BallBuds is a new game that redefines the monster taming genre by combining violent, bloody, and mild horror survival elements. Unlike traditional monster taming games where players capture creatures alive, BallBuds requires players to first kill mysterious creatures before taming them, offering a fresh and brutal twist to the genre.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5, BallBuds is a first-person open-world game set on a mysterious island. Players must battle creatures known as “BallBuds” while navigating the conflicts between two local factions. Instead of simply capturing monsters, players use firearms, melee weapons, and even alien technology to kill the creatures. Afterward, they collect the creatures’ souls and bodies using two different types of spheres to complete the taming process.
The game does not shy away from graphic violence: injured BallBuds bleed bodily fluids, and when killed, they collapse in pools of blood. Heavy weapon attacks cause gruesome dismemberment and gore. Some BallBuds feature shocking designs, including ripped-open abdomens and exposed internal organs. The game also features a day-night cycle, with more powerful and savage Bullbuds appearing at night, significantly increasing the survival challenge.
BallBuds will feature over 300 creatures, including 150 base forms and two evolutionary stages. Some creatures have both standard and dark, bloodier forms. The game is planned for release on PS5, Xbox, Steam, and Epic platforms. Currently, it is available for pre-order through Kickstarter, with a release expected by the end of the year. Backers will receive exclusive BallBuds skins. Players interested in the game can follow the official website and community pages for the latest updates.