NARAKA: BLADEPOINT

The battle-royale fad that struck the gaming industry like a truck in 2018 has certainly lost momentum, that doesn’t mean that the genre is dead. Naraka: Bladepoint is an upcoming battle royale developed by 24 Entertainment and published by NetEase Games Montreal. With a release date set for August 11, players can expect an ambitious project filled with classes, levels, and massive online combat.

Fighter Royale

Naraka: Bladepoint had a late entry into the genre, but the game has already raised attention in the form of its open betas, with over 160,000 concurrent players joining the fray. Its apparent success can be attributed to the game’s focus on mobility, massive arenas, but ultimately the close combat that resembles a fighting game within a battle royale game. Exactly like all its predecessors, the main objective of the game is to become the last player standing in this sixty-player arena.

Naraka: Bladepoint might feel daunting at first especially because for those who aren’t familiar with Fortnite’s verticality using the grappling hook to set up plays may feel unnatural. Some of the game selling points such as the fighting game infusion, multiple gears, buffs, weapons, and approaches might feel overwhelming, but thankfully Naraka: Bladepoint has a pretty solid tutorial for new players. Keep in mind, as in most competitive online games the learning curve is steep, and not everything will be included in the tutorial, but it has just enough to launch you into the unknown.

Deadly Combinations

Naraka: Bladepoint is a big game, it has seven characters with three unique abilities each. Adding to that there are four melee weapons, and seven ranged weapons for players to customize their load-outs. If that isn’t enough there are consumable items, buff items, dark tide coins, weapon slots, looting systems, various armors, and an intricate combo system for each type of weapon. If that isn’t convincing enough to make for a rich battle arena, maybe the genre isn’t for you.

There are also multiple areas to be explored, and if you have played any battle royale in your life, you know that understanding the layout of different maps can prove to be a huge factor in determining your success or failure. It is important to learn how to use your grappling hook, as well as familiarize yourself with every nook and cranny Naraka: Bladepoint has to offer. With time players better grasp the best spots to set traps, to fight in melee or ranged form, and when to use the unique techs available.

Conclusion

The battle royale genre might feel saturated, but Naraka: Bladepoint has something truly unique in its combat system.

PROS:

• Fresh Fighting Fusion
• Challenging Mechanics
• Fast-Paced Due to High Mobility

CONS:

• Genre is Saturated
• Number of Mechanics Can Feel Overwhelming