Mecha BREAK Ditches Armored Core’s Customization for Unique Striker Roles

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Mecha BREAK represents the latest installment in a series of mecha games that have been striving to capture the thrill of speed, raw power, and weaponry that has captivated fans for many years. Despite several exceptional titles within this genre over time, players seeking competitive mecha action have often found themselves lacking satisfactory options. By adopting a class-based hero shooter approach in its Strikers, Mecha BREAK successfully incorporates the most enjoyable elements from games like Marvel Rivals into a fast-paced, action-packed mecha game offering a diverse range of Striker playstyles.

Initially during development, Mecha BREAK had a similar mecha customization method as Armored Core, involving swapping parts. However, this approach proved effective for FromSoftware’s PvE mecha games but presented significant challenges when applied to a PvP environment.

With Deeper Customization, Mecha BREAK’s Strikers All Felt the Same

In the early developmental phases of Mecha BREAK, there was an initial plan to implement a modular structure for Strikers. Each Striker would have been made up of five sections, which could be equipped with various components. While this setup might seem like it offers extensive customization possibilities, Kwok explains that players typically favored only one or two powerful loadouts.

As a movie reviewer, I embarked on an ambitious project to create a universe where each mechanical warrior, or ‘mecha,’ was crafted with five interchangeable components, and each piece could be armed with up to three weapon systems. This setup promised a tantalizing level of customization for players before every battle. However, in the heat of design, I overlooked a crucial aspect – balance. With such an expansive array of options, each mecha was proficient in every scenario, be it at a distance, up close, or even as support units.

The issue lay not just in their versatility but also in its excess. When players could field six or seven unique mechas on the battlefield, they all functioned remarkably similarly. The sense of individuality that had initially drawn me to this concept was lost, replaced by sameness. The end result was a lack of uniqueness that left little room for personal expression or strategic depth.

In this scenario, everyone winds up with an identical set of 12 mechas, six per team. These mechas perform very similar tasks and tend to stay close together, leading to a lack of gameplay diversity. This closeness also results in a feeling of confinement and overcrowding. Moreover, due to the limited number of parts available, finding inspiration by the 10th or 11th round becomes challenging; it’s almost impossible to find new ideas by the 30th round, as creativity is being stifled.

Previously, Amazing Seasun Games faced a creative challenge: as more elements were added, it became progressively harder to generate fresh ideas for future updates. In a live multiplayer game that aims to keep players entertained with continuous new content, the team’s reservoir of creativity might soon run dry.

Specialized Roles in Mecha BREAK Encourage Unique Playstyles

Instead, Kwok opted to customize every mecha according to a particular function, which was crucial for the multiplayer mecha game given that its diverse array of unique Strikers is among its main attractions. Each fresh Striker concept sparked ideas for potential counter or compatible Strikers, resulting in a balanced team where each player experiences a unique gameplay style. Kwok further explained:

Rather than creating a one-size-fits-all approach, Kwok decided to design each mecha for a specific purpose. This move was significant for the multiplayer mecha game because its collection of distinctive Strikers is one of its standout features. Each new Striker idea led to thoughts about potential counter or matching Strikers, creating a well-balanced roster with every pilot having a unique playstyle. Kwok went on to detail:

At that juncture, I deliberately assigned roles to the mechas. For instance, Welkyn was designated as a charger during the last update. On paper, I wrote: “You must be a charger. You are the first one to charge into battle.” It’s not just about the statistics—defense and health bars—but also the unique abilities each mecha possesses. These skills significantly influence gameplay.

As an Aquila follower, I understand the need to establish both vertical and horizontal space. To excel as the aerial sniper, it’s crucial that Falcon remains close to a target to prevent interference with my sniping position. In essence, this role division helps us maintain spatial balance in our strategy, preventing team members from bunching together. By assigning distinct roles, we effectively create space within our operations.

In a striking contrast, the swift and combat-focused Falcon Striker stands in stark opposition to the transforming bunker, Tricera, in terms of mobility and attack power. Similarly, heavyweight melee fighters such as Welkyn are dramatically different from the agile, airborne sniper Aquila. Despite the enthusiasm among mecha enthusiasts for personalizing every detail of their colossal war machines, the hero shooter style adopted by Mecha BREAK could well be one of its most brilliant choices.

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2025-02-25 16:05