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Raid: Shadow Legends Review – A Lustrous Shell Hiding Lackluster Gameplay

Raid: Shadow Legends Review – A Lustrous Shell Hiding Lackluster Gameplay

Raid: Shadow Legends

5.7

Score

5.7/10

Pros

  • High-quality 3D graphics.
  • Wide array of unique champions.
  • Offers both PvE and PvP modes.
  • Regular updates from developers.
  • Autoplay feature for casual gamers.

Cons

  • Overreliance on in-app purchases.
  • RNG-based progression system can lead to frustration.
  • Repetitive gameplay lacks depth and challenge.
  • Pay-to-win elements unbalance PvP mode.
  • Lack of meaningful player interaction and community engagement.

Raid: Shadow Legends, a free-to-play, turn-based fantasy MMORPG by Plarium, has generated a lot of buzz since its release in 2018. But does it live up to its hype? Unfortunately, beneath its impressive 3D graphics and rich lore lies a game that falls prey to the typical pitfalls of mobile gaming: a heavy reliance on microtransactions and RNG, creating a somewhat frustrating experience for players.

  • Developer: Plarium
  • Publisher: Plarium
  • Release Date: July 29, 2018
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS
  • Official Website: Official site
  • Genre: Fantasy MMORPG

Raid: Shadow Legends, a free-to-play, turn-based fantasy MMORPG by Plarium, has generated a lot of buzz since its release in 2018. But does it live up to its hype? Unfortunately, beneath its impressive 3D graphics and rich lore lies a game that falls prey to the typical pitfalls of mobile gaming: a heavy reliance on microtransactions and RNG, creating a somewhat frustrating experience for players.

Gameplay

In Raid: Shadow Legends, you start your journey as one of the four champions, chosen to face the looming evil threatening the world. The concept sounds exciting at first, but the game’s primary mechanics reveal an overemphasis on in-app purchases and luck-dependent systems.

The game heavily revolves around collecting and upgrading a team of heroes or ‘champions,’ each with unique abilities. However, the summoning of these heroes requires Shards, and acquiring these, especially the higher quality ones, can be a tedious process. The game tends to push players towards making in-app purchases, which can significantly expedite your progress and increase your chances of obtaining powerful champions.

The battle mechanics, while initially interesting with its strategic turn-based combat, become increasingly repetitive and unchallenging. The autoplay feature allows you to sit back while your team fights, removing a level of engagement and strategic thinking from the gameplay. While this could be useful for those who prefer a more laid-back gaming experience, it tends to take away from the tactical aspects of the game.

Raid: Shadow Legends offers both PvE and PvP modes. Yet, despite the range of dungeons and worldwide rankings, these modes do little to alleviate the repetitive nature of the game. The PvP mode, in particular, showcases the game’s imbalance, where players who have made significant in-app purchases overwhelmingly dominate the rankings.

Graphics

The 3D graphics of Raid: Shadow Legends are indeed noteworthy and add an impressive visual flair to the game. Character designs are well-crafted, each with unique animations that can bring the dark fantasy world to life. However, beyond the graphical elements, the game lacks substantial depth, offering little in the way of immersive world-building and exploration.

Conclusion

Raid: Shadow Legends, despite its promising premise and impressive graphics, ultimately falls short due to its overemphasis on microtransactions, RNG-based progression, and repetitive gameplay. The imbalance in PvP further exacerbates the game’s shortcomings. While the game may be alluring to players who prefer a more casual, hands-off approach, it fails to cater to those seeking depth, balance, and a challenging, strategic experience.

Minimum and Recommended Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

  • CPU: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
  • RAM: 2 GB
  • OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bit) / MacOS Sierra
  • Video Card: Intel HD Graphics 5000 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 460 or AMD Radeon R7 260

Recommended Requirements

  • CPU: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
  • RAM: 4 GB
  • OS: Windows 10 (64 bit) / MacOS Catalina
  • Video Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon R9 270