Having previously reviewed Alita: Battle Angel, I was particularly drawn to the inventive cyborg designs featured in the combat sequences. I speculated that this concept would translate well into a game. While Alita: Battle Angel didn’t directly inspire a game adaptation, fans of cyborg combat may find Bleeding Edge appealing.
The game begins with a tutorial, providing an introduction to the fighters’ unique abilities and strategic advantages. Teamwork is crucial for success. Game modes include familiar objectives such as capture-the-flag, as well as timed energy source uploads. Bleeding Edge is exclusively an online multiplayer experience, matching players in teams of four. The interface offers clear guidance on objectives. However, survival can be challenging, especially initially, before unlocking enhancements and abilities. I found the musical-hard rocker character particularly suited to my play style, quickly becoming a favorite.
My first mission involved defending a designated area. I proceeded to the objective, accompanied by my team, who remained unresponsive. Attempts to communicate via headset yielded no response. Upon reaching the area, I found myself alone, quickly overwhelmed by the opposing team. After respawning, the scenario repeated. Eventually, one teammate joined, leaving us two against four. The protracted effort required for the opposing team to accumulate 600 points led to a decline in engagement. The match concluded in a significant defeat. Subsequent attempts yielded similar results…
Playing online with unfamiliar players can quickly become monotonous and frustrating. I recall the engaging, extended Halo sessions I enjoyed with friends, facilitated by the established camaraderie. In contrast, Bleeding Edge‘s reliance on anonymous online players can lead to disengagement if a session becomes uninteresting.
The absence of character customization options is a notable drawback, especially for an online game. Encountering identical avatars during gameplay was commonplace. While cosmetic alterations and minor adjustments are available, a comprehensive avatar creation system is absent, which would significantly enhance the experience.
In conclusion, Bleeding Edge exhibits polished graphics and imaginative character designs. However, the exclusive reliance on online multiplayer and the lack of character customization contribute to a repetitive and ultimately shallow experience. The game achieves a passing grade, but falls short of earning a higher recommendation.
Note: Bleeding Edge is available on Xbox Game Pass.
