Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE, developed by Netmarble Neo and published by Netmarble, is a third-person action game that focuses heavily on combat, as of playing the demo. The overall feel of the gameplay is quite similar to other action-based games in the market right now and has left a decent impression in the flow of the combat. As for what was on display in the demo so far is mostly just the combat with very little narrative for the player to go off of. The game has a lot to cover from the original narrative when it was first released as a manhwa and possible extra content just for this game alone. Other than that, for the full release of this game, I hope it lives up to the expectations people have for it.
For the demo itself, it is mostly showcasing the strength of the combat and the quality of the character models in the game. Other than that, the gameplay loop is quite fun, as it mostly involves the player fighting off against a set group of enemies in a set location, fighting off against bosses, or a combination of the two under a time limit. Also, with the rise in gacha-based anime games, a rising concern is whether or not the game will have a gacha system implemented that might scare off some players. For the most part it seems like there is nothing of the sort, and all the extra equipment will just be used as such or be used in upgrade materials. So, players will be more than happy to just play the game as is and not fear paying anything extra, making the game more of a pay-to-win, which is a valid concern that needs to be addressed. As far as players wanting to get some more out of the game, it offers them the chance to replay missions, pushing players to improve.
As for going into the missions to go and play, gamers will need to go into the “world map” and select the mission to play. But before any of that, players will need to select from various hunters and organize them into teams consisting of three members each. Certain members have certain skills that are beneficial during gameplay in allowing certain playstyles to come through. With some specializing in healing, summons, etc., that can change up how the player can go into a fight by changing the overall area of effect for some of the special attacks. And from observation, most of these special attacks are quite flashy and have some real visual flair to showcase that they are really strong. The only other games in recent memory that have taken that course of action are Devil May Cry 5 and ZZZ as of recently, both of which showcase visual flair in attacks.
The demo for Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE by Netmarble and Netmarble Neo is exquisite and is more than a simple cash grab in comparison to other popular franchises being turned into games. Moreover, the art style in the game is quite similar to the source material in the manhwa and hopefully pays tribute to all the hard work that was poured into Solo Leveling itself. Other than that, I hope the game lives up to its reputation not just for those who bought the game, but for fans of the franchise itself.
Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE releases for PC tomorrow, November 24, via Steam.
Related: Reviews by Kyle Manila
I would describe myself when interacting with games as a strategist with a pension for stealth and loud explosions.
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