started playing the game just for 20 Minutes. *rolls eyes* So anyways this game kept me hooked for so long just because its addicting every match can be different ! So anyone who enjoys Fighters, CompetitiveI played about 200+ Hours of Secret Ponchos. And i can tell you guys this Game is so much Fun if you get with some People and play it on a Different Lvl then some of the people who started playing the game just for 20 Minutes. *rolls eyes* So anyways this game kept me hooked for so long just because its addicting every match can be different ! So anyone who enjoys Fighters, Competitive Twin Stick Shooters and just a Great Jolly Good Time play this Gem and Support it :)!… Expand
  13. Game_Row
    Dec 16, 2014
    8
    This game is free for now and very easy to pick up and play. Choose your character, create your name, and start brawling! Great game for 4+ local/online multiplayers! I made a gameplay video on my YouTube channel...check it out! :)

    -Game_Row
  14. MrDaikon
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    I been playing Secret Ponchos for a few month now since Early Access on Stream and loved it. It is a really fun arena shooter with lots of depth. I feel the more you play, the more you discover about how deep the combat really is. I would normal give this game a 8 but I am giving it a 9 because I feel this game has a lot of potential to grow. I got a PS4 as a early Christmas present andI been playing Secret Ponchos for a few month now since Early Access on Stream and loved it. It is a really fun arena shooter with lots of depth. I feel the more you play, the more you discover about how deep the combat really is. I would normal give this game a 8 but I am giving it a 9 because I feel this game has a lot of potential to grow. I got a PS4 as a early Christmas present and when I logged on to play for the first time, I was amazed by the improvements. I hope the developer can keep this up and keep adding more content. Can't wait to seeing more!… Expand
  15. Bike
    Dec 19, 2014
    10
    Great game! I've been playing this non stop. It looks beautiful and plays as good as it looks. Secret Ponchos is very accessible, yet super competitive. There is a lot of gameplay depth even with the small cast. Each character requires a different style of play and a lot of practice to get the most of of them. I'm looking forward to the updates with new characters and arenas!
  16. Maximus895
    Dec 21, 2014
    8
    Secret Ponchos is a game that isn't easy to jump into immediately, but taking the time (aka. afew matches) to understand the depth there is absolutely worth it.

    The twin-stick shooter mechanics applied to the mentality of what I'd compare to a fighting game is a smart and clever approach. And like a fighting game, learning the intricacies of your character can be really rewarding when    Secret Ponchos is a game that isn't easy to jump into immediately, but taking the time (aka. afew matches) to understand the depth there is absolutely worth it.

    The twin-stick shooter mechanics applied to the mentality of what I'd compare to a fighting game is a smart and clever approach. And like a fighting game, learning the intricacies of your character can be really rewarding when you start noticing minor things, like how holding down the trigger when throwing Killer's knife allows you to steer it around corners, or Kid Red planting his dynamite on an enemy like a sticky bomb. Things like this would be easy to overlook, and sadly, the game's lack of a tutorial doesn't make it easy to find these details, but they are there and can really change the tide of a match when you find them.

    The addition of a line-of-sight mechanic when taking cover creates perhaps the most interesting moments. Entering an area of the map, not knowing if one or many adversaries are hiding and ready to pop out really adds to the moment-to-moment gameplay and the tension during a match. Leaping behind a corner where you last saw an enemy, only to realize they'd moved and very well could be anywhere is a clever addition that mimics the spaghetti western action from which the game takes inspiration.

    Aesthetically, the game looks and sounds really nice. The art style is beautiful, and the characters all look striking and unique. The soundtrack also has an awesome quality to it, and like some of the better game soundtracks out there, stands on its own as just really cool to listen to.

    The way the game ranks players is unique in its own way. Players are overall judged based on their bounty. Succeeding in a match and generally performing well will increase it, while losing and not being very effective can make you lose your bounty. Increasing can also lead to you increasing in your title, which can be fairly threatening when entering a match and see someone with 'Desperado' beneath their portrait.

    Upgrading your character stats also requires you to increase in rank, however I would've preferred the game opening up abilities and perks as opposed to improving stats. The issue with the approach used means the characters don't quite feel as good as you want them to from the outset. This isn't an issue with every character, but it can be for the more challenging characters.

    The ultimate criticism against Secret Ponchos has largely been the lack of variety, and it's one that I can agree with to a point. While considering the challenges of balance of a game like this, depth is perhaps more preferable than depth. However, the developers have promised to update content as they go along with the addition of new characters. Though it's hard to review a game like this without that content being out and available, the developer has been upfront about issues faced and where they are heading. Hopefully additional stages and classes can lengthen this game's lifespan as a competitive draw.

