Recent reviews by InPotatoWeThrust

Why everyone keep telling it's an Overwatch ripoff?
When this game is the first of its kind.
JK, don't have money for Overwatch.
Go try it :)

EDIT: I haven't touch the game in a long time since the announcement that AErena will go F2P. Still installed in my PC, gave it a go and here is what I thought. Original review will still remain (cross reference it I recommend) unless character restrictions will limit my new review. New review according to my first day of gameplay since the free-to-play release.

The core game still is a very solid turn-based game. The developers are really good with customer relations, as they listened to the community's many pressing issues. They added game option sliders for music, the game tutorial is really on point and user friendly, continued to add more content and many more things. Graphical elements of the game were worked on and was fairly surprised with the new animations. Ladder matches are really rewarding and should motivate people to climb up because the prizes are really worth it (A chance to win 1 of 2 AErena Ipads, I was like WOW).

What got me worried was the business model they chose. The free-to-play scheme they use was similar to League of Legends. I haven't played LoL personally, but I have friends tell me where LoL gets funding from. Here in AErena, you have 3 starter champions + enough money to buy another one from the beginning. In Alpha phase, the game rewards you a shell (a ship power introduced in the tutorial) in every victory. Shell rewards after games aren't present anymore, you have to buy packs using the in game currency shillings to remain competitive in the ladder. Though there are free shells every two hours, it is rather lacking because of small quantities. This change slightly hampers your ability to progress in the game, mixing up between buying champions, shells (should be your priority IMO) and ships (least of your worries, the default one is good). I believe the upcoming missions and the current achievements will get you necessary shillings to progress, but don't be surprised if you meet an opponent with a better champ roster and better tactical shells. You should really push through and enjoy the game, win or lose.

***You have an option to progress the game without spending a dime, but it will be a long grind.***

The game is really a blissful journey. Every game is different because every opponent thinks differently. The business scheme chosen by AErena is good, maybe I was just spoiled by Path of Exile and DoTA 2 and is really a personal problem of mine (being cheapskate). Would still recommend it because the developers deserve it, quite the solid game to every degree of players.

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AErena is a fun turn-based strategic game. The world of AEtherpunk revolves around the use of champions and their unique abilities to utilize a grid based map. Users take turns to bring their opponent's ship to a zilch. Careful planning, awareness and adaptation to opponent moves are needed to win the game. While the game is still in Alpha, it is still a rather engaging game of minds.

With that said, the game is still lacking some meat. Things like video and audio options (no sliders to adjust settings), single player mode, a clear and concise tutorial and other things. Very forgivable because the developers are very active and listens to every suggestion. I can't stress enough how down to earth the developers are.

The core foundation of the game is set, little things are only needed to release a very promising game.
See you in the field folks!

Buyer beware!

This is one horrible game. I can't begin to describe how clunky and defunct this game is.
I tried giving this game a go around, but I can't really stomach it. Graphics looks like a game from the early 90's, control feels clunky, environment gives me nausea and gameplay is really lacking. Unpolished game and would not recommend it.


Good thing I only won this game in SteamGifts.

Let me start by saying that Path of Exile is the most complex ARPG of recent times. The guys from Grinding Gear Games created a well-thought game that caters to both casual and hardcore players. A careful planning and theory crafting is needed to create a character that utilizes a chosen skill, equipment, skill nodes or a mix of all things. The game boast a massive skill tree which are interconnected to all characters. Skills here are gems that are aligned to Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence or a mix of two. You put these gems to equipment sockets to use them along with other support gems. Equipment in the game has the typical rarity tiers; which you can loot, trade or craft to cater your specific needs.

Unlike other ARPG games, Path of Exile currency revolves around orbs. These orbs can be used to craft equipment and if one desires, trade it to other players for other items in the game. Oh and by the way, an Auction House is not present in this game. Players who choose to trade will have to interact with other players via the trade channel or the official forums.

Playing through acts in the game is very fluid. May get repetitive if new to the genre. The latency issues is also a con. But the game really evolves around the end game, which is a map system. Maps are content that you can control by the use of crafting orbs. You craft them according to how confident you can handle mods. Mods range difficulty from easy ones like added monster resistances, to difficult ones like permanent curses to you.

Tired of ordinary content? Path of Exile has racing events where your skills are tested to get past content in a specific time. These races awards you with points to get Alternate Art equipment. And soon, a PVP system will be integrated.

The game still needs more polishing of end content, a possible fix to desync, investment in game lore (maybe just me, concept of game is still destroy monsters) and alternate contents (like pvp, etc). I know that soon, it will all be addressed.

My parting words are:
Free to play with a microtransaction scheme (no pay to win, just pay to be fabulous in game), great support group in place and passionate game developers who listen to their playerbase? Yes please!

Highly recommended, try it.