LawBreakers
- August 8, 2017
- Boss Key Productions
- 6h median play time
More than just another arena shooter, LawBreakers stands on its own to fill a niche that’s different to any other titles out there, and I am thoroughly pleased to have the game change my opinions on it. An essential shooter.
LawBreakers is a sci-fi multiplayer shooter with amazing game mechanics, splendid graphics, and a masterful soundtrack. Prepare to beat gravity into submission in this thrilling FPS, with unprecedented gravity-based combat set in a bloody rebuilt American landscape. Despite some annoying ads, the game is sure to make you laugh with its unique take on the genre.
Reviews
- Fast-paced gameplay that rewards skill and quick reflexes.
- Unique mechanics, including zero-gravity zones and character abilities, create a refreshing experience.
- Diverse classes with distinct playstyles, allowing for various strategies and approaches.
- Extremely low player base, making it difficult to find matches, especially during off-peak hours.
- Recent updates have introduced health regeneration, which some players feel detracts from the original gameplay experience.
- Lack of engaging character backstories and personality, leading to a less immersive experience.
- gameplay635 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Lawbreakers is characterized by its fast-paced, skill-based mechanics that blend elements from classic arena shooters like Quake and modern hero shooters like Overwatch. Players appreciate the unique movement mechanics, including zero-gravity zones, which add depth and complexity to matches, although some express concerns about balance and the game's low player base affecting matchmaking. Overall, while the gameplay is often described as exhilarating and rewarding for skilled players, it suffers from issues related to character balance and a lack of content that could enhance long-term engagement.
“The gameplay is incredibly satisfying across all classes, and matches are easy to find.”
“Fast-paced, skill-based gameplay that rewards skill and style in equal measure.”
“The gameplay is fast and fun, with a lot of unique mechanics.”
“Gameplay felt awesome, but with a severe lack of players I don't recommend buying it.”
“I really enjoyed the beta release, I have been waiting for months to get this game but now that I have it, there is no one to play with. I have submitted my refund request but I may be rejected for 2 hours of 'gameplay'; devs please listen to us... it wasn't gameplay at all, it was 2 hours of searching for a lobby.”
“The gameplay is really bad because all the characters aren't unique and they're all one-dimensional.”
- graphics168 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the stunning visuals, smooth performance, and detailed character animations, while others criticize the art style as bland or subpar, particularly in high resolutions. Many appreciate the game's optimization, allowing for high frame rates even on lower settings, but some find the character silhouettes hard to distinguish in fast-paced gameplay. Overall, while the graphics are often described as good or great, there are notable concerns regarding their consistency and uniqueness.
“The graphics are stunning and the level of detail in the levels and character animations are perfect.”
“Graphics are very nice even on medium or low settings, and it's very well optimized (frame rate was a constant 60fps).”
“The graphics are incredible and there are lots of customization options to choose from.”
“So I gave it a second chance, after a couple of matches I was disappointed as the game felt clunky and the graphics were blurry with low textures.”
“So finally I will finish off by saying the game's graphics are poor. Man, I was expecting better, especially for a 2017 FPS. The game looks choppy, acts choppy, and physically is choppy.”
“The aesthetics, unfortunately, can be described as 'generic' with each character becoming a blurry blob in the frantic pace of battle.”
- music71 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received a largely positive reception, with many players praising its energetic and immersive soundtrack that enhances the fast-paced gameplay. While some users found certain tracks to be generic or forgettable, the overall consensus highlights the soundtrack as a standout feature, often compared favorably to iconic games like Doom and Unreal Tournament. The combination of diverse musical styles, including electronic and metal influences, contributes to an engaging atmosphere that keeps players motivated during matches.
“The soundtrack is fierce as well.”
“The music rocks, the levels rock, and it takes practice and time to get used to all the movement mechanics in the game.”
“Amazing job on the soundtrack and the graphics and everything!!!!”
“The soundtrack of the game is also something I'm not very fond of.”
“Music is decent-to-bad, but the battle intro theme is somewhat memorable; some maps are very well designed, gunplay feels fairly good and movement does too once you get used to it.”
“Some songs are cringy, many are generic and forgettable.”
- optimization50 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and excellent graphics, while others report issues such as stuttering, crashes, and a lack of polish. Many users noted that despite some optimization flaws, the game runs well on mid-range hardware and maintains a classic FPS feel. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, the game is generally considered well-optimized for a newly launched title.
“The game is really well optimized and a hell of a lot of fun and chaos!”
“Optimization of the game is excellent, very smooth.”
“Game is well optimized, fast, and fluid with great gameplay.”
“Poorly optimized game.”
“However, this game is one of the most poorly optimized games I've ever played, so much so that it rivals that of Ark: Survival Evolved, which if you've played it you would know you hit lag spikes regularly and are prone to crashes.”
“Optimization is lacking as stutters are common, as well as crashes.”
- monetization36 mentions
- 8 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 72 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn mixed reactions, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of advertising and the perception of the game as a cash grab. While some support the idea of transitioning to a free-to-play model with cosmetic microtransactions to attract more players, the developers remain resistant to this approach, leading to frustration among the community. Overall, the game's monetization strategy is seen as inadequate, contributing to its low player base and visibility in a competitive market.
“Normally, I am against microtransactions, but if making this game free-to-play with cosmetic microtransactions will bring back players, why not do that?”
“I'm enjoying every bit of it and it's super refreshing to have a game that's priced very fairly that only has cosmetic microtransactions.”
