KIBORG: Arena offers players a throwback experience that is both nostalgic and refreshing. The game serves as a free prologue to the upcoming cyberpunk puncher KIBORG, giving players a taste of what to expect in the full release. The titular arena provides a large room where players, embodying a large man, must take on waves of enemies. The gameplay mechanic of having to punch a gong between waves adds a nice touch to the overall experience, hinting that every problem in KIBORG can be solved by swift and decisive action. While the game draws inspiration from titles like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor, it also exudes a sense of classic 2000’s action game vibes.
A Familiar Combat System
One of the notable aspects of KIBORG: Arena is its rhythm combat system, reminiscent of the cape-em-up games popularized by Batman: Arkham Asylum. Players must engage in timed and telegraphed parrying, with opportunities to execute melee combos during breaks in the action. The game also incorporates elements of Escape From Butcher Bay, particularly in its “large bald man leads a prison planet resistance effort” setup. These influences come together to create a cohesive and engaging combat experience that harkens back to the golden age of action games.
While KIBORG: Arena gets many things right, there are areas where it falls short of perfection. The combat, while chunky and satisfying, lacks the fluidity of games like Batman: Arkham Asylum and Shadow Of Mordor. Enemies do not attack as frequently, leading to moments of downtime in between engagements. Additionally, the presence of ranged enemies disrupts the flow of combat, forcing players to adjust their strategy on the fly. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game offers a diverse range of weaponry, each with unique movesets, and an extensive upgrade tree to keep players engaged.
An Engaging Experience
One of the standout features of KIBORG: Arena is its upgrade system and scoring mechanics, which add depth and replay value to the gameplay. Players can customize their character with various upgrades and weapons, such as dual bats and a shovel, each offering different playstyles and strategies. The addition of dash augments for heavy and light attacks adds a dynamic element to the combat, allowing for swift and agile movements across the arena. While the game may not be perfect, its free-to-play nature makes it worth a try for fans of action-packed combat games.
Overall, KIBORG: Arena is a solid entry into the world of third-person action games, showcasing the potential of Moscow-based Sobaka Studio. While the game may not reach the heights of classic titles from the past, it offers a fun and nostalgic experience for players looking to unleash their inner cyberpunk warrior. With its blend of old-school charm and modern gameplay mechanics, KIBORG: Arena is a promising prologue to the full release of KIBORG. Dive into the arena, press some buttons, and let the cyberpunk mayhem unfold before you.
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