I'm thoroughly enjoying witnessing the plethora of discontented wails from those lamenting the game's imperfect PC optimization. It's important to remember that this title is a port from consoles, and let's be honest, only a handful of those have managed to excel on PC. We should count ourselves fortunate to even have it available on this platform. Yes, the matchmaking is experiencing some hiccups at the moment, but come on, give it a little time to settle. It's mind-boggling how, a mere 2.5 hours after launch, the cacophony of whiners spouting nonsensical complaints has reached such atrocious levels.

Let's shift our focus to the game itself. It's undeniably enjoyable, albeit with a more measured pace compared to its predecessor, Evolution. This time around, the emphasis lies heavily on tactical gameplay. The tutorial, contrary to what the complainers may assert, is actually quite user-friendly and comprehensible if you employ your visual and cognitive faculties to read it. Those who moan about the inability to skip the narration and tutorial at FTL speeds are likely the same individuals who will perish en masse and then decry the game's quality simply because they couldn't be bothered to acquaint themselves with advanced techniques. We've all encountered their ilk in MMORPGs, incessantly hollering "LFG" in the main chat while an LFG chat exists specifically for that purpose. This game isn't a "press W to win" affair; it demands a modicum of intellectual prowess and exertion.

Moving on to other aspects of the game, yes, it employs gacha mechanics. They didn't attempt to conceal this fact, nor did they shy away from it. (Clearly, some folks failed to conduct their due diligence prior to launch.) However, fret not, as it's not pay-to-win. Sorties have a predetermined mech cost limit, preventing individuals like "ole Bob" who splurged $900 on the game from dominating a 400 cost sortie with their overpowered mechs. There are abundant ways for free-to-play players to earn drops as well. To those griping about Steam Deck compatibility and EAC issues, well, that's on you for not maintaining a dedicated gaming PC. You chose a different path, now accept it and refrain from complaining.

Ultimately, this game still has a fair amount of ground to cover in order to achieve greatness. Currently, it stands as a good game, verging on greatness, but it requires nurturing and a solid player base to attain that coveted status.

Graphics: 6.8/10
Gameplay: 7.7/10
Replay Value: 8/10
Gacha Meh/10

I'm thoroughly enjoying witnessing the plethora of discontented wails from those lamenting the game's imperfect PC optimization. It's important to remember that this title is a port from consoles, and let's be honest, only a handful of those have managed to excel on PC. We should count ourselves fortunate to even have it available on this platform. Yes, the matchmaking is experiencing some hiccups at the moment, but come on, give it a little time to settle. It's mind-boggling how, a mere 2.5 hours after launch, the cacophony of whiners spouting nonsensical complaints has reached such atrocious levels. Let's shift our focus to the game itself. It's undeniably enjoyable, albeit with a more measured pace compared to its predecessor, Evolution. This time around, the emphasis lies heavily on tactical gameplay. The tutorial, contrary to what the complainers may assert, is actually quite user-friendly and comprehensible if you employ your visual and cognitive faculties to read it. Those who moan about the inability to skip the narration and tutorial at FTL speeds are likely the same individuals who will perish en masse and then decry the game's quality simply because they couldn't be bothered to acquaint themselves with advanced techniques. We've all encountered their ilk in MMORPGs, incessantly hollering "LFG" in the main chat while an LFG chat exists specifically for that purpose. This game isn't a "press W to win" affair; it demands a modicum of intellectual prowess and exertion. Moving on to other aspects of the game, yes, it employs gacha mechanics. They didn't attempt to conceal this fact, nor did they shy away from it. (Clearly, some folks failed to conduct their due diligence prior to launch.) However, fret not, as it's not pay-to-win. Sorties have a predetermined mech cost limit, preventing individuals like "ole Bob" who splurged $900 on the game from dominating a 400 cost sortie with their overpowered mechs. There are abundant ways for free-to-play players to earn drops as well. To those griping about Steam Deck compatibility and EAC issues, well, that's on you for not maintaining a dedicated gaming PC. You chose a different path, now accept it and refrain from complaining. Ultimately, this game still has a fair amount of ground to cover in order to achieve greatness. Currently, it stands as a good game, verging on greatness, but it requires nurturing and a solid player base to attain that coveted status. Graphics: 6.8/10 Gameplay: 7.7/10 Replay Value: 8/10 Gacha Meh/10