Fragpunk

Fragpunk is a free to play 5v5 bomb planting hero shooter with a twist that’s actually unique. At the start of every round the two teams can use shards to unlock cards. These cards give your team advantages for that round such as bullets ricocheting, cutting off certain pathways, equipping a turtle on your back to stop bullets, or having the ability to revive teammates.

Really cool concept. Another interesting aspect is the sudden death dueling concept. The two teams set a lineup and do 1vs1’s on a small map until only one team is left standing. During my playtime I encountered this 3 times and all 3 times I wiped out the opposing team. I used the marksman rifle and the range and accuracy was too much for the other teams that mostly chose smgs and assault rifles. These moments were my favorite parts playing as there was a strategy to changing lanes and vantage points after each duel to make the next challenger guess what I’d do.

Unfortunately, the standard gameplay just isn’t enjoyable enough to have staying power. It feels basic and nothing about the gunplay sticks out to me. I felt similarly about Valorent, so I don’t think these style of games are for me. I usually have limited gaming time and modes like search and destroy just don’t appeal to me like they used to. I would also be annoyed when my teammates wouldn’t vote on cards and leave us with minuscule advantages throughout the rounds. The saving grace is that there is a deathmatch mode that’s much quicker pace and lets you choose your own personal cards.

The game has a store similar to Fortnite to buy gun and character skins. They have to make money and I respect it, but right now the featured character skins are all instrument playing anime girls. I guess that’s the vibe they’re going for.

Rating: 435/1000