FragPunk Playtest Impressions – Style and Substance

In the realm of first-person shooters, innovation often comes in bursts, challenging the status quo with fresh mechanics and gripping gameplay. Enter FragPunk, a dynamic 5v5 hero-based shooter that puts players into a world where every move can shift the tides of battle. With a recent playtest under our belt, here’s why FragPunk is set to carve its own niche.

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Lancers, Weapons, and Shard Cards

At its core, FragPunk pits teams of five against each other, each player selecting from a growing roster of unique heroes known as Lancers. Each Lancer boasts three unique abilities and have a cooldown system to promote strategic use over spamming. From the offensive prowess of Nitro, wielding tactical drones and deployable turrets, to the stealth and precision of HollowPoint’s electromagnetic sniper rifle, every Lancer brings a distinct tactical edge to the battlefield.

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What truly sets FragPunk apart is its innovative Shard Card system. These power-up cards can dramatically alter the flow of combat, introducing buffs, debuffs, or entirely new abilities at critical moments. Imagine gaining unexpected health regeneration or flipping the script from attacker to defender mid-round — these cards inject a strategic unpredictability that keeps players on their toes, ensuring no two matches play out the same.

Movement in FragPunk is fluid and responsive, with an emphasis on speed and agility. Combat is fast and intense, demanding skillful precision and adaptability in every encounter. Players must stay sharp and adjust swiftly to evolving circumstances, making each moment a dynamic challenge. It’s worth noting that a low-spec PC or slow internet may hinder the ability to enjoy the game comfortably.

The combination hero abilities, weapon selections, and Shard Cards introduces strategic depth to gameplay. Players should evaluate their hero’s strengths and weaknesses, picking weapon choices to fit their playstyle, and strategically selecting Shard Cards for maximum impact in each round. This layered strategy fosters thoughtful planning and teamwork among players.

Game Modes and Microtransactions

For competitive play, FragPunk offers Shard Clash mode, a classic scenario where one team plants a bomb (known here as the Converter) on either side A or side B, while the opposing team must defuse it before time runs out. As previously mentioned, Shard Cards are guaranteed to appear at the start of each round. This means that even if you’ve faced setbacks in early rounds, the next round could potentially swing in your favor with a strategically advantageous Shard Card draw. These cards inject variability into gameplay, fostering diverse and unpredictable scenarios throughout the match.

For those looking to enjoy themselves or sharpen their hero skills, deathmatch mode is the perfect choice. It pits players against each other in continuous 5v5 battles with respawns after each death. The objective is straightforward: the first team to achieve 100 kills emerges victorious.

Similar to many live service games, FragPunk features microtransactions, utilizing a dual-currency system. Players earn one currency through gameplay, while they can acquire the other, premium currency, with real-world money. The pricing of cosmetic items, Battle Passes, and card packs varies, with premium currency often offering bundles and discounts for larger purchases.

In terms of hero and weapon skins, each item ranges in rarity from Common to Epic, with higher rarity items boasting more intricate designs and correspondingly higher prices.

Additionally, players have the option to purchase packs of Shard Cards, which offer various power-ups and gameplay enhancements. While players can earn these cards through gameplay progression, purchasing packs enables players to rapidly expand their collection. Initially, the game’s monetization model may lean towards pay-to-win (P2W), but even free-to-play (F2P) players can eventually acquire all cards through gameplay alone.

Visuals and Performance

FragPunk stands out with its visual presentation, immersing players in a gritty, dystopian world that is both captivating and visually impactful. The art design draws inspiration from punk culture, showcasing vibrant graffiti, neon signs, and an atmosphere of urban decay. Each hero in FragPunk is visually distinct and appealing, reflecting their individual aesthetic that aligns with their abilities and roles within the game. Overall, the game’s design to be highly impressive.

FragPunk performs smoothly on mid to high-range PCs, with scalable settings that maintain good performance across different hardware setups. The PC used during this FragPunk playtest had a Ryzen 5 3600 and Radeon RX 6800 which achieved a consistent 144 FPS. However, there is room for improvement in optimization. During intense scenarios with multiple enemies and skills flying across the screen, FPS drops occur, which feels suboptimal for a highly competitive game like FragPunk.

Verdict

FragPunk promises to be a thrilling addition to the hero shooter genre. While it’s a genre we’re all familiar with, the game distinguishes itself with unique mechanics, strategic depth, and dynamic gameplay that will elevate it as a standout title to keep an eye on. Personally, I also find its vibrant and edgy design perfectly suited to its competitive nature.

However, there are areas that could be improved, particularly regarding microtransactions; the Shard Cards system feels a bit P2W. Additionally, optimizing performance is crucial for competitive play. Despite these considerations, FragPunk shows immense potential to become a favorite among competitive FPS enthusiasts. Updates on the game can be found on their official social media page. For more gaming reviews, check here.