Games worth discovering
27 View2024-11-14
Fresh Content, Familiar Flaws
~an AFK Journey Review
Overview
AFK Journey launched in March 2024 as Lilith Games' latest entry in their AFK series, showcasing significant advancements in both visual design and technical execution. While the game demonstrates notable improvements, the launch version reveals both promising features and certain design choices that may impact its long-term appeal.
I've played the game through to max level and decided to give it a review.
VISUAL DESIGN & ART STYLE
• Strengths
- Transition to 3D Graphics: Successfully moving from AFK Arena's 2D style to a fully 3D environment.
- Character Models: Detailed models with expressive facial animations.
- Ultimate Abilities: Effective camera work during ultimate moves.
- Optimization: Enhanced graphics are well-optimized for performance.
- Lighting Effects: Quality lighting that enhances the game’s atmosphere.
- Ability Effects: Well-executed visual effects during combat.
• Weaknesses
- Art Style: Heavy resemblance to other game art styles which affects the game's unique identity.
- Environmental Designs: Repetitive environments in early chapters.
- Animation Issues: Bit of a needy game for its size and some animation skipping problems on lower end phones.
GAMEPLAY MECHANICS
• Core Systems
The game includes several key systems that function well at launch:
- Idle Progression: Reliable system with adequate offline rewards.
- Team Formations: Practical six-character formations (front/middle/back rows).
- Element-Based Combat: Standard system with five elements.
- Equipment Enhancement: Simple enhancement and star-rating mechanics.
- Character Synergy: Basic but effective synergy mechanics.
• Combat System
Combat mechanics still show mixed results:
- Auto-Battle: Heavy reliance on auto-battle with limited manual control.
- Formation Strategies: Often dependent on power rating over tactical choices.
- Ultimate Animations: Cannot be skipped, impacting gameplay flow.
- Element System: Feels less deep compared to competitors.
- Skill Effects: Good variety in effects and animations.
• Progression System
Early progression reveals both strengths and challenges:
- Early Power Curve: Steep progression with sudden power walls.
- Hero Copies: Heavy reliance on duplicates for advancement.
- Launch Rewards: Adequate rewards that mask initial progression issues.
- VIP System: Early VIP rewards create noticeable power disparities.
- Tutorial System: Clear and effective for guiding new players.
STORY & WORLD-BUILDING
• Launch Content
- Main Campaign: Initial 12 chapters with engaging plot points.
- Narrative: "Chosen one" storyline with some surprises.
- Voice Acting: Decent voice acting for key scenes.
- Character Interactions: Limited but competent outside the main plot.
- Character Designs: Several noteworthy backstories and designs.
• New Update Content
The latest update for AFK Journey has introduced several exciting new features and improvements that enhance the overall gameplay experience:
New Hero: Dunlingr, the Eternal Voice
- Introduction: A new hero, Dunlingr, has been added to the roster. This character brings unique abilities and offers fresh strategies for players to explore.
- Abilities: Dunlingr comes with a set of powerful skills that can turn the tide in battles, adding depth to team compositions and combat tactics.
• Seasonal Content: Waves of Intrigue
- Season Theme: The update introduces the *Waves of Intrigue* season, which brings new challenges and thematic elements to the game.
- Rewards: Players can earn exclusive rewards by participating in seasonal events and completing specific challenges tied to the theme.
• Heroic Gauntlet Mode
- New Game Mode: The Heroic Gauntlet mode provides a challenging experience with great rewards for those who can conquer its trials.
- Gameplay: This mode requires players to strategize and deploy their heroes effectively to overcome increasingly difficult enemies and scenarios.
• Enhanced Visuals and Art
- Graphics Update: Further improvements to the game's visuals have been implemented, enhancing the overall look and feel.
- Character Models: Existing heroes have received visual updates to make them more detailed and expressive.
• Quality of Life Improvements
- User Interface: The update includes refinements to the user interface, making navigation and gameplay more intuitive.
- Performance: Optimizations have been made to ensure smoother performance across a range of devices.
- Auto-Battle Improvements**: Enhancements to the auto-battle system.
• New Events and Daily Content
- Event Calendar: A variety of new events have been scheduled, offering players additional opportunities to earn rewards and engage with the game.
- Daily Missions: New daily missions and tasks keep the gameplay fresh and engaging, encouraging consistent interaction.
• Balancing and Bug Fixes
- Hero Balancing: Adjustments have been made to the strengths and abilities of various heroes to ensure a more balanced gameplay experience.
- Bug Fixes: Numerous bugs have been addressed, improving overall stability and player experience.
This update aims to enrich the player experience by adding new content, improving existing systems, and enhancing visual and technical aspects of the game. While there are still areas that could use further refinement, these updates demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and player satisfaction.
WORLD DESIGN
- Elemental Kingdoms: Five distinct visual themes.
- Side-Stories: Lacked additional side-stories or character events at launch.
- Character Relationships: Missing relationship systems.
- Exploration: Basic features with potential for expansion.
CONTENT & FEATURES
• Launch Features
- Main Campaign: Solid 12-chapter campaign.
- Arena PvP: Standard player vs. player system.
- Guild System: Functional but basic.
- Quest Structure: Clear daily and weekly quests.
- Tower Mode: Progressive challenge mode.
- Launch Events: Standard limited-time events.
- Auto-Battle: Useful features for combat.
LAUNCH PERIOD ISSUES
- Quality-of-Life Features: Missing some features present in competitors.
- Guild Interaction: Limited features for guild interactions.
- PvP System: Basic system without meaningful rankings.
- Daily Tasks: Repetitive from the beginning.
MONETIZATION
Mixed approaches in the launch period:
- Launch Bundles: Multiple options ranging from $0.99 to $99.99.
- VIP Rewards: Early rewards create power gaps.
- Currency Prices: Higher than industry standard.
- F2P Currency Generation: Limited but adequate during the launch period. Requires grinding from midgame onwards.
- First Purchase Deals: Some reasonable offers.
- Daily Rewards: Standard system in place.
TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
- Performance: Stable on modern devices.
- Download Size: Manageable at around 6Gb bit some players report sizes of over 10Gb
- Compatibility Issues: Some problems with older Android phones.
- Server Stability: acceptable.
- Load Times: Good load times and transitions.
- Battery Optimization: Decent for mobile devices.
Conclusion
AFK Journey's launch shows Lilith Games' ability to modernize their idle RPG formula with improved graphics and refined systems. While visual and technical improvements are noteworthy, the game would benefit from deeper content and a more balanced monetization strategy. Despite current limitations, I think the foundation suggests potential for growth.
Pros:
- Impressive 3D visual upgrade
- Good performance optimization
- Generous launch rewards
- Functional core systems
- Clear user interface
- Potential for growth
Cons:
- Aggressive monetization
- Limited endgame content
- Technical issues
- Derivative gameplay elements
- F2P progression walls
SCORE: I'm giving it 7.5/10
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