First Descendant Shock Punch

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

27-12-2024

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First Descendant, Nexon's latest foray into the looter-shooter genre, has arrived, promising a blend of intense gunplay and RPG progression. But does it deliver on its ambitious promises, or does it fall flat on its face? Let's dive in.

A Familiar Formula, Polished to a Shine?

At its core, First Descendant operates on a formula familiar to fans of the genre. Players choose from a diverse roster of Descendants, each wielding unique abilities and weaponry. The core gameplay loop revolves around tackling missions, defeating enemies, collecting loot, and upgrading your character. While the mechanics aren't revolutionary, Nexon has clearly invested in making the experience feel polished and responsive. The gunplay is satisfying, boasting a good range of weapons and a tangible impact when landing shots.

The Good: Tight Gunplay and Visceral Combat

One area where First Descendant truly excels is its combat. The shooting mechanics feel tight and responsive, rewarding accuracy and skillful positioning. The various weapons, from assault rifles to shotguns, each possess a distinct feel and satisfying recoil, making combat engaging and varied. Boss encounters, in particular, demand strategic thinking and skillful execution, adding a layer of depth beyond simple button-mashing.

The Not-So-Good: Repetitive Missions and a Grindy Progression System

While the combat is undeniably fun, the overall mission structure feels somewhat repetitive. Many missions involve clearing out waves of enemies in similar environments, leading to a sense of predictability and a lack of variety. The progression system, while offering a considerable amount of customization, also leans heavily into the grind, requiring players to invest significant time to unlock and upgrade their gear.

Microtransactions and the Monetization Model

First Descendant employs a free-to-play model, incorporating a gacha system for obtaining new Descendants and weapons. While not overtly aggressive, the presence of microtransactions might deter some players, particularly those sensitive to these models. The game offers a fair amount of progression through gameplay, but the temptation to expedite the process through spending money is certainly there.

Overall Verdict: A Solid Entry, But Not a Game Changer

First Descendant offers a polished and enjoyable looter-shooter experience, boasting tight gunplay and a satisfying combat loop. However, repetitive missions and a grindy progression system coupled with the inherent nature of microtransactions might leave some players wanting more. It’s a solid entry into the genre, but it doesn't quite redefine it. Whether it's a "shock punch" or simply another contender in a crowded market depends entirely on individual expectations and tolerance for repetitive gameplay.