Video gaming used to be a simple matter of visiting Best Buy (online or in store), selecting the game you want to buy based on the platform you use (Xbox One, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo), and enjoying it once you have it in your home. However, the most popular games recently are battle royale games that work a little differently: you play for free!
The battle royale genre is one of the fastest growing trends in gaming. Without a doubt the most talked about, played, and the most popular game in this genre is Fortnite. It appeared that no other game could ever come close to the success it was seeing.
Then, out of nowhere, EA stealth released Apex Legends this past February for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. A serious contender to Fortnite’s battle royale crown, Apex Legends reached 2.5 million unique players within its first 24 hours of release. By the end of Apex Legends’ first month of release, it reached over 50 million players.
So, what makes Apex Legends stand out from other games such as PUBG and Fortnite? Let’s take a look to see what all the hype is about.
Apex Legends Details
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Developer: Respawn Entertainment
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Battle royale
Mode: Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Strategic squad based gameplay
One of the biggest differences between Apex Legends and other games in the battle royale genre is that its gameplay is squad based. That means that there is no solo mode, you have to team up with two other players. There is a total of 20 teams per match and the goal is to be the last squad standing.
Since gameplay is centred around working together as a team, Apex Legends includes a wealth of options for you to communicate—even without a need for a microphone. Important information such as rally points, weapon and enemy locations can be shared with your team with a simple press of a button.
Play as one of eight Legends with unique abilities
Another unique characteristic about Apex Legends is that it allows you to play as one of eight Legends (characters)—each with their own unique abilities and characteristics. For example, Bloodhound has the ability to temporarily reveal the location of hidden enemies. Furthermore, Pathfinder can create a zipline for your entire team to use to get out of sticky situations.
And, when you or one of your teammates dies, they can respawn. Once you are taken out you drop your loot and also a banner. It’s this banner that gives you the opportunity to respawn in the game. If your teammates can take the banner to any of the Spawn Beacons on the map in a certain time, you can rejoin the fight.
Microtransactions and in-game currency
First and foremost, it is important to know that Apex Legends does not offer any items that give gameplay advantages. This means that all of the game’s items are cosmetic based only. There is a total of three different types of currencies in Apex Legends: Apex Coins, Crafting Metals, and Legend Tokens.
Apex Coins are purchased with real-world money and are used to buy Apex Packs (loot boxes), unlock Legends, or purchase specific cosmetics. Additionally, Apex Packs are earned when your character reaches a new level. Crafting Metals are found in Apex Packs and are used to craft things such as character and weapon skins. Finally, Legend Tokens are earned by playing matches and leveling up. You can use these tokens to unlock new Legends and certain cosmetic items.
Seasons and Battle Pass
Much like other games in the Battle royale genre, Apex Legends features unique Seasons and Battle Passes that rewards you with exclusive cosmetic items. Each Season lasts approximately three months and the Battle Passes offer 100 different rewards to earn.
With each season you can expect new Legends to unlock, brand new weapons, themed loot and whole lot more.
Apex Legends has all the ingredients to be a raging success
As you can see Apex Legends is off to a great start and gives you an experience unlike any other game. And, if you are wondering, even though Apex Legends is set in the Titanfall universe, it plays completely different.
I’m excited to see where Respawn and EA take Apex Legends and how gamers will respond. Have you tried Apex Legends? If so, who is your favourite Legend to play as? Let me know in the comments section below.
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I like when companies use micro transactions for cosmetic items only. That way I feel no pressure to purchase any of them. When micro transactions help people do better in the game it feels like the companies are trying to force people to spend more money on a game if they want to win. That just seems unfair to me.
Apex Legends looks like an interesting game. Perhaps I’ll give it a try.
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