Game Infarcer: Rock Paper Scissors Review – Best Game Ever? (4K)

Once in a great while, a game comes around that changes the face of what’s possible in the medium. The title is a mix of captivating environmental storytelling, challenging strategic battles, graphics that are eye-opening, and graphics that make us question our uncanny valley perception. From developer Human Hand comes Rock Paper Scissors, a reimagining of what we thought the hands were capable of.

Rock Paper Scissors is deceptively simple. In a technical duel between the heads, players can choose from three different ways to defeat their opponent. In an effort to win glory, a player transforms their hands into powerful tools of destruction. You can’t beat scissors. Paper beats you. And so it goes. This latest, free-to-play multiplayer sensation is easy to grasp. Still, if the publisher’s latest Twitch influencer campaign is any indication, players will have to come in expecting a tactics-heavy experience if they wish to succeed. The amount of strategy found in Rock Paper Scissors is staggering.

Like my time with LA Noire, I spent many a match attempting to read my opponent’s every facial cue and hand twitch to get a jump on what they’d throw next. It’s an exhilarating experience that will dominate Twitch channels for months to come. There are some that will complain the game is too challenging, but the developer has stated it isn’t for everyone and you should be better if you want to enjoy the title. However, I worry about how the competition experience is going to be. I was able to see many cheaters change their plays mid-throw. Human Hand should take this issue seriously and offer as many anti-cheat programs possible.

The single-player campaign is another issue that players might face. While some may find it fun to try and outwit others, most players will get bored by the limited options available when they play alone. While the single-player experience may be less stable, the amount Human Hand has put into it is remarkable. In the same way The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild pioneered environmental storytelling, there’s no explanation as to where these iconic figures have originated from, nor why one triumphs over the other. This dev encourages players to explore this vast world, and discover the lore.

My other complaint with the content provided is that it’s severely lacking when it comes to features outside of classic single-player and multiplayer options. There are no extra modes, events, levels, or unlocks to keep me going, which has me worried about the longevity of Rock Paper Scissors. The cost of cosmetics, such as gloves and rings, is not cheap. They don’t make the game any more enjoyable. Although the photo mode can be useful, I found it a little confusing that I had to bring my own camera in order to capture all the beautiful moments.

That frustration melted away, though, when you look at Rock Paper Scissors in action. The graphics are mind-boggling and are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Human Hand has truly outdone itself when it comes to the title’s visual fidelity. It’s amazing how the lighting affects depending on the location, the facial models seem almost real, and it was a pleasure to see the variety of hands during the 98 hours I spent with them. It’s the visual cherry on one of the best gaming sundaes I’ve ever had the pleasure of consuming.

Single-player fans may find the game lacking, but Rock Paper Scissors is a revelation for the rest of us. Human Hand truly sets the standard for games that can be played on your hands. The platform’s early adopters can be encouraged to take note, as they know their future looks bright when it is paired with titles like Thumb Wars and Pat-a-Cake. Rock, Paper, Scissors is a great example of what video games can do and will set the standard for many years to come.