Bleeding Edge
- March 23, 2020
- Ninja Theory Ltd
- 8h median play time
Bleeding Edge is a polished team-based brawler. Ninja Theory took on user feedback from the betas to improve gameplay and, with more content already announced, Bleeding Edge looks to have enough depth to pour countless hours into.
"Bleeding Edge" is a 4v4 team-based brawler set in a vibrant and futuristic world. Choose from a diverse roster of characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, and engage in fast-paced combat with tactical objective-based gameplay. With a focus on teamwork and strategy, "Bleeding Edge" delivers intense multiplayer action for players of all skill levels.
Reviews
- The game features unique character designs and abilities, making each match feel fresh and engaging.
- The combat mechanics are fun and encourage teamwork, rewarding players who work together effectively.
- The art style and soundtrack are vibrant and enjoyable, adding to the overall experience of the game.
- The game suffers from a lack of content, with only two game modes and a limited roster of characters, leading to repetitive gameplay.
- Matchmaking issues are prevalent, with players often experiencing long wait times and being placed in unbalanced matches.
- There are significant connectivity problems, including lag and disconnections, which detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- gameplay160 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is generally praised for its fun mechanics, unique character designs, and engaging combat, though many reviewers note issues with balance, matchmaking, and a lack of content variety. While the core gameplay is solid and offers a refreshing experience, frustrations arise from inconsistent mechanics, team dependency, and network issues that detract from the overall enjoyment. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further updates and improvements to fully realize its capabilities.
“The gameplay feels good and refreshing, fast but not too fast where you can't tell what's going on.”
“The gameplay is fun and filled with action, and sweet music to accompany you during the main menu, loading screens, and during the match.”
“What a game this offers + the gameplay is wonderful and so fun.”
“However, the gameplay is actually some of the worst I've ever had to endure.”
“That does not excuse a paid game to provide virtually no content, awful gameplay, and balancing issues this severe.”
“The gameplay is quite stiff.”
- graphics62 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their vibrant art style and character design, drawing comparisons to titles like "Sunset Overdrive" and "Borderlands." While many players appreciate the aesthetic and smooth performance, some have reported issues with lag and optimization, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these concerns, the visuals are considered a strong point, contributing to the game's unique charm and appeal.
“Amazing visuals and character design, pretty good combat with a surprising level of nuance - especially with combos, and an all-in-all a fun game.”
“Beautiful visuals without sacrificing performance.”
“I definitely recommend this game, I really love the graphics, style and it's a very unique game.”
“I wouldn't recommend this game if you got into it by its art style or want to play a new gigantic, then don't.”
“The only complaints I have is that the game can be a bit graphically unappealing.”
“I can live with this, but the graphics, character fluidity, map dynamics, and overall depth is just not justifying the price tag.”
- music39 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 23 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many reviewers highlighting the soundtrack as one of the best aspects. It complements the visuals and gameplay effectively, creating an immersive atmosphere during matches and menus. Overall, the combination of engaging music, art style, and solid gameplay contributes to a fun and enjoyable gaming experience.
“The music complements the visuals well.”
“The soundtrack is great too, not gonna lie.”
“Visually and musically stunning.”
“The mechanics are solid, the setting and characters a wonder to behold, the art style and music astonishing... but it costs £24.99.”
“Any MOBA player will not be disappointed... and it's the only game I play with the in-game music on.”
“Intense battles, fun learning curve for your inner strategist, major teamwork, great balance of characters/abilities for everyone, and a slammin' soundtrack... especially when it's calm on the battlefield or when there's an all-out brawl!”
- character development33 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is widely praised for its stunning and unique character designs, which are considered the strongest aspect of the experience. Players appreciate the interesting ability kits and the overall art style, although some express concerns about the game's content depth and potential for longevity. While the character designs are celebrated for their creativity and visual appeal, there are mixed feelings about the gameplay mechanics and the game's ability to compete in a crowded genre.
“I absolutely adore the character design; it's the strongest part of the game in my opinion.”
“The character design and thematic nature of this game is incredible.”
“The character design is on point and looks amazing.”
“In a day and age where those types of games have 30+ heroes, multiple game modes, stable servers, and strong character design, it is really hard to compete in the genre.”
“It's like they spent their entire budget on character design and put zero resources into the actual development of the game.”
“Fun and semi-original gameplay but boring character design for the most part; poor content and basic marketing mistakes mean this game won't last unless they release a great update/content patch.”
- optimization21 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing smooth performance and high frame rates, while others report significant lag and performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Many users express frustration over inconsistent performance across different sessions and the need to play on low settings to maintain stability. Overall, while the game shows potential with its beautiful art style and gameplay mechanics, it requires further optimization and patches to meet expectations for a buy-to-play title.
“Smooth performance and aesthetically pleasing art style.”
“It's super well optimized, too, and everything feels really smooth.”
“Beautiful visuals without sacrificing performance.”
“Sure, I got a terrible computer, but the optimization is atrocious.”
“I had some optimization problems and there is some balancing to be done, but fundamentally the game is strong and it has the potential to go from good to great given some patches and some polish.”
