A look at the latest eSports phenomenon for consoles – News AG

The gaming world experienced an exciting turn with the latest title from Riot Games, which said goodbye to the familiar scenery. Valorant, a popular eSports shooter for PC, has now made the step to the current consoles and brings a breath of fresh air to the genre. The game combines the precise shooting mechanics of Counter-Strike with the unique abilities of the characters we know from Overwatch. This mix is ​​exciting, but also raises the question of whether Valorant can stand out from the competition in the multitude of hero shooters.

At first glance at the weapons and dynamic abilities, you might think that it is no different from other shooters. However, the game's real strength lies in the strategic thinking of players. The need to constantly be alert, locate enemies and act tactically has always been a staple for all shooter enthusiasts. With Valorant's gameplay, however, the intuitive feel is challenged by new mechanics. Each match consists of two teams of five players each, who compete against each other in a strategic confrontation.

Tactical gameplay and game mechanics

A central component of Valorant is the purchase phase at the beginning of each round. Here the player weighs up the costs and benefits, for example between weaker weapons with special abilities or an expensive but powerful weapon. This decision has far-reaching consequences, as it determines whether the player has the upper hand in the next battle or gives up valuable material to the enemy. The combination of financial and combat aspects creates an exciting dynamic.

Also crucial to success in Valorant are the different character roles, each of which offers specific skills and strategies. Although names like Duelist, Sentinel and Controller may seem confusing at first, it quickly becomes apparent that they add structural depth to the gameplay. The ability to recognize your own strengths and those of your teammates in order to lead the team efficiently is crucial. Players must actively develop themselves to perfect their strategies and lead the team to victory.

The mechanics of the game have a special design. Unlike other shooters, here accuracy is promoted not only in aiming, but also by the decision to move or be attacked. This means that the player should stand still when shooting in order to have the best chance of making accurate hits. This nuance of gameplay, combined with the variety of character skills, ensures a high level of tactical thinking.

In addition to the game mechanics, the map design philosophy is of great importance. The maps are designed in such a way that the elevation changes and strategic points are all well worked out. Players must develop strategies to make the most of the map and use their characters' abilities at the right moment. The different elevations and sight lines of the maps, such as in Bind and Split, put strategic thinking to the test.

Despite the fundamentally solid mechanics, however, it is persistent that the personal style of many of the characters in the game is often neglected. While the game mechanics and graphics are kept in a no-nonsense and military style, the characters and environments could be designed a little more lively and uniquely. Often times, the designs of the game characters and the environments seem wrapped up in comparison to their role models.

But the biggest flaw remains the pricing model. Riot Games has established a monetary system that is quite high for a free-to-play title. Players are tricked into paying for visual customizations and seasonal battle passes, which can spoil the fun of the game. Despite the high cost of skins and in-game items, Valorant remains memorable due to its engaging gameplay dynamics and addictive nature. The player might be inclined to ignore these flaws as long as the game remains as it is.

Valorant therefore has the potential to appeal to both new players and veterans. Despite the obvious inspiration from other successful titles, Riot Games manages to deliver an engaging and captivating experience that confidently tackles the game's challenges. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of shooters, Valorant challenges and rewards anyone willing to get involved in the game.

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