Summary
The ongoing 2024 Tokyo Game Show had more to reveal about NetEase Games' upcoming hero shooterFragPunk, including the game’s next closed beta test schedule. TheFragPunktrailer also dropped info about new playable Shard Cards coming to the test, as well as two more playable characters.
Despite some fatigue in the gaming audience over the seeming glut of new hero shooters entering the market,FragPunkappears to be gathering some attention for its innovative card game-based mechanics. On top of the unique gimmicks each playable “Lancer” character can wield,FragPunkShard Card abilitiesallow for a level of variety and randomness that might trump other games in the same genre. Some card powers range from relatively prosaic enhancements like incendiary ammunition to cards that can change the layout of the level, flipping areas over to deny enemies a terrain advantage. The system could help setFragPunkapart from its competition.
FragPunk Closed Beta Trailer Details New Cards, Sonar and Spider Playable Heroes
TheFragPunkclosed beta trailer outlined a few new cards that underscore the strategic nature of the Shard Card system. Some cards can be countered by others, such as when the flashbang-like Flashlight card’s screen-blanking effect is countered by the Safety Glasses card, which greatly reduces the effect and duration of such flash effects. Another card, Blade Master, can block bullets coming from the front, and in combination with the Turtleback card can offer nearly impenetrable defense from both front and back attacks.
The trailer also detailed two new playable Lancers: Sonar and Spider. With a marine animal-inspired design that also happens to make her look a bit like aWorld of WarcraftDraenei, Sonar can locate enemies and conceal her teammates by masking their movement noise. Spider seems to have the ability to warp himself or other players, giving him the ability to set up deadly traps and ambushes.
Despite its innovative mechanics and distinctive visual identity,FragPunkmay have an uphill battle to gain attention against competitors saturating thehero shooter market of 2024. This year, players are practically swamped with high-quality hero shooters ranging from a resurgentOverwatch 2, to brand-enhanced titles likeMarvel Rivals,and heavily-backed favorites likeValorant. Time and testing will have to show whetherFragPunkcan gain the attention needed to sustain itself in the longer term.
FragPunk
WHERE TO PLAY
FragPunk is a fast-paced 5v5 hero shooter with powerup cards that change the rules of each round! Choose your hero, your weapons, and pick from a selection of cards that dramatically change the rules of engagement!Bend the rules with Shard Cards!No two rounds of FragPunk are ever the same. Discover over 70 Shard Cards with an activatable selection that changes every round creating new and unique combinations that create infinite possibilities! Cards can amplify your jump height, reverse the roles of attackers and defenders, engulf your bullets in flame or turn them into chain lightning, and even may resurrect you and your team!Frantic 5v5 Hero Shooter!Each round lasts about 2.5 minutes, so get a move on! The short TTK means you have to aim well and react fast to win the fight. Pick between 10 heroes with diverse abilities, customize your weapon combination, choose your cards and get ready for a fight!Variety that fuels replayabilityPick your favorite hero from a selection of 10, each with their own unique abilities. Find your favorite guns among the 15 available, some which have special abilities, like shooting faster over time, bursts and more! Discover new hero, weapon and card combinations and develop your personal combat style!
