Exuce.com – NARAKA BLADEPOINT throws you into a thrilling world of high-flying swordsmanship and brutal melee combat. This free-to-play title, released in August 2021 by 24 Entertainment, carves its own path in the battle royale genre. Instead of raining bullets from afar, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT demands mastery of close-quarter clashes and strategic use of your environment. But can this unique approach deliver a satisfying and competitive experience? Let’s grapple our way into the fray and find out.
NARAKA: BLADEPOINT throws out the traditional battle royale weapon pool. Here, you’ll rely on various melee weapons, each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. Katanas offer a balanced offense and defense, while dual blades favor aggressive attacks. The true game-changer is the grappling hook. This versatile tool allows for incredible mobility, letting you zip across rooftops, close the distance on enemies, or even disarm them in mid-air. Combine this with a roster of unique characters, each with their own special abilities, and you have a recipe for exhilarating and fast-paced combat.
Battle Royale with a Twist
NARAKA BLADEPOINT doesn’t stray too far from the core battle royale concept. You drop into a vast map with 60 players, all fighting to be the last one standing. The familiar shrinking play zone adds pressure, forcing players to confront each other as the map gets smaller. However, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT injects some interesting twists into this formula.
The environment itself becomes a weapon. Scattered throughout the map are environmental hazards like fire geysers and deadly traps. These can be strategically used to damage or even eliminate foes. The map also features special items like healing pools and powerful artifacts that can grant temporary buffs. These elements add another layer of strategy, encouraging players to fight not only for positioning but also for control of these valuable resources.
The flow of a match feels similar to other battle royales. You’ll spend the initial stages looting for weapons and items, perhaps encountering a few skirmishes on the fringes. As the zone shrinks, the intensity ramps up, forcing players into close-quarters showdowns. There’s also a spectator mode after death, allowing you to observe the remaining players and potentially learn from their strategies.
Mastery Through Ascension
NARAKA: BLADEPOINT’s combat system goes beyond just button mashing. The emphasis is on mastering timing, spacing, and your chosen character’s unique abilities. Parrying attacks at the right moment can leave your opponent vulnerable, while well-timed counterattacks can turn the tide of battle. Each character boasts a powerful ultimate ability that can devastate enemies caught off guard. This depth in combat creates a high skill ceiling, rewarding players who dedicate time to practice and hone their reflexes.
Character progression adds another layer of mastery. As you gain experience, you’ll unlock new abilities and upgrades for your chosen warrior. This allows you to customize your playstyle, focusing on areas like defense, mobility, or raw damage output. Visually, you can also personalize your character with various cosmetic items earned through gameplay or purchased microtransactions (we’ll discuss those later).
A World of Beauty and Danger
NARAKA: BLADEPOINT isn’t just about intense combat; it boasts a visually stunning world steeped in Asian mythology and folklore. The vibrant maps transport you to lush bamboo forests, imposing ancient temples, and perilous mountain peaks. Each location offers unique strategic opportunities, with some favoring close-quarter ambushes and others providing open areas for elaborate grappling hook maneuvers.
The game’s audio design complements the visuals perfectly. The clash of steel, the whoosh of the grappling hook, and the haunting cries of unseen creatures all contribute to the immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack is equally impressive, blending traditional Asian instruments with modern electronic beats to create a pulse-pounding soundscape that intensifies during battles.
Beyond the Battle: Replayability and Extras
While the core focus of NARAKA: BLADEPOINT is the 60-player battle royale mode, the developers haven’t neglected those who might crave a different experience. Here’s a look at what lies beyond the fight for survival:
- Practice and Training: New players can hone their skills in dedicated training arenas. These offer tutorials, combat challenges, and AI opponents to practice against before jumping into the live matches.
- Social Features: While not a full-fledged social hub, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT allows you to team up with friends and tackle the battle royale together. You can also spectate your friends’ matches and learn from their victories (or laugh at their defeats).
The Final Verdict: A Blade Worthy of Wielding?
Strengths:
- Unique and Thrilling Combat: NARAKA: BLADEPOINT delivers some of the most exhilarating melee combat in the battle royale genre. The grappling hook adds a fantastic layer of depth and mobility, while the emphasis on timing and parrying creates a high skill ceiling.
- Beautiful World Design: The game’s Asian-inspired environments are a visual treat, offering stunning landscapes and diverse locations for strategic battles.
- Free-to-Play Model: With a free-to-play model, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT offers a low barrier to entry for players to try out its unique brand of action.
Weaknesses:
- Steep Learning Curve: Mastering the combat system takes dedication and practice. New players might struggle against more experienced opponents.
- Monetization Concerns: While the core gameplay is free, the game utilizes microtransactions for cosmetic items. The potential for these to impact gameplay balance is a concern for some players.
- Server Issues (Depending on Region): While less prevalent than at launch, some players, particularly those outside of Asia, may experience occasional connection issues.
NARAKA: BLADEPOINT is a perfect fit for gamers who crave intense action and enjoy mastering complex combat systems. Fans of Asian aesthetics and unique battle royale experiences will also find a lot to love here.
NARAKA: BLADEPOINT offers a refreshing take on the battle royale genre. The focus on close-quarters combat and the innovative grappling hook mechanic create an exhilarating and skill-based experience. While the learning curve is steep, the free-to-play model allows players to jump in and see if they can master the blade. Just be prepared to face off against some fierce competition.
