[h1][b] Wrack: Needs to be expanded [/b] [/h1]
[u] Short version [/u]
[b] So far, Exoverse has strong gunplay, Theoretically it could create a good mix with Roguelike elements.But it doesnt offer enough to create that RNG type runs that makes each playthrough feel so special. Additionally, i hope the level design will eventually go through some major changes [/b]
I debated whether i should add my opinion to the bowl this early. While it is early access, which means potential changes down the line following player feedback. The truth is, this seems like a satisfied player base already, that left me thinking, its very much not the game for me, it probably wont ever be.
Of course enemies are still waiting for animations, NPC rest in T-Poses for the time being, i do expect some flair to the finished product, this being Wrack and all.
But since i have problems with the gameplay mechanics and how it balances its genres, doubt my opinion will change drastically.
Not to bring back old wounds, but i get it, part of me knew Wrack wouldn't come back, at least how we used to know it. It was niche, it never even got to episode 2. This back then, now the store is so full, most games don't even have the required reviews to generate a score.
Therefore comes exoverse, by nature of the genre, should be finished without an extensive amount of work, while providing more hours of gaming.
[b]Exoverse got me thinking of Sanctum, if you are looking really hard for reasons to buy this game, I have some:[/b]
[list]
[*]An easy to learn pacing.Tried Sanctum 2 and didn't find it accessible? well Exoverse is simple without being easy.
[*] good UI
[*]Some kickass weapon animations
[*]The cel shaded art style
[*]Good music
[*]longer than wrack,though it pretends to give more content than there actually is.
[/list]
[b]Cons or why this game aint for me:[/b] (First started playing this game in its early stages, don't be surprised if the entire list is strikethrough)
[list]
[*]Terrible level design and the cost of having procedural generated levels. I really cant deal with the lack of detail, the giant walls, this claustrophobic cubicles. Even the second map, supposedly outside, we still got to deal with giant walls covering any possible background, and corridors made of 90º angles.
Probably the only good criticism i can offer, but the map doesnt necessarly need to be made of corridors, it could evem extend outside the player area, it would feel less claustrophobic.
[*][strike]Small arsenal when it comes to item spawns, but it has the potential for an RNG type run, where you must make it work with whatever you can find. In other words, it aint that great of a roguelike right now. [/strike]
No longer an issue, there is a bigger variety of weapons, and a wider range off items spawns
[*]Its repetitive, it needs more, for each turn, but i'm not sure what exactly
[/list]
[h1] Introduction [/h1]
The original Wrack was an Old school Shooter (there weren't that many). Now, it steps down, entering a genre that often lends itself to a few shortcomings.
That's Right! Wrack went Tower Defense. Actually...its an Hybrid. Mixing TD with an FPS (it has been done before), with just some RPG and Roguelike elements sprinkled on top.
Full disclosure, while i have my own reasons, i'm not a fan of TD, there have been some games i've enjoyed, that still didn't convince me on the genre.
Exoverse tackles both genres in a safe way, its already a well made game in some areas, but the way it does is a bit dull.
[h1]Gameplay[/h1]
One way Wrak balances itself is by keeping everything separated. HUB, TD, FPS, other elements, everything waits for their turn. But since it's relatively simple, it gets repetitive.
The hub - Is where every player starts their run. and...let me tell you a secret, you will come back often.
So immediately there was this great idea to close every shop, and the player slowly populates the hub with shop keepers as he levels up, which immediately feels like i'm being rewarded for losing. Most importantly, this would ruin so many games with rogue like elements. You do find items in-game, but you really depend on this hub, it will make things progressively easier.
Time to take whatever you can, if you are new, than you just get some turret schematics and enter the portal.
TD - Once inside, it's time to set up some turrets, build a few walls. No problem, there is no pressure. It gives you all the time you need, plus the horde is always displayed near the portal.
It kinda sucks, that once its set up, you can't really fix them or upgrade them, in the middle of a round, just let them do their thing until the end of the turn.
Truth be told, after a while i kept doing the same thing over and over. The strategy is heavily reliant on saving funds. It's the main resource of this game, in that aspect is similar to other games that have Roguelike elements.
That's about it, you dont even get to upgrade early in game. i also wondered how well it would go if i created some maze like walls and then converge them into the line of sight of various turrets, but walls consume so much funds, with later enemies even being able to blow the up, that the best strategy was just to find the best places to set up turrets.
At least doing so leaves room for some run and gun.
FPS - 3 rounds to defend and survive, using your arsenal (From the initial Pistol and sword) while the turrets do their thing, since those are no longer interactable.There is a spawn point, items appear at the beginning of each round, the item is random, it could be a weapon or full health. The two genres are balanced, but that comes at a cost, while there are things turrets can't handle well, the player is also less effective than before. There is now a dedicated key for running, and huge damage reduction with distance.
RPG and Roguelike elements - Death is just around the corner. Once it happens, it's time to gain some XP and level up, unlocking the much needed shops and even other characters with different set ups. And then, right back to the hub, because Exoverse has perma death
Issues with the Current Update:
Now, im having trouble with Bosses not spawning, and turns not ending. Ive raced around the room looking for enemies, perhaps inside walls, but nothing there.
