The Extraction Shooter genre continues to grow in popularity with the likes ofDelta ForceandGray Zone Warfare. The idea of working as a team with varying factors, including AI and real-life opponents as players loot gear with the risk of losing everything, is clearly gaining momentum in the industry. These two titles are military titles, but developer Amazing Seasun Games has been working on a title with this same Extraction element, along with other game modes, but this game features Mechs.Mecha BREAKbrings a different type of warfare into the popular Extraction genre. We were able to try this game and its modes out at a recent preview event hosted by the developer.
What is Mecha BREAK and Who is it For?
Fans of the Gundam series or those of you looking for some sort of multiplayer component for Armored Core may want to check outMecha BREAK, the F2P Mech Combat game that is available on Steam and is coming to Xbox in the future.Mecha BREAKis the lifelong vision of Kris Kwok, the creator of the game, as he grew up loving the vintage Japanese mech genre.Mecha BREAKeven has its own narrative that was crafted by Kwok, albeit it is a multiplayer game with the option to play against AI.
Mecha BREAKis the lifelong vision of Kris Kwok, the creator of the game, as he grew up loving the vintage Japanese mech genre.
Mechs are known as Strikers inMecha BREAKand there’s an infection spreading known as Corite.Corite is a form of crystallization that takes over Striker’s minds, much like a form of mind control. The opening of the narrative can be experienced during the early training portion of the game as it mainly helps to establish the world you are playing in. It’s almost horror in its tone and is a cool concept, but the game will not have a single player story campaign.
Mecha BREAKwill offer thirteen different Strikers at launch that offer a variety of uses. Melee, ranged and defense classes are required to work best as a team and this is pivotal to victory. The game is designed with teamwork in mind and the demo will launch with three different modes. Ace Arena is a 3v3 deathmatch mode while Operation Verge is a 6v6 with more operations-based objectives that require working as a team. These can be taking over points on the map or guiding an object across of the map.
The big standout is Mashmak, which is the PvPvE extraction mode.This map is large with elevation changes and it works well with the four-dimensional controls of the Strikers since air combat and maneuvering are the core metrics of the gameplay. Taking down NPC bots who protect bases will provide a wide variety of loot including different tier loot boxes, blueprints for weapons, cosmetics for both the pilot and the Striker and more.
Airdrops can be called in to bring in weapons, setup repair stations or bring back downed teammates. A major aspect about theExtractionMode is the Corite Storms that are produced. These are generated over time and are spread out rather than just closing in on the center of the map. There are beacons that create these storms that need to be destroyed around the map. The option to extract from different locations are all on a timer and go one by one. They can also disappear. This mode truly does require a team effort to make sure leaving with your loot actually happens.
A major aspect about theExtractionMode is the Corite Storms that are produced. These are generated over time and are spread out rather than just closing in on the center of the map.
An Absurd Amount of Customization, Plus Body Physics
Away from the battle, you will be introduced to the Hangar. This is a live and interactive hub to meet other pilots and join up with missions. The Hangar can be moved around with your pilot to check out different areas.Pilots are customizable female characters that will have an emphasis put on body physics and this aspect isn’t held back on.Generally, any cutscene with your pilot includes some sort of focus on the body physics to the point where it’s comical.
Customizing the pilot offers a ton of details as Kris Kwok wanted to include some aspects and multi-colored, individual hair strands and various makeup packages. The amount of details into customization will be deep inMecha BREAK, and this carries over to the Strikers for an even deeper component. A lot of cosmetics and paints can be unlocked within gameplay and also extracted on Mashmak.
Generally, any cut scene with your pilot includes some sort of focus on the body physics to the point where it’s comical.
Thirteen Strikers will offer different tactical roles and can be unlocked with in-game currency or purchased with actual currency. These can be trialed to see what works best for the individual. Mods can be unlocked and added to further add more to each Striker, and the amount of color customization options is deep. There are four color palettes that are included for each one as default and the visual designs are fantastic.
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There will be a physical action figure for Falcon coming from moshowtoys and it will be available in the United States.The Striker information for the beta is available below. The beta is now available on Steam and can be downloadedhere. It has also been confirmed that more seasons of the game are in the work with more customization options coming with updates.
Striker Information for Mecha BREAK
PGI-X30G1 ALYSNES - A medium attacker that seamlessly switches between [Energy Autocannon] and [Battle Halberd] for medium- and close-range combat. It features armor purge, discarding damaged armor and re-equipping via an airdrop pod.
Mecha BREAK Gameplay Impressions
In speaking with Kris Kwok, CEO of Amazing Seasun Game and Executive Producer onMecha BREAK, he confirmed that this game runs on the Unity Engine, but all rendering aspects were done in-house. The game offers a seamlessly smooth experience while being fast-paced. The game did require the adjustment of focus to figure out ammo and weapon situations for the Strikers. The UI is translucent, but F2 can be hit to see what special weapons are available. Players will need to find their niche if they prefer in-your-face melee combat, something defensive or something with attack distance.
Kwok recommends new players start with the likes of Panther or Falcon for a more balanced approach.Welkin appeared to have the most success with online gameplay with others at the event which included Kwok. Welkin is a heavy brawler that provides defense while delivering heavy blows with a battleaxe. Aquila, the heavy sniper, ended up being what worked best on personal preference.
The Mashmak battles were engaging and fun and working with teams of three against the AI slowly build up to scrambling for extraction at the end. Having to keep track of what storms were populating, attempting to loot and not get taken out by NPCs or other players creates a very heightened arena. You won’t get sniped and wonder what happened. Strikers take a good bit of damage on any mode.
Teamwork was especially key in the 6v6 Operation Verge.The opposing team always managed to have about four players on one as they spread out the their Striker disciplines. Rushing in to take zones worked to a degree, but playing against a team with heavy defense and snipers made this difficult. There are five maps available with different objectives in this mode. Ace Arena, which is 3v3, offers four arenas and will require a player level 16 to get access. Training will play a pivotal role in learning each of the 13 Strikers.
How to get Access to Mecha BREAK
Mecha BREAKis on Steam currently and can be downloaded for free now. The open beta began on February 23, but it was mentioned that a Play Test was originally conducted right around the launch of Marvel RIVALS and a similar player count was seen on this game. Currently, the game has close to 200K followers on Steam so there’s a community itching to play this. The game will be available on Xbox at some point in the near future with the hopes of it coming to multiple platforms. The demo has already peaked at over 300K concurrent players on Steam.
For more on Mecha BREAK, be sure toread our interviewwith the CEO of Amazing Seasun Games.
