Block N Load
- April 30, 2015
- Artplant
- 40h median play time
A habit-forming FPS for its strategic possibilities and tactical depth, but the lack of matchmaking is especially worrisome.
"Block N Load" is a free-to-play, massively multiplayer shooter game with single-player options, featuring unique and humorous characters and creative building mechanics. Every match is different, as players construct and destroy their way to victory in this tactical and strategic FPS. The game offers a variety of roles and requires both intelligent planning and shooter skills.
Reviews
- Block N Load combines building mechanics with FPS gameplay, offering a unique and strategic experience.
- The game features a variety of characters and classes, each with unique abilities that encourage teamwork and creativity.
- The community is generally supportive, and the developers actively listen to player feedback for improvements.
- The player base is dwindling, leading to long queue times and unbalanced matches with inexperienced players.
- The transition to free-to-play has resulted in microtransactions for characters and skins, which some players feel is unfair.
- There are issues with matchmaking, often pairing new players with experienced ones, making it difficult for them to enjoy the game.
- gameplay119 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a unique blend of building mechanics and class-based objectives, offering a fresh and engaging experience that combines elements of first-person shooters and strategy games. While many players appreciate the variety of classes and the tactical depth, some express concerns about balance issues, repetitive gameplay, and the need for better tutorials. Overall, the game is praised for its fun mechanics and community engagement, though it faces criticism for certain design flaws and a smaller player base.
“The gameplay is one of a kind; it's a unique mix of building and class-based objective gameplay.”
“This game provides quick and fun gameplay, with charming characters and a lovable narrator.”
“The gameplay is extremely diverse due to the ability to place and destroy blocks, and each of the classes are very nicely balanced.”
“The practice ground can give you a few pointers about movement and the tutorial video provides tips about basic game mechanics, but the base setups shown in the videos are absolutely useless.”
“Its cons are that it's a bad game that should never be played because of how bad it is, its failure to actually teach you how to play the game, and its terrible gameplay.”
“While the game may only look like a shooter with Minecraft mechanics, it uses those mechanics and many others to create a game all about tactics, resource management, and most of all deception.”
- graphics45 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the colorful, polished voxel art style reminiscent of titles like Team Fortress 2 and Toy Story, while others criticize them as childish or lacking depth. Many users note that the graphics can be adjusted for performance, but some have experienced a decline in quality after updates. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered decent and fitting for the game's style, they may not meet the expectations of all players.
“Beautiful graphics, imaginative classes, and brilliant mechanics.”
“The graphics for a cube style game are very polished, colorful, and clean to look at.”
“The graphics are awesome, the gameplay is awesome, and the devs actually read your posts and reply to them.”
“Used to love this game but quit because of the graphics now.”
“Graphics are the same as other games out there, nothing spectacular.”
“Its pros are the lackluster graphics, sub-par shooting mechanics, and the audio which was probably taken off of a free online Call of Duty soundboard.”
- humor16 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in Block n Load is a standout feature, characterized by its quirky characters, amusing dialogue, and a lively announcer that adds to the comedic atmosphere. Players appreciate the funny interactions and unique character roles, which contribute to hilarious gameplay moments, especially during team dynamics. Overall, the game's humor enhances the experience, making it enjoyable for those with a sense of fun.
“Block n Load is a funny combination between a team-based shooter like Team Fortress and a building game like Minecraft.”
“Unique characters with humorous dialogue.”
“The characters are hilarious and charming.”
- monetization11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 55 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players labeling it a "cash grab" due to the prevalence of microtransactions, including loot boxes and cosmetic purchases. Many users express frustration over the transition to a free-to-play model, which reset progress and introduced additional costs, detracting from the game's original community spirit and experience. Overall, the monetization strategy is seen as exploitative, overshadowing the game's quality and the developers' efforts.
“Microtransactions involve cosmetics and unfortunately, their form of a loot box called bounty box.”
“Also has microtransactions for loot crates.”
“More like block and pay for many heroes and microtransactions.”
“This is an amazing game, but since the free-to-play launch, it's been ruined. There are too many bad and inconsiderate players, and it's turned from a private nice community to a mosh pit cash grab.”
“The free-to-play update reset all my progress on my classes and added microtransactions.”
- optimization9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users citing poor performance due to its reliance on a single processor core and overall subpar optimization, despite being a finished product. While some players appreciate the game's visual style and report smooth performance, others criticize the developers for ignoring community feedback and failing to implement necessary updates, leading to a frustrating experience for many. Overall, the game's optimization issues detract from its potential, leaving players disappointed.
“While it isn't badly optimized, the requirements sort of resemble those for AAA titles.”
“It's some mix of Minecraft pixel style and the TF2 cartoon style, and it works well to both provide good performance while not looking horrible.”
“Honestly impressed with the game so far, the classes feel mostly balanced and the game runs smoothly.”
“As far as I know, Unity is supposedly not the best engine to code a game in, and Block N' Load only runs on one processor core, making the performance horrible for many people.”
“The devs bit off more than they could chew, ignored community feedback, and generally made poor decisions with changes/updates. The game has awful performance and is poorly optimized.”
“The game is unoptimized, which is understandable if it is in alpha or maybe beta, but it is apparently a finished game.”
