Last weekend, selected players were able to take a detailed look at the Alpha version of Master X Master. We were also there and we think: Master X Master is much more than just another MOBA!
We were able to briefly try out Master X Master a few months ago. But last weekend, selected players were invited to play NCSoft’s MOBA to their heart’s content. We were there again and were able to take a good look at the game.
More than just another MOBA
As soon as we logged into Master X Master, the action began. But instead of a classic MOBA like LoL or Heroes of the Storm, we are first met with a game that reminds more of a top-down shooter à la Hotline Miami. We control our hero with the WASD keys and aim and shoot with the mouse. Additionally, we initially fight against AI opponents on a spaceship.
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Master X Master has an extensive PvE mode in which we can complete numerous missions with our heroes. Alone or in a team with other players, we shoot our way through various scenarios. After the tutorial on the spaceship, we continue on to the surface of various planets, where we fight through overgrown jungle ruins and take down bosses.
Heroes in Pairs
Depending on which hero we’ve chosen, we can approach our opponents differently. The average soldier Taejin, for example, shoots with an assault rifle and throws grenades. The sharpshooter Innowin, on the other hand, has to aim precisely, as her sniper rifle shoots slowly but hits hard. However, unlike most games, we don’t have to stick to a single hero. Instead, we choose two from a pool of currently 30 heroes.
If a character runs out of health in battle or we can’t make progress with their skills, we can switch to the second hero at any time with a key press and react differently to the situation. This cool system makes Master X Master very strategic, and especially on higher difficulty levels, we have to carefully consider which alternate hero we bring and how we can harmonize with the options of other team members.
Especially cool: In addition to various quirky heroes with an anime look, there are also familiar faces from earlier NCSoft games in the selection, such as the two bosses Jinsoyun and Poharan from Blade and Soul, the crazy hamster Mondo Zax from WildStar or Rytlock Brimstone from Guild Wars 2.
Where is the MOBA?
The PvE missions, which we can also play with other players, are already a lot of fun, but at its core Master X Master is a PvP game. Those who want to measure themselves against other players have two options. The 3vs3 arena or the 5vs5 MOBA. The former is quickly explained, with two teams of three players each competing against each other in a small arena; whoever has the most kills at the end of time wins. It’s a classic team deathmatch, but due to the action controls and hero tag team, it’s a lot of fun.
The 5vs5 mode, on the other hand, is more challenging, and here Master X Master becomes a true MOBA, albeit with some interesting deviations. However, initially, we are not introduced to anything new – a mirrored map with each team’s base at the end and between them three main lanes and numerous cross-connections. The goal is to destroy the enemy base and, in the process, use minions to eliminate the enemy’s defensive towers.
Battle of the Titans
But in addition to the usual minions, which appear wave after wave at the base and bravely run into doom, there are also particularly large servants that we can only unlock by defeating a shrine guardian. Once achieved, the big guy fights for us. Additionally, there are neutral opponents scattered around that we can farm. This increases our heroes’ levels and makes them stronger, but the kills also fill our victory bar.
Whenever we score 100 points, a giant Titan appears in our base, which is particularly strong and can single-handedly destroy the opponent’s defense. The clever use of Titans is crucial here and very reminiscent of the gameplay of the map “Garden of Terror” from Heroes of the Storm. There, we can create a so-called “Garden Terror” if we collect enough seeds.
Character Creator
Master X Master is already an entertaining top-down coop shooter, a deathmatch game, and a MOBA. However, thanks to the detailed character system, it also becomes a kind of role-playing game. We can customize and develop our heroes between missions and PvP rounds.
For example, by optimizing their attack power with special upgrade items or improving the heroes’ weapons with more range or firepower. We can also equip the characters with titles and give them new outfits. And although the initial selection of heroes is initially manageable, we can quickly unlock additional characters with in-game currency, some only after we meet certain requirements – such as 10 arena wins or a particularly effective mission completion. This way, there is always something new added, and the game doesn’t get boring.
The test weekend for Master X Master offered quite a bit. Were you also there? And what did you think of the game? Share your thoughts in the comments. My own views on Master X Master will follow soon on Mein-MMO.de.
