Apex Legends™ Review - The Good, the Bad, and the Shooty
An analytical deep-dive into the free-for-all frenzy of Apex Legends™ as it stands today.
last updated Dec 09, 2023
It's got that 'hard to learn, harder to master' charm that could either forge you into a champion or grind you into dust.
Jump, Slide, Repeat - The Gameplay Loop
Apex Legends™ isn't just a Battle Royale game; it's a high-octane, sweat-inducing, adrenaline-pumping action festival with a pinch of strategic seasoning. With a roster of legends that's grown more diverse than a hipster's vinyl collection, players have plenty of unique abilities to master. The gunplay is tighter than my jeans after Thanksgiving dinner, demanding precision and rewarding skill. Yet, in the heat of the battle, it sometimes feels like you need a degree in chaos management, especially when you're being sixth-partied by what seems like the rest of the server. Despite that, the core gameplay truly shines when you miraculously coordinate with your squadmates, pulling off those sweet, sweet victories.
Whispers and Bangs - The Audio Experience
The soundscapes of Apex Legends™ are a mixed bag. When they work, they're like an award-winning orchestra playing in your ears, perfectly cuing you into the action with rich gunshot reverberations and audio cues that are spot-on. Then there are the times when audio bugs crawl into the mix, and you're left feeling like a protagonist in a silent film—utterly clueless as to where those enemy footsteps are coming from. Pushing these issues aside, the voice acting remains top-notch, with each legend's personality shining through in quips that can range from humorous to inadvertently haunting, depending on how your last match went.
A Visual Spectacle - Graphics and Performance
The visual fidelity of Apex Legends™ could best be described as 'functionally beautiful.' It's not attempting to push the envelope of graphical prowess but instead opts for a stylish and distinct art direction that ensures you can spot a Wraith main crouch-spamming from a mile away. Performance-wise, the game is smoother than your best pickup line, at least when the servers decide to play nice. Speaking of which, server stability is the gangly teenager at prom, awkward and unpredictable. Sure, the latest updates make the experience more stable than before, but when lag spikes hit, they hit harder than my disappointment in that one squadmate who disconnects after getting downed.
The Monetization Conundrum
Now, let's talk about the T-Rex in the room: monetization. Apex Legends™ may be free-to-play, but it flirts with your wallet like it's trying to score a date. The in-game store is like a high-end boutique where everything is shiny and screams 'Buy me!' While it's all optional, the temptation to splash some cash on the latest skins or Battle Pass can be like resisting a second slice of cake. Just remember, looking like a million bucks won't necessarily help you when you're missing your shots and getting mopped by pre-teens who've mastered the art of strafing.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Respawn Entertainment
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release Date
November 04, 2020
The Verdict - Apex or Apex't?
In the swirling vortex of bullets that is Apex Legends™, the game has established itself as a titan among Battle Royales. It's got that 'hard to learn, harder to master' charm that could either forge you into a champion or grind you into dust, depending on your pain tolerance for fast-paced firefights and the occasional server tantrum. Despite its issues, Apex Legends™ is still an exhilarating ride for those who appreciate nuanced teamwork and frantic combat. Whether you're a Battle Royale buff, a tactical team player, or just someone who likes to say 'pew pew' a lot, this game's got something for you.
