Bleeding Edge - Preview of the stylish Ninja Theory online title

Among the most relevant software houses in the independent videogame market, Ninja Theory it was one of those who managed to stand out most positively. After his controversial DMC: Devil May Cry, its new IP Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice managed to conquer a large segment of users, and also a giant in the sector: Xbox. In fact, the development studio became part of the Xbox Game Studios, and had the opportunity - thanks to the funds guaranteed by the Redmond house - to resume one of his shelved projects. Let's talk about Bleeding Edge, an online title that sees a rather troubled development behind it.

After analyzing the reveal that took place on the occasion of theE3 2019, and having expressed our impressions in the following dedicated article, it was possible for us to get our hands on the title in question. A Closed beta proposal on Xbox Game Pass in fact, it gave all subscribers the opportunity to preview Bleeding Edge, in a version now close to the release scheduled for March 24. How did it go? Let's find out together in the following lines!

Really original?

After interfacing with the Bleeding Edge gameplay, it is natural to ask an important question: is it actually an original game, and not a boring more of the same? We could consider the title as a child born between Overwatch, League of Legends e Battlerite, but would it really be necessary? It is not difficult to realize in a few minutes how much Bleeding Edge is actually an extremely authorial project full of grit.

Let's talk about a Online Hack & Slash hybridized to the MOBA genre, and in some cases to that of third-person shooters, for a very marginal part. In effect, all hits that are inflicted on opponents in the 4vs4 clashes in fact, they have a complete auto-lock. The game does not want to lead the user to develop good aim as a classic shooter might, but rather want him to make the most of his skills and develop a team strategy. All this happens simply by leaving the concept of isometric view, proposed instead by the more classic League of Legends or Dota 2.

In fact, if we are comparing Bleeding Edge to other experiences it is to point out how much this is very distinct from the same - and instead wants to bring a extremely technical gameplay, easy-to learn and hard to master - which, even if inspired by other more famous works, has been designed from the ground up to be satisfying and fresh. However, if the project managed to impress us immediately there is a very specific reason, not particularly related to the issue of gameplay.

WHAT A STYLE!

Bleeding Edge features an impressive, striking and visually satisfying style. We tried the game in its PC version, and we can assure you that with maximum details this undoubtedly manages to captivate with its graphics. The scenarios and characters have the style of hand drawings, with a very particular color palette and the appearance really well studied by the developers, who have managed to completely change the canon compared to their previous works proposed on the market.

The game is set in an extraordinary fantasy universe that mixes cyberpunk with many other environments and where the protagonists have been modified to have improved performance and compete in arenas. We can do the same, because by leveling up the game will give us the possibility to change the basic statistics linked to each character and insert new gadgets to create customized builds suitable for the style of play and preferences of each user. The OST produced is also sensational, able to feed situations and give incredible satisfaction in the event of a victory, all accompanied by a dubbing which, however, is a little too absent.

The work is not done yet

Bleeding Edge has shown itself as undoubtedly and extremely solid in its themes and gameplay, but unfortunately it presents some uncertainties that must be absolutely reviewed. The amount of general content is still not enough, despite the budget price of 30 euros at which the game is offered and the arrival from day one in the Xbox Game Pass. More characters are needed, but they are as deep and inspired as those already present, more modes and more maps.

These are additions that will come by themselves in case Ninja Theory takes care of an excellent post-launch support for a work that undoubtedly deserves it. While the game was graphically superb, some technical uncertainties related to frame drops and some translations have made us turn up our noses, without unduly compromising the general experience. It will also be necessary to insert a classified mode to add some spice to the experience, and we repeat that a greater care for the dubbing could make the characters more incisive, which despite being original are already a bit too stereotyped.