On Monday, EA and Respawn Entertainment officially announced and launched its new free-to-play battle royale game, Apex Legends, for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Set in the Titanfall universe, players take the role of “Legends” who face-off against each other in a bloodsport called the “Apex Games” to win fame, fortune and glory.
Apex Legends stands apart from other battle royale games with its squad-based combat and other gameplay mechanics. One includes choosing where to drop down on the map. Arriving closer to the action could get you better loot and weapons, but you’re likely to be in for a fight the moment your feet touch the ground.
Other features include one-time use Respawn Beacons, where defeated teammates may be revived. There is also a contextual ping communication system that lets teammates quickly mark enemies, weapons, and other locations. Lastly, the game features an intelligent inventory system that automatically attaches upgrades to weapons once they’re picked up. That leaves players with more time to fight, and less time managing their stuff.
The game launched with eight characters, each with distinct abilities and unique ultimate moves.
In a statement,
Apex Legends lead producer Drew McCoy said, “Our goal in every game you play is that you come in with a plan but you leave with a story. We’re building a game that is not only going to deliver a fun and memorable experience at launch, but something we can keep growing for a long time to come.”
To succeed, Respawn recommends finding the character that best matches your individual playstyle, sticking close to your squad with strong communications, and familiarizing yourself with each map to find the best loot. But be careful, the best stuff is usually carefully protected.
The game’s inaugural season kicks off in March, and will give players a chance to purchase Battle Passes. They give access to exclusive cosmetic items that are earned through gameplay. Each season will include new weapons, Legends, skins and more.
