Battleborn (PS4)

Status:

• Complete in Box
• Play Tested

Battleborn (PS4) Review

Genre: First-Person Shooter / MOBA Hybrid
Developer: Gearbox Software
Publisher: 2K Games
Release Date: May 3, 2016

Overview:
"Battleborn" is an ambitious hybrid of first-person shooting and MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) mechanics. Developed by Gearbox Software, the creators of Borderlands, the game combines quirky humor, a vibrant cast of characters, and team-based gameplay. While it aimed to carve a unique niche in the competitive multiplayer market, its release was overshadowed by the juggernaut Overwatch, which launched just a few weeks later.

Pros

1. Diverse and Unique Characters:

   • Features 30 playable heroes, each with distinct playstyles, abilities, and personalities. From sword-wielding melee fighters to snipers and spellcasters, theres a character for every playstyle.
   • The colorful designs and quirky humor are reminiscent of Borderlands.

2. Blend of FPS and MOBA Mechanics:

   • Matches mix fast-paced shooting with MOBA-inspired objectives, like lane pushing and base defense.
   • The progression system allows players to level up characters mid-match, choosing between branching skill upgrades on the Helix tree.

3. Story Campaign:

   • Includes a cooperative story mode that can be played solo or with up to four players. The missions offer humorous dialogue and chaotic battles against waves of enemies and bosses.

4. Varied Game Modes:

   • Multiplayer includes several modes like Incursion, where players defend bases while escorting minions, and Meltdown, which focuses on guiding minions to score points.
   • Each mode offers a unique twist on traditional FPS gameplay.

5. Visual Style and Humor:

   • The games colorful, cel-shaded graphics stand out, and the writing includes Gearboxs signature mix of wit and absurdity.

6. Replayability:

   • A robust progression system allows players to unlock new characters, skins, taunts, and gear.

Cons

1. Crowded and Confusing Design:

   • The UI and overall design feel overly busy, making it difficult to track objectives, enemy positions, and other important information during chaotic battles.

2. Steep Learning Curve:

   • The combination of FPS and MOBA mechanics can be overwhelming for newcomers. Players unfamiliar with MOBAs may struggle to understand the objectives and teamwork required.

3. Mediocre Story Campaign:

   • While humorous, the story campaign lacks depth and variety, feeling more like an extended tutorial than a full-fledged narrative experience.

4. Balance Issues:

   • Some characters feel overpowered, leading to frustration in competitive matches. The gear system, which provides stat boosts, can give veteran players an unfair advantage over newcomers.

5. Performance and Technical Hiccups:

   • On PS4, the game sometimes suffers from frame rate drops and long loading times, detracting from the overall experience.

6. Overshadowed by Overwatch:

   • Released around the same time as Overwatch, Battleborn struggled to find a dedicated player base, and its servers were eventually shut down in January 2021.

Verdict

"Battleborn" was a bold attempt to combine FPS gameplay with MOBA elements, and while it offered a lot of creativity and variety, it struggled to execute its ideas cohesively. The crowded design, steep learning curve, and poor timing of its release led to its downfall. For players who managed to dive in during its active period, the game provided moments of fun and humor, but it ultimately couldnt sustain a lasting legacy.

Score:

• MOBA Enthusiasts: 6.5/10
• FPS Fans: 6/10
• Casual Players: 5/10

Unfortunately, with its servers now offline, Battleborn remains a relic of an ambitious but ultimately flawed experiment.