Rocket League Sideswipe for Windows

Jump high with your rocket car

Rocket League Sideswipe is a free sports video game that lets you play the iconic car soccer, also known as soccar game. Developed by Psyonix Studios, this 3D car game is the official spin-off of Rocket League and includes various beloved features for both old and new players to enjoy. 

This time, you play in strict side-scroller mode rather than the classic 360 controls. Also, you may want to take note that since Rocket League Sideswipe is a whole different game from its predecessor, its controls are not what old players are used to.

The unique union of soccer and cars

Rocket League Sideswipe is a vehicular soccer video game and is the sequel to Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars. Here, you play traditional soccer using rocket-powered cars—instead of human players like in FIFA and PES. The game typically has up to eight players assigned to each of the two teams, and the goal is simply to hit a ball into your opponent’s goal to score a point. You can play either by yourself or with friends in 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3 multiplayer online modes.

There are also fun extra modes like Rumble, Snow Day, and Hoops, which either change the goal design, rules, or the environment. Aside from that, you can compete in the big leagues through leaderboard rankings, tournaments, Challenges, and more. This sports game’s fame eventually turned it into a legitimate esports game. Its superb cross-platform play also aided its success, allowing local and online co-op between any console and version.

Something a little different

Rocket League Sideswipe retains the original game’s core features. However, instead of a 3D playing field where you can freely jump, fly, spin, and flip in all directions, your screen is locked in a side-scrolling view of a small 3D environment. Your movement is now limited, but this also presents a whole new way of playing Rocket League. You can use boosts, physics, and speed to propel yourself and do cool tricks in order to hit the ball.

Unlike the original game, this spin-off focuses on fast-paced matches that last just two minutes. This makes it easier for players to quickly get into a match and leave — especially if they’re playing on the go. However, two minutes can still be a long time, and the short length only turns the heat up for the battle for victory. The game modes available include Private Matches for 1v1 and 2v2 and Competitive Ranked. You can also play classic mode or some of the extra modes like Hoops.

The deep car customization function also returns here, letting you glam up your vehicle. These cosmetics are purely for appearance and won’t ever affect your gameplay, just like the first game.

A new mode and fresh shop items

Rocket League Sideswipe remains a strong title for the sports game genre. Players can now unlock new Player Banners based on their highest ranks. It also features new skins and scoring effects, both of which are compatible with the Rocket Ball-inspired avatars. New designs for the customization options are available, as well.

Moreover, the game brings new challenges, making gameplay even more exciting. It features refreshed Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonal Challenges, allowing players to collect huge amounts of experience points. This title also introduces a new mode, Ranked Heatseeker, in which the slightest tap of the ball will send it flying across the Arena. This mode can be sweaty and chaotic but also requires strategic thinking to ensure winning gameplay.

This game also features a Ranked 3v3 Mode, which is similar to the original game’s usual modes and deviates a little from this version’s usual 2v2 battles. Matches in this mode are held in the large Longfield Arena, allowing more legroom for action and mayhem.

Fresh collectibles are also available in the game shop, including three newly painted cars: the JDM-inspired Titanium White Nemesis for tuner enthusiasts, the boxy Orange Merc, and the Pink Maverick. Players can also get a Neon Mantis Player Banner or Cyber Egg Avatar from the shop.

What’s new in Season 12?

The Season 12 update of Rocket League Sideswipe brings a variety of exciting features and additional content, increasing the overall enjoyment for the game's enthusiasts. A notable feature in this update is the return of the Hoops as Ranked playlist, presenting players with a different gaming experience where the objective is to score points by shooting the ball through a basketball-like hoop rather than a soccer goal.

Furthermore, within this update, players have the opportunity to acquire Banner Season rewards, such as banners inspired by dragons, by participating in the three Ranked playlists—Solo Duel, Doubles, and a dedicated special playlist. Each playlist comes with its distinct rank, which undergoes a reset at the commencement of every season. The Season Rewards a player receives at the end of the season are determined by their highest rank across these playlists and whether they secured a victory at that particular rank. Note that Season 12 is active and will continue until January 1, 2024. Seize this opportunity to reach the highest rank and unlock additional rewards.

A fun side-scroller spin-off

All in all, if you’re looking for an all-new challenge in Rocket League, then Rocket League Sideswipe is a great choice. Whether you’re a veteran player or a newbie interested in gameplay, this spin-off’s controls are easy to learn, and it offers exciting and frenetic rocket-centric soccer action. It’s only too bad that it doesn’t have all of the original game’s modes.