    While it has had a rough launch, Secret Ponchos has a strong enough base that will hopefully lead into something even more compelling as it evolves and grows. Switchblade Monkeys has a good idea here and has managed to tap into some of its potential thus far. The challenge is how to display that potential to new players. However those that choose to invest into the game for a while will see that there is something really special here.    … Expand
  17. gypsy
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    Despite a challenging initial experience, once familiarity with the twin stick action is achieved, the game reveals itself to be a dynamic, fast-paced and exciting close-quarters combat game. I found the key is to stick with it for a while to master the controls, then it becomes totally addictive! Engaging multiplayer with awesome music and visuals!
  18. Mmmmatthewwww
    Dec 23, 2014
    10
    This is a remarkably refreshing take on arena-set stick shooters. Once you tip over the steep but short learning curve the game is a fast paced whirl of sitting on the edge of your seat fun.
    Albeit the game was released with some bugs in the system, but this is the premiere game of a team of indie developers...I am not only impressed by the product but I can't wait to see what comes next.
  19. happysunshine
    Dec 27, 2014
    10
    Ultimately, a phenomenal game that has room for improvement. The gameplay is dynamic and deceptively complicated, as the bare-bones graphics would have you believing that all the action is as simple. It does take some time to get used to, and one does have to submit themselves to a fairly high load-time/play-time ratio, but the gameplay and the characters more than outweigh these issues.Ultimately, a phenomenal game that has room for improvement. The gameplay is dynamic and deceptively complicated, as the bare-bones graphics would have you believing that all the action is as simple. It does take some time to get used to, and one does have to submit themselves to a fairly high load-time/play-time ratio, but the gameplay and the characters more than outweigh these issues. As soon as enough players get online so that wait-times are reduced, I'll be completely hooked, and I'm giving in a 10 in the hopes that good ratings will do that.… Expand
  20. laserbeak
    Dec 28, 2014
    10
    I have not played a game like this before, and I'm giving it a high score because not only is it bold, but its fun. Isometric PVP with a fast paced action skillset. Only 5 character types at first seemed low, but the amount of variety within each character shows a lot of potential. There is a lot to them, and you end up thinking a lot while you fight, even though the combat can be veryI have not played a game like this before, and I'm giving it a high score because not only is it bold, but its fun. Isometric PVP with a fast paced action skillset. Only 5 character types at first seemed low, but the amount of variety within each character shows a lot of potential. There is a lot to them, and you end up thinking a lot while you fight, even though the combat can be very fast paced.

    They have created a lot of variety between how the characters work, and you can spend a lot of time with one outlaw learning how to master its mechanics very akin to a fighting game.

    If you want to see a new type of combat style then I would highly recommend this game. There is not a tutorial mode, but there is a practice mode hidden where you run around and get used to the controls and moves. Free for all is an ok mode, but where the game feels really different is Deathmatch and Domination and working with a team. I really hope this game does well because its nice to something new and they are doing a great job with it.    … Expand
  21. shnerp
    Dec 4, 2014
    10
    gggggggggggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttt gggggaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeee.
  22. Henk_
    Dec 22, 2014
    10
    Hey, I got to play your game at a friend's house and I absolutely loved it. It's the best looking game I've seen the highly stylized look its captured perfect with the incredible attention to detail and the smooth lightning.

    The game play is fun and satisfying but takes a couple of games to get a hang of but when you do there are a lot of chances to be a real western star, with dodging    Hey, I got to play your game at a friend's house and I absolutely loved it. It's the best looking game I've seen the highly stylized look its captured perfect with the incredible attention to detail and the smooth lightning.

    The game play is fun and satisfying but takes a couple of games to get a hang of but when you do there are a lot of chances to be a real western star, with dodging shot gun blasts at point blank and throwing a long distance knife and landing a kill.

    It's a really fun and good looking game with solid game-play mechanics so don't let your first games discourage you if you feel overwhelmed by the opponent at first.

    If you give this game a serious chance you will love it.    … Expand
  23. InfamousRacoon
    Feb 27, 2015
    8
    I'm gonna go ahead and give this a fair rating. This is a fun and strategic game, which has really fun local co-op both online and offline. The characters are cool, and it's fun it learn each character. Definitly try it.
  24. Jyykson
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    Great atmosphere, fun and cunning gameplay with good skill diversity. This is a surprisingly great game, good fluid fun. I felt like a hardened gunslinger after only a few rounds, and knew instantly that I still had a lot to learn to improve and pull off even more fantastic feats. Enjoying every minute.
  25. Shredder1
    Oct 2, 2015
    10
    This game is awesome. Intelligent, addicting, beautiful graphics. The more I play, the more I appreciate the strategy and thought put into this game. Initially I was concerned about number of characters and maps (5 each), but there is more than enough content to get started and begin developing skills and learning/testing strategies. By the time I'm ready, I am confident there will beThis game is awesome. Intelligent, addicting, beautiful graphics. The more I play, the more I appreciate the strategy and thought put into this game. Initially I was concerned about number of characters and maps (5 each), but there is more than enough content to get started and begin developing skills and learning/testing strategies. By the time I'm ready, I am confident there will be new content...in fact the developers suggest at least 2 new characters are coming soon! Can't wait.

    Switchblade monkey's have been on top of any problems (to be expected with first game), providing quick fixes as needed. This already awesome game is only going to get better.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

63
#63 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Feb 7, 2015
    50
    There's some serviceable twin-stick multiplayer shooting under the cowboy fancy dress, but sadly it's below some glaring technical problems, too. [Feb 2015, p.95]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jan 26, 2015
    70
    An entertaining distraction needing more variety for true longevity. [Feb 2015, p79]
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Jan 12, 2015
    70
    A good shoot-em-up just different with a bunch of new things for the genre.
    Read full review
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