This is because the game, and those Gauntlets, have a very clever, interweaving physics system based on their differing properties – a system that isn’t just about combat, but traversal too. However, I will say that because of the added depth of the range of HUD options here, it does result in a more complex set of mechanics – particularly because of the mix of elemental Gauntlets. When you do enter the scary world of the Battle Royale proper with up to 49 others, finding these items and sufficiently preparing yourself for encounters with opposing players is – as with other Battle Royales – crucial. To sum up other elements of the HUD: you find Scrolls in the world that improve one of your three custom Talents that have subtle effects on your character Potions and Armour to bolster your ability to take hits Belts to increase your capacity to carry Armour Boots to up your Run Speed and Amulets to increase your Mana supply. The tutorial is actually really well put together, explaining all of this plus various other gameplay mechanics. Using the Ice Gauntlet, which can be held to zoom in for a sniper shot As far as I know, this is a new mash-up within the Battle Royale space, and is perhaps the defining element of Spellbreak. Combined with your Rune, another pick-up item that can give you varying effects such as invisibility, dashes, and the ability to see enemies through walls, it creates a menu of actions at the bottom of your screen that reminded of the real-time combat in JRPGs such as Xenoblade Chronicles (see below). As you play, you start to get more accustomed to how each one works, and find combos that work for you as a player.Įach Gauntlet has two attacks, with varying effects and cooldown rates which at launch are impressively well-balanced, with no one Gauntlet being overpowered. The option you settle on decides your primary Gauntlet on the right side of your HUD this, logically, takes up one of your arms, leaving space for a secondary Gauntlet on your other arm if/when you find one within the world map in-game. ![]() You play as a mage, and choose one of six different specialisms: Frostborn (Ice), Stoneshaper (Stone), Toxicologist (Acid), Tempest (Wind), Pyromancer (Fire), and Conduit (Lightning). Spellbreak starts, wisely, with a tutorial to get you accustomed to the basics of the controls. The mix-ups of elemental attacks create some energetic scenes It certainly isn’t enough to, ahem, break the spell. It isn’t awful though, just a tad behind the PS4. The PS4 version is unsurprisingly more technically proficient there are crisper lines and the game runs smoother, compared to the Switch edition which is a bit more blurry and can suffer slowdown when there is a lot happening on screen at once. As clarification before going any further I played the Switch and PlayStation 4 versions of the game. Furthermore, the different types of magic flying around in-game creates a palette of colour spattering the surroundings, complimented by reverberating sounds of impact to keep the tension raised. To me, the style resides somewhere in that space from Fortnite to Apex Legends. The aesthetic is reminiscent of Western animation – proportions are quite realistic, but they maintain clear segments of colour interspersed with signs and symbols to add that extra sense of lore. Spellbreak is set in Primdal, a world of mages and mystery, and visually has a vibrant sheen not far removed from Fortnite but with a bit more detail and intrigue to it. This may be a random connection, but it stirred memories of the rousing Spider-Man 2 theme but with a fantasy, medieval edge. ![]() ![]() Upon first entering the game, an aspect that struck me was the art style and accompanying slightly melodramatic, grand notes of the audio. So, how does Spellbreak stack up against PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and so on? Well, read on… Whilst it undeniably relies on certain traits of previous Battle Royale games, there is a physics-based, magical spin that does serve to set it apart. After their suggestions, I have recently played Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout and now Spellbreak, a new take on the genre that brings fresh ideas to the table. Platforms: Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PCĪm I accidentally getting into Battle Royale games? If I am, it’s partly due to my friends.
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