Spellbreak , Battle Royale in the Apocalypse (Epic Store Early Access)
Disclosure: This game copy was received via the Spellbreak Content Creator system, which is a normal copy of the current alpha build. There were no purchases made.
Mages land upon the island stricken with the coming apocalypse. Special gauntlets imbue them with power to manipulate other spells and runes provide powerful utility options to survive. Locate gear, equip two of several classes to enhance your character, and pop potions like an addict in solo, duo, or four man group arenas.
Spells can be enhanced by targeting the residue of other spells, such as a poison whirlwind by combining wind and poison, electricity to shock with ice and lightning, or even light the ground on fire with earth and fire. Movement is critical, with the island slowly shrinking with the storm circling around. While damage isn't too bad during the first closing, it will increase. This is why it is crucial to plan where to drop in with this in mind, even if it means avoiding the coveted skill point spawns scattered on the map. Whatever is decided, the last squad alive is deemed the winner.
Now on to the technical issues. Plenty of sound looping, the F key not working to exile players on the ground, and the play game button can black out for some reason and force the need to re-select it. Games can crash back to the game lobby, but I have been surprised with how well the frame rate has been in terms of stability. Overall, it runs well with the standard alpha problems making minor annoyances. I just hope in game text options will become a thing.
I am quite happy to see the game enter closed alpha and still maintain the relative stable performance. Unfortunately, it came out at a terrible time due to the sudden success of Apex Legends, which offers a lot more quicker game-play and more user friendly options. Granted, they are two different games and the elemental manipulation is incredibly tactical, but the pricing for the entry code is pretty steep right now. I recommend keeping an eye on this one at least, for it does offer some awesome game-play and a different, albeit similar twist, on the battle royale formula. See you on the battlefield.