Highguard: A Siege of Performance and Patience
When your frame rate is the real boss fight
Launch Day Larry
Highguard has stormed onto the gaming scene with a blend of mechanics that promises to be as thrilling as a dragon’s breath. But does it deliver a fiery experience or just a puff of smoke? Let’s dive into the trenches and find out.
Gameplay: A Mixed Arsenal of Fun and Frustration
Highguard’s gameplay is like a buffet of gaming genres, offering a little something for everyone. The transition between neutral, attack, and defense modes is a novel concept that adds a strategic layer to the chaos. The gunplay is tight and satisfying, making every shot feel impactful, and the mounted controls are as smooth as a well-oiled machine. However, the climbing mechanics could use a shot of adrenaline to speed things up.
While the game offers a unique blend of shooter mechanics, it doesn’t quite reinvent the wheel. The complexity of combining elements from battle royale, MOBA, and hero shooters can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. The entry point is about as user-friendly as a porcupine in a petting zoo, leaving even seasoned players scratching their heads.
Performance issues are the real villain here, with frame rates dropping faster than a loot box in a free-to-play game. Even high-end PCs struggle to maintain stability, which is a significant drawback for a game that doesn’t push graphical boundaries. The lack of basic settings like disabling mouse acceleration and motion blur is a common gripe, making the experience feel like a console-first shooter lazily ported to PC.
Graphics: A Beautiful Disaster
Highguard’s graphics are a tale of two cities. On one hand, the aesthetic and animation work are commendable, offering a glimpse of what could be a visually stunning game. On the other hand, the performance issues are as glaring as a neon sign in a blackout. Players report low and inconsistent frame rates, with visuals that are blurrier than a Bigfoot sighting.
The game’s map design and visual style are criticized for being bland and uninspired, reminiscent of games from a decade ago. The limited graphical settings and lack of DLSS functionality further hamper the experience, leaving players unable to optimize performance or clarity. It’s like trying to watch a 4K movie on a VHS player—frustrating and outdated.
Story: A Narrative in Need of a Hero
If Highguard’s story were a book, it would be the kind you use to prop up a wobbly table. The narrative is as flat as a pancake, with characters that are as memorable as yesterday’s breakfast. The magical fantasy world has potential, but the execution is as coherent as a toddler’s finger painting.
The story elements feel like a random collection of ideas thrown together without a cohesive thread. Characters lack depth and personality, with voice acting that could put a caffeine addict to sleep. The narrative is so disjointed that it feels like it was generated by an AI with a penchant for chaos.
Final Verdict
Highguard is a game with potential, offering innovative gameplay and satisfying gunplay. However, it is marred by significant performance issues, a lack of accessibility, and a story that fails to engage. The game requires further optimization and narrative development to fully realize its capabilities. For now, it’s a siege of patience for players hoping for a smoother experience.
Score: 5/10