The only "real" gripe I have with Duck Game's platformer-action mayhem is that it's the kind of game that only works in short bursts. You get three other people together in a room, blaze through several rounds with them, scream at the television as any semblance of competition goes out the window, and then you're done. But this is a gripe insomuch as my inability to fit inside a swing meant for children less than half my height is an issue. Short experiences are not inherently bad experiences. When you're playing an action game on your own, this holds true. But it's damn near gospel if you tag anyone else with you. Here's a bit of a question: who wants to play a game of Monopoly that lasts a month? If you say yes to that inquiry, please consider how many players remain by the time the game wraps up. For the relatively short play sessions you'll have with Duck Game, it's not nearly as shallow as one might expect it to be. There are decent layers of polish here that make this game feel distinct every time you pick it up. Everything from how it controls, the character customization, map variety, and weapons will keep you coming back for some more laughs with a few buddies.

What keeps me from giving this five stars is that the singleplayer offerings are meager practice modes at best. They're pretty cool if you're hoping to get better at the game, but say you didn't have anyone to play this with. Well, there's online functionality. But is playing online as much fun as playing in a room with people that you know? And let's suppose that you don't know anybody to play with in person, and your online connectivity is poor, or you aren't a fan of playing games online. There isn't a compromise for you. You either pick up Duck Game to play with other people, or you don't; end of story.

Lame singleplayer content aside, I genuinely think this is on the higher echelon of local multiplayer games I've played so far in this lifetime. S-Tier all the way, no regrets.