Title: Killsquad
Available on: PC
Publisher: Novarama
Developer: Novarama
Genre: Action, Early Access
Official Site: Killsquad
Release Date: July 16th, 2019
Where to Buy: Steam – $24.99
Steam has been one of the first app browsers to enable “Early Access” – a way for players to play the games they want earlier and, usually, cheaper. Although, some people nowadays may look at this as a plague on Steam. Developers may put half-finished games, make a whole lot of money, and end up not updating the title to completion. This does happen more than you think but throughout all the clutter and lies there are some games that see a light. Killsquad might just be one of those early access games.
Bang, Slash, Fire, and loot. Killsquad is not only an A-RPG about killing and looting. It is more about teaming up with friends or random players and taking contracts to gain upgraded gear. This type of game mechanic alone had me hooked. Killsquad doesn’t have a concrete main story. So if you wanted a game that had an offline feature you’re not gonna find one here.
There are four characters to choose from the roster. Cass, a sword-slinging caster with speed and agility as her primary power. Kosmo, the one I refer to as “Jason X” character with a two-handed ax and a plasma shield he’s considered the main tank of the group. Troy The Gunslinger, a cloning assassin who’s quick shooting skills present as the high DPS of the party. Finally, Zero, The Sawbones who acted as the combat medic. This guy has to be the most important character of the bunch because he has the ability to heal. Health packs do drop from mobs killed but the likelihood of constantly getting healed by chance can be rare.
After a hero has been chosen a contract can be activated. There are three different sections to select each with a set vector level to achieve. Vectors are determined by the character’s gear score. The higher the gear level the greater the overall score would be totaled. Gear can be upgraded through the completion of contracts. Credits from contracts can be obtained in-game and once the level has been successfully dealt with. That currency can be used for the shop where the upgraded weapons and gear for certain heroes. Also, a second tab involving purchasable legendary items and are quite expensive but well worth the effort. Before heading to combat, I will say finding a game at a low level had been particularly hard.
The combat in Killsquad has some recognition toward titles such as Diablo or even the same effect as some MOBA games like Heroes of the Storm. Each hero has his own five-set abilities. My main was Cass so the abilities were: basic attack, Phase Thruster, Teleport Shuriken, and Phase Shift. All of these powers were accessible except for the ultimate attack which was available at level 6. Progression through levels allowed for better stats and a chance to enhance their abilities. An example would be Teleport Shuriken can be upgraded to Shuriken Ricochet – the throwing blade can bounce to one other enemy. The highest level was 10 and would reset after every contract.
The mobs are pretty basic at the start but as the player would progress through vector levels certain enemies would have more enhanced moves. One, in particular, was a contract to protect a satellite dish and the as it was being protected exploding worms were coming out of the martian rock caverns. They hurt and could do mass AOE damage to anyone close by and boss fights feel like real scary, stress-induced fights. There was a strategy toward the battles ensued. I actually would have a slight panic attack and be scared for my characters life.
Graphically, Killsquad has already enough vibrant effects to please anyone who enjoys high quality, fully render video. The nice thing about it was how easy the game was to optimize. So for people who don’t have the best computer in the world Killsquad can still play – though it won’t look the best.
Killsquad has the potential to be something great. An early access game will always have the persona to be something of its own. The developer constant updates and completion would have to reflect on the positive outcome of what this title will become.
Verdict: With four characters to select, unique abilities, multiple contracts, and tons of gear, Killsquad is a notable title you should try out for yourself today!
