Fresh Take on Multiplayer FPS: FragPunk Review
With the abundance of trailers, showcases, and dev diaries leading up to game releases, it’s rare to be truly surprised by a new multiplayer first-person shooter, especially for those of us who have been gaming since the genre’s inception. However, FragPunk has managed to defy expectations. What initially seemed like a potential Valorant clone with a card mechanic and other trendy features has actually impressed me with its unique and refreshing gameplay. While it’s still early to make a final judgment, I find myself struggling to tear away from FragPunk.
In many ways, FragPunk feels like a mix of familiar elements from other games blended into something new and exciting. Similar to Overwatch, the game features distinct characters with vibrant personalities and special abilities. Like Valorant and Counter-Strike, the main game mode, Shard Clash, involves teams of five either planting or defusing a bomb while engaging in combat. Additionally, borrowing from Fortnite, FragPunk offers a wide array of cosmetic items to customize characters and weapons, enticing players to invest in the free-to-play shooter.
Lancer Lineup: Diverse Playable Characters
Within FragPunk, players control characters known as Lancers, each offering a unique gameplay experience. From traditional archetypes like a sniper with enemy-revealing abilities to unconventional choices like a punk rocker who shoots lightning from a guitar, the roster is diverse and engaging. Unlike Valorant, where abilities play a secondary role, FragPunk emphasizes using character abilities strategically to gain an advantage in matches. This shift adds a dynamic layer to gameplay, encouraging players to think tactically and adapt to different situations.
- Smoother, Faster Gameplay
The gunplay in FragPunk is slick and responsive, with a fast time-to-kill that prioritizes strategic positioning over sheer gun skill. Unlike games like Valorant that require precise movement to maintain accuracy, FragPunk embraces a more casual approach to shooting, allowing players to run and gun with ease. This deviation from the norm adds a unique flavor to the gameplay experience, aligning well with FragPunk’s overall vibe.
Shard Card System: Unconventional Gameplay Mechanics
One of FragPunk’s standout features is the Shard Card system, where teams select cards before each round to activate various effects. These cards range from simple buffs like increased movement speed to quirky abilities like laying eggs to regain health. This system adds a layer of unpredictability and fun to the gameplay, offering players a chance to experiment with different strategies and tactics throughout matches.
Card Collection and Unlocks
Collecting and unlocking Shard Cards adds a new dimension to the game, with players eagerly anticipating the next random card draw before each round. As you accumulate more cards, the variety of gameplay experiences expands, keeping matches fresh and engaging. The ability to view your collection, read card effects, and even watch demo videos showcasing card abilities adds to the overall excitement of gathering and utilizing Shard Cards.
While FragPunk excels in many areas, there are still some areas for improvement. Matches often end swiftly, with teams quickly eliminating each other rather than focusing on the main objectives. This rapid pace may diminish the strategic depth found in other tactical shooters like Valorant. Balancing tweaks to emphasize objective play could enhance the overall gameplay experience and encourage more nuanced tactics from players.
Duels: Intense Showdowns
When teams reach three wins each, FragPunk introduces Duels, where players face off in 1v1 battles to determine the victor. This mode adds a thrilling layer of competition, limiting health and abilities between rounds to increase the challenge. The intense back-and-forth action keeps players on the edge of their seats, creating memorable moments of triumph and tension as matches progress.
Overall, FragPunk offers a fresh and exciting take on the multiplayer FPS genre, blending familiar elements with unique twists to create a compelling gaming experience. While there are still unanswered questions and room for improvement, the game’s innovative approach and engaging gameplay have left me eagerly anticipating more time in the world of FragPunk.