Atlas Reactor
| Atlas Reactor | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Trion Worlds |
| Publisher(s) | Trion Worlds |
| Distributor(s) | Trion |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date(s) | |
| Genre(s) | Turn-based tactics PvP |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Atlas Reactor is a turn-based, player versus player, team tactics game developed by Trion Worlds. In Atlas Reactor, the player takes the role of a Freelancer in the megacity of Atlas. The game was released in October 2016.[1]
Plot
Atlas is a megacity populated with humans, hybrids, and robots controlled by powerful Trusts (Omni Trust, EvoS, and Warbotics). Freelancers fulfill contracts for their trusts to maintain control over the Atlas Reactor - a technologically advanced energy source that powers the megacity and it's inhabitants. [2][3]
Gameplay
With the exception of custom game modes, matches in Atlas Reactor are 4-on-4, player versus player, turn-based tactics battles. Players can die and respawn indefinitely, but teams win by being the first to 5 kills or by having the most kills after 20 turns (or more for sudden death overtime). Turns are divided into two modes: Decision Mode and Resolution Mode. In the decision mode, players have 20 seconds to coordinate tactics, select actions, and lock them in. In the Resolution Mode, these action resolve over four phases: the Prep phase allows for setting traps, placing shields, and casting buff/debuffs before any movement or damage is done; the Dash phase contains all dodges and charges which may deal damage; the Blast phase is for shooting, blasting, and any other stationary attacks, followed by knock-back attacks, which render the targets unable to move during the Move phase; the Move phase allows for player movement after all other actions with more movement granted to those who used no (or free) actions. Within each phase, all players actions are calculated simultaneously but are rendered sequentially for the player. Therefore, a character seen dying before their action will remain standing until it is completed.[2]
Seasons
Each Season is a period of real time during which the player can level up an account, gaining Season Levels. It also contains multiple chapters, each with its own quests, called Missions, that when completed, unlock animated sprites which can be used in-game for free, several times each match. There are also daily missions, which are selected from a choice of three when you log in, sometimes with certain missions receiving a randomly higher XP value than that missions typically grants.
Development
According to lead designer Will Cook, the game’s concept draws inspiration from XCOM: Enemy Unknown, League of Legends, and tabletop games such as Warhammer 40,000. The designers’ ultimate question was, “How do you make a turn-based game where you’re playing more than you’re waiting?” Within two days, executive producer Peter Ju created a playable prototype in the Unity game engine.[4]
Business Model
Atlas Reactor employs a trial-until-you-buy business model, allowing anyone to play Freelancers from the "Free Rotation", which cycles once per week. If players choose to purchase the game, they unlock the ability to play as any Freelancer during any match, aside from game mode limitations, and to participate in a Ranked Queue. Cook has called not needing to worry about free-to-play monetization tactics, "a godsend."[4]
eSports
Atlas Reactor has a few introductory competitive tournaments. One is maintained by the amateur group, PrepPhase. The other is managed by ESL, a large professional eSports organization, as a part of their Go4Cup series
Reception
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Atlas Reactor has been well received by critics, with aggregate review websites GameRankings and Metacritic assigning scores of 80.38% and 81/100, respectively.[5][6]
GameSpot gave it an 8/10 and called it "Unique and fresh." [8] Redbull eSports said that the game, "has everything it takes to turn heads in the competitive space,"[9] and GameHyped called it, "the breath of fresh air esports has been hoping for."[10]
At the 2016 PAX West in Seattle, Washington, Atlas Reactor won the MMOGames.com award for "Best PvP".[7] They described the "fast, exciting and simultaneous PvP action" as combining "the fun, competitive aspects of a MOBA with the strategic thought process of chess."
References
- 1 2 "Atlas Reactor is Live: The Reaction Has Begun".
- 1 2 "Atlas Reactor Guide" (PDF).
- ↑ "Trust Wars - Beta".
- 1 2 "Tycho Tries Atlas Reactor, with Will and James of Trion Worlds". 2016-09-21. Retrieved 2016-11-29.
- 1 2 "Atlas Reactor for PC". GameRankings. 2016-11-08. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
- 1 2 "Atlas Reactor for PC Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More". Metacritic. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
- 1 2 "MMOGames PAX West 2016 Awards". MMOGames. 2016-09-07. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
- ↑
- ↑ "Atlas Reactor is Competitive XCOM and Then Some". 2016-10-05. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
- ↑ "Why you Need to be Playing Atlas Reactor and Why it's here to Stay". 2016-10-09. Retrieved 2016-11-28.