Battle Shapers

We aren't exactly short of choice for sci-fi FPS games today, which makes the attention challenge of Battle Shapers all the more uphill. Here, we've got a game that appears to follow the standard rules of a futuristic shoot-em-up: robots, laser-based arsenals, futuristic factories, and a world unknown—however, the chosen art style garners more interest than your mediocre release.

Battle Shapers aims to offer an exhilarating experience as a high-speed sci-fi first-person shooter (FPS) rogue-lite, where players engage in intense combat against hordes of corrupted robots. Armed with formidable weaponry, unique abilities, and game-altering powers acquired from ruthless Overlords, you'll embark on a journey of shooting and smashing your way to victory. So, will it compete against the many FPS titles out there?

Homage to Your Overlords

Taking place within the bustling metropolis of New Elysium, Battle Shapers immerses you in the role of Ada, an Android warrior known as a Shaper. Your mission: to conquer the pervasive corruption that has ensnared the city. Your path entails navigating randomized arenas until you confront the boss, currently the formidable Volt Colossus, with a few fresh surprises.

The gameplay is exceptionally polished, with the central system serving as the cornerstone of the experience. Before each run, you can select a core, which provides fundamental abilities and influences the enhancements you'll encounter during the playthrough. In my hands-on experience, I experimented with the Adamant Core and the Strike Core.

The Adamant Core empowers you to deflect enemy projectiles using melee attacks and erect a protective forcefield. Conversely, the Strike Core bolsters your dash attack's damage potential, allowing you to manipulate time and execute three devastating strikes. Both cores offer distinct advantages, but the Adamant Core stands out, as it bestows a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities that can be effectively employed from a distance.

Initially, the gameplay mechanics aren't the most straightforward, but it becomes more intuitive with time. Ada chooses between the Adamant Core and the Strike Core, each resembling distinct classes or building blocks for character development. Overall, Battle Shapers becomes enjoyable with its fast and fluid combat, challenging fights, and diversity in hack puzzles that keep players on their toes.

Half-Hacked

In the grand scheme of things, the sole aspect that left me wanting in Battle Shapers was the absence of an immersion factor. It would have been delightful to hear Ada engage more with her surroundings and have a bit more lore and character development. Nevertheless, this minor quibble pales compared to the myriad other aspects to appreciate in the game, especially when you compare it to similar current FPS titles like Overwatch 2.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• A beautiful aesthetic that brings a thrilling dynamic to gameplay
• Diverse mechanics to keep battles interesting
• A highly-polished sci-fi FPS

Cons:

• Understanding the mechanics can be challenging
• Lack of immersion