Battle Crush (PC) Review

 

Battle Crush is an isometric Battle Royale game from NCSoft, which is often being compared to some Mobas (it even self identifies as a Moba on their own homepage). While the isometric perspective might be similar to that of most Mobas games, Battle Crush is clearly a Brawler Battle Royale Game. Apart from the fact, that you can collect items around the map to improve your character during the matches, there are no other Moba elements in the game. In fact, Battle Crush reminded me a lot more of the Brawler Game 'Divine Knockout' from Hirez. Both games share a similar bright cartoonish visual style and the same scenario of ancient gods fighting each other. Just that Divine Knockout was a third-person Arena Brawler instead. 

The gameplay of Battle Crush is neither extremely complex nor overly simple. The game offers 4 different attacks for every character and a few items, which can be collected per match. In comparison to games like Dota 2 or League of Legends it might seem a bit simple, but in contrast to 1 button autoplay mobile games, it seems appropriate. Giving it more gameplay options would have probably made it too hard for Switch and mobile players to compete with the PC crowd. The gameplay is overall enjoyable, but also neither stunning nor unique in any aspect. 

Battle Crush offers Solo and Trio Battle Royale matches for up to 30 players and also smaller scale Brawl and Duel modes for 1v1 action. The later ones reminded me a bit of Battlerite.

Battle Crush released in late June 2024 on Steam, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Around 5 months later the game will be shutdown on the 29th of November 2024. The big question is obviously "how could this happen?". The Steam playerbase is of course only a part of the total playerpool, but Battle Crush lost 90% of their players within the first month and they didn't launch with a gigantic playerbase in the first place. If I had to guess than I would assume this might be linked to the game not offering anything particularly unique or memorable. The scenario and visuals, as mentioned, were quite similar to Divine Knockout and also gameplay wise we have seen similar games. There are other isometric Battle Royale games like Battlerite Royale and Eternal Return, who offer a very similar gameplay experience. Most players probably played Battle Crush for a week and moved on to other games afterwards, since Battle Crush didn't leave enough of an impression on them.

 

Result:

Battle Crush isn't a bad game, whose failure was predetermined. The gameplay is fine, but nothing we haven't seen before in other games as well. Moba players didn't have a big incentive to leave their usual games, neither did classic brawler fans. And even fans of isometric Battle Royale games in the style of Moba games, didn't really have a reason to leave Battlerite Royale or Eternal Return for Battle Crush. The game didn't manage to make a big splash upon release and unfortunately that's part of the live service game curse. You either hit it big from the get-go or risk getting shutdown soon after.

 

6.5/10

Lights Off (PC) Review

 

Lights Off is a short Horror Game by The Dollar Game Store, which is based on the idea of turning all the lights out at night before you got to bed. Since the game turned out to be rather successful for an Indie game, it even got a remake in the form of Lights Off Directors Cut. As that is more of a reimagining than a remaster, I will be reviewing it in a separate article. Today we are just focussing on the original Lights Off. 

The game uses a very simple Pixel visual design and the gameplay is also very basic. Lights Off is a walking simulator, in which you can turn off light switches and go to bed. A bit more gameplay elements would have really enriched the experience. It doesn't need to be much, but even just the options to look at a book or turning on the TV, would have been immersive additions.

The concept is interesting. Turning off all the light switches and walking through your pitch black home is a scenario everyone can relate to. I also like how the game doesn't immediately tries to scare you to death. The pacing is quite nice and procedurally increases. That being said, Lights Off is another of these small Horror games with a cool concept, which is just way to short. You will beat this game in less than 10 minutes, which is just too brief. I also have to question the sanity of the protagonist. After the things that happened during the first couple of days I wouldn't be able to keep living there and falling asleep at the same home. The ending of the game might be fitting, but the execution is unfortunately subpar and leaves a bit to be desired.

 

Result:

Lights Off is another of these promising Indie Horror games, which has a great premise, but doesn't manage to live up to its potential. I really like the scenario and pacing of the game, but its short length and lack of gameplay elements unfortunately limit its impact. Most of the scary elements feel too passive. It will be interesting to see whether the director's cut remake can improve these areas.

 

5.8/10

Intruder (PC) Review

 

'Intruder' is the second Horror Game by Timberwell and even plays in the same universe as 'Almost Home Now', his first game, which I recently reviewed on this blog as well. You are at your home, while you suddenly hear somebody apparently breaking into your house. It is your job to explore your house and find the intruder.

Intruder, same as Almost Home Now, manages to create a really intense atmosphere. You hear ominous background music and creepy noises coming from somewhere inside the house. There is a tense feeling present, when you explore room after room, while trying to find the intruder. The psychological Horror aspect is therefore also the biggest strength of Intruder.

Nonetheless, the game is once more one of wasted potential. Intruder will be beaten in around 5 minutes, which is once again just too short. The design of the house you explore is actually fine, but it is just way, way, way too empty. It doesn't even remotely look like somebody is actually living there. Multiple rooms just have nothing inside and most of the others have just one object like a bed or closet. Except for opening doors there is also once again no real gameplay elements. The game starts promising with the player watching his PC monitor and grabbing some items. There is however nothing else in the house you can interact with. Anything would have really helped to keep the immersion.

 

Result:

Same as Almost Home Now, Intruder has a promising concept, with exploring your house to catch an intruder. The intense atmosphere while exploring the house is the games biggest strength. Everything else unfortunately leaves too much to be desired. Extend the game's length, fill the house with real things to make it look like a place, where someone actually lives and give some more gameplay elements, and than Intruder could have had potential. 

 

4/10