Fragpunk, a novel free-to-play shooter crafted by NetEase, introduces a distinctive twist to the realm of Valorant. It is set to unveil its prowess on Xbox consoles and the PC.
The declaration was made during today’s Xbox Game Showcase, where Microsoft unraveled an array of fresh titles destined for Xbox consoles. Fragpunk took center stage among the games featured, capturing the spotlight as one of the most unexpected reveals. Hailing from NetEase, the same publisher behind the forthcoming Marvel Rivals, Moyens I/O has seized additional details on the game through an immersive hands-on gameplay session in advance of its grand debut.
At first glance, Fragpunk shares many resemblances with Valorant. A team-based hero shooter, where rival teams vie for control over strategic zones. The defenders must thwart the opponents’ aggressions to plant a bomb in the zones. In addition to conventional shooting mechanisms, an assorted ensemble of characters boasting unique abilities governed by cooldowns grace the game.
However, the narrative takes an intriguing turn with its card system. At the dawn of every round, each faction draws three cards that harbor the power to be activated, setting special rules for the ensuing gameplay. For instance, one group may invoke a card furnishing their bullets with life-stealing capabilities, permitting them to siphon health from adversaries.
The effects of these cards can escalate to realms of sheer audacity. In a particular round I partook in, the ground transmuted into ice, facilitating prolonged slides by my team. The opposition, on the other hand, invoked a card that metamorphosed them into zombies upon demise, necessitating my team to vanquish them once more. Another curious effect observed was the enlargement of the enemies’ craniums, rendering them easy targets for gunfire. This premise may strike chords with those acquainted with the indie shooter from 2023, Friends vs. Friends, which shared a similar premise.
From my preliminary encounters, Fragpunk exudes the aura of an inventive evolution of a validated concept. The gunplay exudes precision, characterized by high-impact weaponry, and the card system bestows a touch of novelty to every round. It strikes a harmonious balance between competitive play and arcade-style multiplayer, offering a more inviting alternative to the intimidating aura of Valorant.
The developers affirm plans to embed some variant of a battle pass framework into the release, with fresh characters slated for unveiling within this construct. Additionally, the game is poised to welcome new cards over time.
Fragpunk is currently under construction for Xbox and PC, with its slated launch earmarked for 2025.