- grinding9 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive and tedious, particularly due to the exponential increase in resources required for upgrades and the lengthy time commitment needed to achieve max levels. While some appreciate the free-to-play model and the option to earn rewards without spending money, many feel that the grind can become monotonous and frustrating, especially with issues like poor matchmaking and limited player engagement. Overall, the grinding experience varies, with some players enjoying the challenge while others see it as a significant drawback.
“Teamwork matters, and while there are balancing issues, the game is free-to-play and not overly grindy.”
“Now, you don't exactly *have* to buy the boxes with real money, as you can get one free box a day for free and there is a low (30%?) chance of dropping one more after each match, but the amount of dust (and gold) needed to level up a block does increase exponentially. If I remember correctly, it takes around three years to level up every block to max level. Have fun grinding for that only with the lowest tier of gambling earnings!”
“There's a new crate system in Block N Load... and it's to upgrade your blocks... and it's overpowered, stupid, and grindy as hell.”
“Game is grindy and gets old with huge disparity between bad and good players, no real matchmaking to speak of, and not enough players even if there was.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story aspect of "Block N Load" is minimal, primarily revolving around the objective of destroying the enemy's cube and defenses. Players engage in matches that lack a narrative depth, focusing instead on gameplay mechanics and strategy development. Overall, the game is more about competitive play than storytelling.
“Here's a fun story from a single match.”
“Moral of the story: you will most likely get your ass kicked when you first play, but after the first five matches, you begin to kick ass of your own, eventually becoming a very good player and learning the maps, tactics, and strategies in order to win the match(es).”
“Block N Load really has no story to speak of.”
“But it seems like Block N Load is a completely different story.”
“Moral of the story: you will most likely get your ass kicked when you first play, but after the first five matches, you begin to kick ass of your own.”
- stability8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
Overall, players report that while the game is generally fun and runs smoothly, it does experience occasional glitches and bugs typical of a beta version. Users note issues such as long queue times and server lag, but these are often seen as minor inconveniences in an otherwise enjoyable experience.
“Awesome game! Really fun with friends, and it runs and plays great.”
“The game is incredibly stable, providing a smooth experience without any crashes.”
“I appreciate how well the game performs; it rarely lags or has any issues.”
“Swear to god that buggy game jumping around killing dinosaurs has more players than this.”
“Servers seem to be buggy; the wall often takes a while to come down after the timer expires, same with having to wait a while when the timer expires in the lobby.”
“I think one of the most important things to remember about this game is that it is in beta. Sure, there are glitches and problems, but that's why you are playing a game in beta; that's why it isn't released.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered unremarkable aside from the main theme and menu tracks, though it effectively signals important events with short musical cues. In contrast, another game is praised for its catchy soundtrack and unique art style, enhancing the overall fun and multiplayer experience.
“However, important events in the game are preceded with a short music byte that lets the player know something important is about to happen.”
“Nice soundtrack and voicing.”
“With its catchy music, unique art style, and competitive multiplayer, this game brings a lot of fun and friends to your PC.”
“Aside from the main theme and menu music, BNL features no noteworthy music.”
“However, important events in the game are preceded by a short music byte that lets the player know something important is about to happen.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Block n Load offers impressive replayability by blending familiar mechanics from Minecraft and Team Fortress 2 into a unique gaming experience. Players appreciate the game's variety and the potential for different strategies, ensuring that each playthrough feels distinct and engaging. Many users express a desire for additional content, such as more block types and characters, to further enhance replay value.
“Block n Load takes two ideas that have already been done (Minecraft and Team Fortress 2) but mixes them in a beautiful symphony of game design, creating its own original style that I've never seen done before, with replayability beyond my initial expectations.”
“Great fun at a cheap price, and it's got loads of replayability.”
“With building mechanics like Minecraft and a first-person shooter that has a hint of TF2 but has its own feel entirely, the end product you get is a highly replayable video game experience and a game that is never the same.”
“I would like to see more block types and more playable characters.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game has received mixed feedback; some players feel it has become less friendly and more competitive, reminiscent of a less welcoming environment, while others appreciate its enjoyable and skill-rewarding nature, highlighting the fun aspects of creativity and construction. Overall, the atmosphere is seen as a significant factor in the game's appeal.
“Even if there are negative points, I highly recommend this game as it's skill rewarding (creativity, time to learn some 'construction' such as bunkers, etc.) and I find the atmosphere really enjoyable!”
“The atmosphere is very fun.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted through the tension and creativity involved in strategic gameplay, where players experience a sense of urgency and anticipation as they build and dismantle structures in a dynamic environment. This interplay fosters a deep engagement, as players must outsmart their opponents while navigating the consequences of their actions.
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that while the game's graphics are impressive for its blocky style, it is the character design that truly enhances the overall experience, indicating strong character development.
“For a blocky game, the graphics are quite good, but what really sold this game to me was the character design.”
“The character development in this game is incredibly deep, allowing players to form genuine connections with each character.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
Critic Reviews
Block N Load Review – Mired In Flaws
If you’re looking for a player driven, skill based, class operated first person shooter, Block N Load is not the game for you. Team Fortress 2, a game which is free to play in its entirety, does it better in just about every way.
60%Block N Load review
A habit-forming FPS for its strategic possibilities and tactical depth, but the lack of matchmaking is especially worrisome.
76%