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Outerplanes CBT

2K View2022-09-02

Outerplane finally got into users’ hands with a Closed Beta Test (CBT) running from September 1-10, 2022. Currently it is only available in Canada and Philippines. However, I’ve seen other methods such as VPN and APK downloads to get around this. The CBT is available only on Android device. Users have reported that it is non-compatible with their devices suggesting that it may not support older devices.

It is a turn-based rpg similar in which combat feels similar to another Smilegate game, Epic Seven. It has the turn bar on the bottom left of the screen called the priority gauge. There is also auto-combat and a speed up option. You can have up to 4 characters on the field. Characters have 3 skills and chain passive. The skills have pretty good animations and S3’s have cutscene animations that we see from many recent turn-based games.

However, it uses 3D models and has added mechanics such as the Skill Burst (independent from each character) in which a character gains AP at the start of their turn and can further gain more depending on class (Defender, Striker, Ranger, Mage, and Healer) by attacking, taking damage, or healing. Each hero has a burst skill which is predetermined from one of their 3 skills and when enough AP is gained you can use it to empower the skill. There are 3 levels of Burst skill based on how much AP is consumed and higher Burst tier will trigger Burst levels lower than it. For example, Burst 1 commands a dual attack, Burst 2 gives a shield to a caster and triggers a dual attack, Burst 3 gives a shield to the caster and triggers 2 dual attacks. Burst skills differ from each character and can have different or similar effects. It also has another mechanic called the Skill Chain where all team members attack into one big combo. Chain points is gained when taking turns, gaining extra if you have heroes of the same element (Earth, Fire, Water, Light, and Dark), through hero chain passive effects or when a strong monster is slain. When a skill chain is activated a UI will pop up and you can view chain passives of the characters and rearrange the order in which they attack. This is important because chain passives have 2 effects, chain starter effect and coordinated attack effect and by rearranging you can maximize damage output. There also boss mechanics such as Break Mode and Berserk. Break mode is activated when a weakness gauge of a boss is taken to 0 by attacks and will give a debuff to the boss increasing its damage taken and reducing their effect resist. Berserk will activate once the boss has taken a certain number of turns or is reduced to low hp and will recover some of their weakness gauge and gain increased attack and take less damage. Break mode can still activate through berserk mode and will cancel it.

As mention in the examples before there are 5 classes: Defender, Striker, Ranger, Mage and Healer. The elements are Earth, Fire, Water, Light, and Dark. Attacking when an advantageous element will increase damage by 20% and lower it by 20% if it is disadvantageous. (Fire > Earth > Water > Fire) (Light and Dark both advantageous to each other) Character stats include: ATK, DEF, HP, SPD, Crit Chance, Crit Damage, ACC (Hit Chance), Evasion, Effectiveness, and Effect Resist. 3* Stars are the highest rarity and characters can be transcended up to 6 stars through currency and character pieces (obtained through dupes, side story and pieces shop). Transcending will give stat buffs, will unlock Burst level 2/3 and give bonus AP upon entering battle at certain tiers. Transcending doesn’t affect level cap. There are 5 Upgrade stages which determines a hero’s max level (20/40/60/80/100). You can upgrade a stage by using upgrade stones which differ by element.

Skills can be enhanced to increase damage, lower cooldown and other effects by using skill manuals (there are 3 tiers basic, intermediate and professional). There is a trust gauge system which you can increase by giving gifts to a character which gives you rewards along the way and at trust gauge 10 you recieve that characters exclusive equipment which give bonus stats/effects. You can equip gear: weapon, accessory, helmet, chest, gloves and boots that have main stats and sub stats. Only main stats increase when leveled up. You don’t get new sub stats and they remain the same value. There are gear sets which activate bonus effects such as Attack Set and Speed Set. Each set activates effects and 2/4 set.

There are a lot of other things in the game such as pvp, guild, and other stuff but I will say a few more things as I realized this is getting too long. 3* have 2% chance in Gacha and I managed to summon 3 3* in one pull (picture attached). Some characters skills seem to be op and certain hero teams as well. It’s a pretty fun game at its current state. Combat is enjoyable and it has a decent story. Character design is pretty good so far but I found the graphics/UI seem to be dated and lackluster but it is in beta after all and hopefully it can be improved in the future. It has features that are interesting and if changes are implemented before release it will become a game many users will enjoy.

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