“The game has a PC version, but it is not optimized for it and some of the mechanics are just plain bad as a result.”
- monetization11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some praising its lack of microtransactions and reasonable price point, while others express concern over potential future monetization strategies, such as loot boxes or a shift to free-to-play. Players appreciate the absence of in-game purchases at launch but remain wary of the game's long-term monetization direction, suggesting that a change may be necessary for its revival. Overall, the current model is seen as a balanced approach, but uncertainty looms regarding future monetization practices.
“Honestly, I don't think it's fair to expect Ninja Theory to release a game without in-game purchases for free, and I think the price point they did release it at is pretty reasonable.”
“With that said, I still think for something that's just launched, and isn't capitalizing off its players with loot boxes and microtransactions, they've done a pretty good job!”
“I can understand some people being wary of the price tag, but I will happily pay $30 for no microtransactions and gameplay-rewarded cosmetics.”
“In summation, this game is a nicely done quick cash grab.”
“Overall at this early stage, it is a bit of a mixed bag; general art direction and varied character designs are a big plus while free-to-play-style progression, though without microtransactions/loot boxes (...yet-- again the pace of progression and the presence of a low-output currency definitely feel like the door is being left open for those to be added later) put a damper on things.”
“Just wait until they introduce microtransactions!”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is largely criticized for being underdeveloped and lacking depth, with many users expressing disappointment over the absence of a meaningful narrative. While some appreciate the absence of microtransactions, they feel that the game would benefit from the addition of quests or a story mode to enhance engagement and provide context. Overall, the consensus is that a more polished and fleshed-out story could significantly improve the game's appeal.
“The story is not really worked out but really nice.”
“I think a single player bot mode to test arenas would be helpful (they can make it a story mode, for each character to spruce it up).”
“It's really hard for me to admit, but the game is already dead. They need to add some story mode or make it free and significantly improve the polish because it's nonsensical how bad this is looking.”
“No story of any kind.”
“If there were a story, even a short one, it would make it an easy buy.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally appreciated, with players finding it entertaining and light-hearted, though some note that it lacks depth and can become repetitive. Instances of unexpected events, like being hit by a train, add to the comedic experience, while matchmaking issues can lead to one-sided games that detract from the fun. Overall, the game is seen as a quick, amusing diversion worth trying despite some balance concerns.
“Fast, funny, and exciting all bundled up in about 15 minutes.”
“The game remains consistently fun, plus being blindsided by a train because you foolishly didn't look can often be a very funny thing anyway.”
“Well anyway, don't read the negativity from frustrated players; give this small funny game a chance—it's worth it!”
- grinding7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the grinding aspect of the game, noting that it primarily revolves around earning skins and cosmetics, which offer little meaningful progression. While some appreciate the in-game currency system for feeling less grindy compared to other titles, many find the overall experience tedious due to clunky combat, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of engaging objectives. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant detractor from the game's enjoyment.
“You'll need a second life for grinding: all you can grind is skins and cosmetics or character upgrades which don't do much. I played like 3 matches and I can confirm if you want a skin on a character really badly, give up.”
“The game doesn't take long to get boring and tedious.”
“Combat and movement are clunky to the point that it's actually tedious to perform what should be simple tasks.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its vibrant and immersive quality, featuring creative character designs and meticulous attention to detail, such as dynamic animations and fluid gameplay. Reviewers highlight the lively environment that enhances the overall experience.
“The vibe and atmosphere of this game is really awesome; some of the character designs are the best I've seen, and the attention to detail is just beyond amusing, with things like Street Fighter attack animations and the movements of a corpse being puppeteered around.”
“The game atmosphere feels alive, and the gameplay is fluid!”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is criticized for poor balance and lack of effective matchmaking, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences. Additionally, users report bugs in the group menu and unbalanced maps, further detracting from overall stability. Cosmetic items are also seen as repetitive and require excessive farming time.
“Badly balanced, no matchmaking, cosmetics are just recolors (which you have to farm for 5-10 hours), and a buggy group menu.”
“Unbalanced and buggy maps.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the replayability lacking due to the similarity between the two game modes, which diminishes the incentive to return unless they are immediately engaged by their initial experience.
“Within these maps, players will partake in two game modes, both of which are too similar for there to be much replayability if you're not instantly hooked on your first win of the day.”
“The lack of variety in gameplay makes it hard to find motivation to replay the game after the initial experience.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to dive back in, as the side quests feel repetitive and uninspired.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players expressing frustration and a sense of helplessness regarding a character's overpowering abilities, which detracts from the overall enjoyment and balance of gameplay.
Critic Reviews
Bleeding Edge review
Bleeding Edge's characters are cool, but the combat is too shallow to hold attention for long.
58%Bleeding Edge review
A fun multiplayer brawler hampered by some lag issues and a lack of game types. With an update or two to iron out the kinks, this utterly charming game could go from good to great.
75%Bleeding Edge
Bleeding Edge Review – Exchanging Weak Punches
68%