Mein-MMO has taken a closer look at Epic Games’ new survival shooter Fortnite (PC, PS4, Xbox One). Our authors Jürgen and Leya entered the apocalypse together with editor-in-chief Schuhmann and defended the world against a storm. Read here in the preview report what the three think of Fortnite.
Fortnite is a survival shooter where you must stop an army of monsters that came to Earth with a mysterious storm. Nobody knows exactly what the storm is or where it came from. The only certainty: The storm keeps coming back and washes up horrible creatures each time.
Only a few survivors are left, and you are one of them. You want only two things: to protect the other survivors and to reclaim the world. You take on the role of a soldier, ninja, explorer, or constructor.
Fighter, tinkerer, builder – Exactly the right mix to drive away the monsters and rebuild the world.
Fortnite: In co-op shooter kill zombies and build houses
Fortnite is now in Early Access for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
I plunged into the apocalypse yesterday to check out the colorful genre mix. Fortnite draws on elements from these genres:
- Shooter
- Builder
- Horror
- Survival
- Sandbox
A zombie apocalypse is less fun alone than with friends. Since Fortnite is a co-op game, I immediately invited my dear colleagues Jürgen and editor-in-chief Schuhmann. Together, we dived into Fortnite and fought through the tutorial and the first missions.
Fortnite’s Tutorial: The Basics of Building, Fighting & Collecting
We had to complete the tutorial alone first. Here I learned how to fight monsters, craft new ammunition for my weapon, and build a fortress. Fortresses protect against the monsters that come with a mysterious storm.
Fortresses can be built at will and equipped with traps. The traps roast zombies or pierce them. At first, only wood is available to build a fortress. Later, materials like stone can also be used.
Another important part was looting building and crafting materials. Almost everything in Fortnite can be smashed to bits with a pickaxe to get resources.
After Jürgen, Schuhmann, and I individually completed the tutorial, we formed a group and tackled the first missions.
First Collect & Build, then Fight Monsters – There is a Cycle
We knew a storm would appear that would bring monsters. First, we had time to gather as much material as possible with our pickaxes. This means just hacking away wildly at everything that comes in front of your nose. Cars, trees, stones, tables, walls. – Everything gets smashed.
Once enough material for ammunition, weapons, and a fortress has been gathered, building can begin. We built a small wooden fortress to protect us from the monster storm. The fortress can be equipped with traps or platforms for snipers can be built. There are no limits to personal preference.
- Jürgen played our constructor. His character could quickly repair and upgrade the fortress when the zombies came too close.
- Schuhmann took on the role of the soldier. He protected Jürgen and me and offered very explosive arguments against the zombies.
- I, Leya, became the explorer. With this loot fox, I could collect and find materials better than my colleagues.
- The fourth spot unfortunately remained empty, so we had no ninja with us. They are agile and suitable for close combat. However, we always got a “random” added, so we had a total of 4 players for the mission.
Fortnite Preview Report – These are our first impressions of Early Access
We had a blast in the group and were fully immersed in the colorful horror world. We were surprised that Fortnite runs so smoothly for an early access title.
Here are our impressions individually.
Jürgen: It’s a blast to smash everything to bits like a madman
When I first saw images of Fortnite, I already knew I had to try this game. I loved the style and graphics that reminded me so much of my beloved WildStar.
But no matter how cute a game may look, it doesn’t matter if it ends up being useless. However, that is not the case with Fortnite. The game already makes a great impression in early access and simply works. The mix of shooter, tower defense, and Minecraft fits perfectly, and the humor is also wonderfully quirky and just to my taste. It’s a blast to smash everything to bits like a madman and build a crazy stronghold of death traps.
It almost makes you feel sorry for the silly zombie fools. They have no idea what nasty things we’ve thought up for them! I can hardly wait to dive back into the crazy zombie world of Fortnite and build even nastier death trap courses for unsuspecting zombie victims!
Leya: The level and crafting system offers countless possibilities (but the llamas are the best)
Fortnite is a blast! In our first missions, we had to laugh hard at times. It’s particularly funny when we are initially cluelessly building together. Our fortress ended up with unnecessary walls and strange constructions. The survival shooter is a co-op through and through. The joint preparation for a mission and the different strengths of the various classes in Fortnite make for fun and challenging team play.
In the beginning, we were still a bit awkward and were collecting, building, and fighting based on luck. However, it is already evident that Fortnite has a deep level and crafting system. It is possible to upgrade every character, every weapon, or even survivors that you find. During the first missions, we were still guided a bit by the game. You learn everything by playing and are gradually introduced to the complex system.
Furthermore, Fortnite is extremely well designed. It runs smoothly in early access already, and opening loot boxes is pure joy. When I hit a llama and it whispers in my ear, “You want it too.” – then I’m just having fun. So far, Fortnite seems well thought out, and I’m curious if this opinion will last for me over weeks or even months.
Schuhmann: A “Good Mood” The Walking Dead with a touch of Dungeon Keeper
I perceived Fortnite more as a kind of “Walking Dead” simulation. You can chop down trees and smash rocks for hours, but it doesn’t really bring much. Targeted looting and searching for supplies is more rewarding, I believe. A strategic approach is worthwhile.
I noticed that some players have probably played Fortnite in alpha and developed skills there. They could build stairs quickly while exploring to reach hiding spots and loot items. While others, who were new to Fortnite, ran around cluelessly without paying attention to the “goals.” This could lead to frustration for solo players if they stand purposefully in front of the mission object while the rest shows no interest and just goes about their business.
I believe Fortnite has an astonishing depth and also “grind elements.” There is a lot to discover, everything can be leveled and made. Good players will find ways to build efficient fortresses. There will be plenty to learn and perfect in Fortnite.
I greatly liked the humor and style of Fortnite. For people who play in a fixed group, Fortnite should provide some fun evenings. How deep the game really is and what the long-term motivation looks like, cannot be said after one evening.
Those who are skeptical can first watch streams or simply wait until Fortnite becomes Free2Play with its release.
I have the feeling we will hear a lot more about Fortnite. It’s kind of a “Walking Dead” meets Dungeon Keeper. I believe many people are really looking forward to it.
Gameplay of Fortnite – What happens in the action building game
The following gameplay trailer explains the game to you in German through a video.
You can find out more about Fortnite here:
