Blackwake
- February 19, 2020
- Mastfire Studios Pty Ltd
- 8h median play time
Get on Steam"Blackwake is a multiplayer naval FPS that focuses on teamwork and cooperation, with stunning game mechanics, fantastic music, and phenomenal graphics. Players can command ships, fire cannons, and engage in FPS combat in various game modes, while maintaining and customizing their ships and characters. However, the game can be very grinding, full of bugs, and highly emotional, but it also contains plenty of humor and is very atmospheric."
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- gameplay826 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Blackwake is characterized by its chaotic naval warfare and cooperative mechanics, requiring strong teamwork and communication among players to succeed. While the core mechanics are engaging and offer a unique experience, many players note issues such as bugs, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of variety in objectives, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these drawbacks, the game is praised for its fun factor, especially when played with friends, and its potential for future improvements.
“Blackwake is an absolute gem in the multiplayer gaming world, offering an unparalleled blend of chaotic naval warfare and exhilarating cooperative gameplay.”
“The heart-pounding moments of boarding enemy ships, or defending your own vessel from invaders, add an extra layer of excitement and strategy to the already rich gameplay.”
“The gameplay is unique, with some small quirks and poor balance or implementation.”
“Players often experience bugs ranging from minor graphical glitches to severe issues that affect gameplay, such as problems with ship handling and character movement.”
“The scenarios and objectives can become monotonous after several sessions, as the gameplay loop does not vary much from match to match.”
“The gameplay is trash, the way that the camera moves is like a 1980 video game.”
- graphics499 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant issues such as bugs, poor optimization, and outdated visuals reminiscent of earlier gaming eras. While some appreciate the aesthetic and atmospheric elements, particularly in weather effects and ship designs, others criticize the overall graphical fidelity and performance, suggesting that it falls short compared to contemporary titles. Overall, the game shows potential but requires substantial improvements in graphical quality and optimization to enhance the player experience.
“The graphics and quality are quite outstanding, fitting perfectly with the game. The music, sounds, and effects are also very fitting, and I haven't found a single bug or glitch so far!”
“The graphics are amazing, the gameplay is fun as hell, and it can always get more challenging.”
“For a game that just got released within the past few months, the graphics are gorgeous.”
“Players often experience bugs ranging from minor graphical glitches to severe issues that affect gameplay, such as problems with ship handling and character movement.”
“The graphics quality (textures, perspective, lighting) is a throwback to the 2000s; the controls are clunky, and the whole game looks cheap and unpolished.”
“The graphics are so dated that I felt like I'd stumbled upon a time machine back to the days when 'AAA' still meant a high-seas adventure involving actual pirates.”
- humor411 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in this game is a standout feature, with players frequently highlighting its chaotic and absurd moments, such as hilarious ragdoll physics and over-the-top voice acting. Many reviews emphasize that the game is particularly enjoyable when played with friends, as the interactions and unexpected events lead to memorable and laugh-out-loud experiences. Overall, the combination of comedic elements and the lighthearted approach to gameplay creates a fun atmosphere that resonates well with the community.
“This masterpiece truly shines as players man cannons, frantically repair damage, and follow their captain's orders in a uniquely immersive and often hilariously entertaining experience.”
“The intense battles mixed with the general goofiness of the game makes for some hilarious moments, especially with friends.”
“The game is overall a well made, hilarious ragdoll pirate vs navy game!”
“Oh, and also in-game voices that are probably supposed to be funny quickly become annoying as hell.”
“Toxic pirates are often not funny, but the game could've been better if the developers weren't lazy and had worked on an old Unity engine instead of abandoning the game after full release.”
- stability295 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with players reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and performance issues that significantly detract from the experience. Many describe it as a "buggy mess," with problems ranging from minor graphical glitches to severe gameplay-affecting issues, such as crashes and unresponsive mechanics. While some players find enjoyment in the chaos and humor of the bugs, the overall consensus is that the game feels unfinished and requires substantial polish to reach its potential.
“I have run into no glitches so far.”
“The game has been nearly bug-free in my experience.”
“This is what every early access game should be like; it feels completely bug-free and enjoyable to play.”
“Players often experience bugs ranging from minor graphical glitches to severe issues that affect gameplay, such as problems with ship handling and character movement.”
“The game is especially buggy, only in the tutorial.”
“The game itself is very fun but it's so buggy and broken that it's unplayable most of the time; you'll spend more time troubleshooting and trying to make the game work than actually playing.”
- optimization190 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 28 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates, stuttering, and crashes, regardless of hardware specifications. While some users noted that the game can run smoothly on high-end systems, the general consensus is that it is poorly optimized and requires significant improvements to enhance the overall experience. Despite its fun gameplay and graphics, the optimization problems detract from its potential enjoyment.
“The game runs smoothly for me, I'm impressed.”
“Beautiful graphics with very decent optimization and the game is so much fun and different you have to cooperate with your crew etc... looking forward to the game release 10/10.”
“Greatly optimized and fun game.”
“Very fun multiplayer crew experience, however this game was never optimized.”
“Game very very badly optimized, hard to run on a GTX 1050.”
“It's poorly optimized and it is pretty clear the devs cut and run after they put out their 'full release.' There could be so much more content.”
- music131 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many players praising its epic pirate-themed soundtrack that evokes strong associations with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films. Reviewers highlight how the music enhances the immersive experience, fitting perfectly with the game's atmosphere and gameplay, making it a significant aspect of enjoyment. Overall, the soundtrack is described as both engaging and atmospheric, contributing to the game's fun and chaotic pirate combat experience.
“The soundtrack is awesome!”
“The music fits perfectly and makes it that much better.”
“The game looks fantastic, and also got a well-made soundtrack which really does have that pirate ring to it.”
“Played one match, 1000 ping, chaos, mic spam, and Titanic music.”
“Not to mention every server is full of people who blast pirate or Russian music on their mics....”
“Make sure to turn the music off as it is atrocious.”
- story88 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with many users noting that it has no significant narrative or character development. While some players appreciate the multiplayer focus and the fun of cooperative gameplay, they express disappointment over the missed opportunities for a richer storyline, particularly in a pirate-themed setting. Overall, the game is seen as more of a chaotic PvP experience rather than a story-driven adventure.
“Rather than playing out like the brief, objective-focused voyages, which are standard-issue RPG quests usually about killing a certain named enemy or collecting a specific item, tall tales are structured more like one-off mystery adventures that connect into an overarching story.”
“Moral of the story, you never know what life holds in store for you, and if I would have given up when all the odds were stacked against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“Yes, it doesn't have a story but it's cool; the story is you are a motherflicking pirate!”
“This game really gets to the 'meat' of online PvP - there is no fluff or storyline, no niceties or facades.”
“Because it's a multiplayer game, the devs didn't try to tangle themselves in some sort of half-assed storyline that no one cares about.”
“There is no story, as the game is entirely based on PvP combat.”
- atmosphere38 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive qualities, combining stunning graphics, dynamic weather effects, and a fitting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the chaotic yet engaging environment created by ship battles and teamwork, which fosters a sense of camaraderie and fun. While some reviews note a lack of polish typical of indie games, the atmosphere remains a standout feature that captivates players and elevates the gameplay.
“The atmosphere of the ships colliding and firing at each other is on another level, a captain in the ship is actually essential through voice chat.”
“The atmosphere is amazing; some maps are snowy, stormy, or sunny, and the ambient sounds can really trigger some ASMR if you are a nature lover like myself.”
“Blackwake brings the late 1700's ocean battlegrounds to life with a beautiful atmosphere, guns that take forever to load, and the act of teamwork in order to win your battles.”
“The atmosphere is cancerous honestly.”
“The poor welcome new crew members receive in this atmosphere and the degradation of the team-play elements is, I think, why there are generally only one or two highly populated servers online now.... and as things are, I doubt it will be coming back.”
“After the Sea of Thieves trailer just appeared, I will be more invested in that game which has an overall better atmosphere and gameplay.”
- grinding30 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 63 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often requiring significant hours to achieve meaningful progress or unlocks. While some appreciate the immersive elements that come from this effort, many express frustration with the repetitive nature of tasks, such as reloading cannons and grinding for achievements, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the consensus is that while the game can be fun, it often becomes grindy and repetitive, necessitating a considerable time investment.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“- Well paced; not too tedious or tiring to play.”
“The online multiplayer is completely dead and the achievements are very grindy; for some reason, you can't even farm kills with the bots.”
“Also, the clothes-unlocking/leveling up system is very harsh; it will take you at least 50 hours of grinding to get any good unlocks.”
“Really fun game and would be one of the best half serious half jokey multiplayer games with a load of friends, but gets really quite repetitive and tedious after around an hour of play.”
- replayability28 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability, with some players finding the game infinitely replayable and addictive due to its engaging mechanics and variety of crewmates, while others criticize it for lacking long-term replay value and becoming repetitive over time. Many users express that the game's replayability heavily depends on the introduction of new content and updates, with some noting that it can be fun for short bursts but ultimately lacks depth for sustained play. Overall, the consensus suggests that while there are enjoyable elements, the game's replayability is limited and varies significantly among players.
“This game is infinitely replayable and fun.”
“With a high replayability, and mini competitions running between you and your online friends, you are bound to get addicted to this game.”
“Pros: active devs who listen to gamers / gameplay / graphics / huge fun factor and replayability.... it's one of those games you turn your PC on for.”
“Truly too bad that it's dead, but lack of replayability made that inevitable, and a shaky roadmap that was poorly implemented ensured its downfall.”
“On the rare occasion that you get a good captain and a crew that knows what to do, then it can be fun for a while, but it's a game with not much replayability at all.”
“It gets boring over time; in my opinion, the replay value is low since there is no leveling and unlocking things that would spice up the gameplay.”
- monetization24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 46 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its monetization model, being completely free with no microtransactions, which many players find refreshing in a market filled with cash grabs. Users appreciate the developers' commitment to keeping the game free of paid DLC and pay-to-win mechanics, while some suggest that introducing cosmetic microtransactions could enhance player engagement without compromising the game's integrity. Overall, the absence of monetization pitfalls is seen as a significant positive aspect of the game.
“It's free forever with no microtransactions, so it's risk-free to try out.”
“They have also made a promise to never add microtransactions or paid DLC, which is a huge step in the right direction.”
“The future looks promising, as the devs seem very active and stated that there won't be any pay-to-win microtransactions, which is really important for a game like this.”
“Another Kickstarter cash grab.”
“Buggy and unfinished cash grab.”
“Most early access games are a blatant cash grab out to take your money with an unfinished game.”
- emotional11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a mix of emotions regarding the game's community and experience, highlighting moments of wholesome fun and camaraderie, such as playful interactions during gameplay. However, concerns about toxicity and repetitive elements detract from the overall enjoyment, leading to a nuanced emotional response where players appreciate the developers' intentions but feel frustrated by certain gameplay issues. Overall, the emotional landscape is characterized by a blend of enthusiasm for the pirate theme and disappointment over community behavior and technical shortcomings.
“The community as of now is very enthusiastic in the pirate fun, so come and enjoy while the pirate seas are still fresh and wholesome.”
“Nothing about how it's just two guys with a dream and not Ubisoft or Dice or equivalent corporation or complaints about lack of resources, just a promise and a heartfelt apology.”
“It's repetitive and yet wholesomely enjoyable.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted as a weak point, with players expressing a desire for more depth and progression. While the character design and humorous dialogue are appreciated, the overall execution is seen as mediocre, suggesting that improvements in character animations and development could enhance the gaming experience.
“The game also has a more realistic approach in its ship and character design while still having humorous dialogue and other elements, which I appreciate.”
“Fun character design and voiceover.”
“This game is only lacking in potential character development and/or progression and possibly different game modes.”
“The character design and animations are mediocre at best, and could use some substantial improvement to bring it up to the same caliber as the rest of the graphics.”