“The most fun I've had with an FPS in a long time, and they don't try to beat you to death with microtransactions like other games have gotten into the habit of doing.”
“Once I realized that no one cared for it and the company put it out for a cash grab and is doing this again, I really wish I hadn't supported it.”
“Nobody in their right mind is going to pay money for a dead game, but as we've seen from EA, it is still very possible to be profitable off of microtransactions.”
“Also, the goddamn microtransactions are complete BS which lead me to believe this is a cash grab.”
- story27 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered minimal and not a primary focus, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of character backstories and in-game narrative depth. While some appreciate the lore and character personalities, others find the storytelling insufficient, leading to a feeling of detachment from the characters. Overall, the story is seen as a secondary element, with gameplay taking precedence, which may not satisfy those seeking a rich narrative experience.
“Each character is unique and really help build the story of the game.”
“It's not the most intriguing story, but the devs have put a good amount of depth in the lore to not feel half-assed.”
“Between factions, character bios, and the background of the story, you have yourself a pretty dope Overwatch-style story.”
“There is a story, but gameplay isn't focused on it.”
“Sadly, there is no character backstory for us to even care much about them.”
“The lack of a complete backstory is a little irritating for someone who enjoys a grand story.”
- character development25 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the character designs to be uninspired, bland, or generic, often comparing them unfavorably to other titles in the genre. While some appreciate the unique game modes and the overall gameplay experience, the lack of distinct and memorable character designs detracts from the game's appeal for others. Overall, the character design seems to be a significant point of contention, overshadowing the otherwise enjoyable aspects of the game.
“It's a really fun game that really stands out from the crowds with its unique game modes and character designs.”
“It's a fast-paced ability-based shooter with interesting character designs, a lovely array of skins, and they have cheesy voice lines.”
“Delivers on concept, has cool character design.”
“Now the gameplay was ok, you have a bunch of classes but most of the character design was pretty boring to me.”
“The character design is again pretty boring and stale.”
“However, when it comes to the character design they are rather bland and generic, which is a shame because everything else about the game is lovely.”
- stability20 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant bugs, glitches, and server issues that hinder gameplay, while others report a smooth and enjoyable experience. Many users noted problems such as freezing, stuttering, and hitbox inaccuracies, indicating that the game's performance can vary widely among players. Overall, while some find the game polished and stable, a considerable number of players face frustrating technical difficulties.
“The game feels great, it runs great, and mostly it's just really satisfying getting kills.”
“Not rushed; the game is polished and not very buggy for me.”
“The game runs great, and the combat is very fluid.”
“And finally the game actually just doesn't work with my computer or my friends. I have a GTX 1060 and an overclocked Intel Core i5 processor, which is basically a Core i7. The game is pinned around 150-200 FPS, and then every 20 seconds or so, it freezes the whole game. You glitch out, the screen goes black, and then you're running at 5 FPS for 10 seconds straight.”
“The gameplay is very fun and unique...when you get to play it. However, most of my time has been spent dealing with bugs and glitches topped with terrible server lag.”
“There are glitches that need to be fixed and a ton of class changes, hitbox detection fixes, and a whole slew of problems that face the dev team ahead.”
- humor17 mentions
- 94 % positive mentions
- -12 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky characters, hilarious voice lines, and a blend of dark and absurd comedy that resonates with players who appreciate deeper jokes about life. While the gameplay is fast-paced and filled with funny moments, some players express concerns about the game's player base and cheating issues, which detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the humor is a standout feature, making the game enjoyable and worth recommending for those who appreciate its unique comedic style.
“The fans understand this stuff; they have the intellectual capacity to truly appreciate the depths of these jokes, to realize that they’re not just funny - they say something deep about life.”
“Overall it is a great game with lots of jokes and funny voice lines, that is worth its money.”
“Let's not forget that there's blood, cursing, and hilarious results from dying in zero gravity where your body just flings off into the air in weird positions.”
“The humor in the game feels forced and often falls flat, making it hard to enjoy the experience.”
“While there are some funny moments, they are few and far between, leaving the overall humor lacking.”
“The jokes seem outdated and fail to resonate, which detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find enjoyment in mastering the limited number of heroes and engaging combat mechanics, others criticize the lack of diverse maps and meaningful rewards for repeated play. The absence of significant progression systems or varied classes detracts from long-term engagement for some, though others appreciate the fun and challenge that keeps them playing for hours.
“It's a blast to play and has the replayability to keep you hooked for hours on end.”
“Consistently engaging first-person shooter combat, well-implemented anti-gravity movement creates unusual combat situations, diverse characters are equally useful and valued in every map and mode, post-game rewards enhance replayability.”
“Another drawback is more a suggestion that there aren't a lot of maps, which I thought would be a major issue for replayability, but trying to master the 8 heroes makes a majority of the gameplay fun regardless of the same-y repetition of the maps.”
“Gamemakers seem to forget that replayability should be rewarded, not with skins but with better weapons, etc. The more you play, the tougher you become; this game has none of that.”
“The only thing bad about this game is the lack of replayability.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, feeling disappointment over its perceived decline and a small player base, which reflects broader concerns about the gaming landscape. Despite this, many find the gameplay exhilarating and engaging, highlighting the importance of emotional investment and lore in enhancing their experience.
“I wanted this game to do well; I've been following it for so long. Seeing it fail and become a different thing than it was supposed to be entirely is heartbreaking.”
“To me, it is almost heartbreaking to see such a small player base for this game. Is it really just a glimpse of how sad gaming has become as a whole?”
“But having something for people to emotionally invest in and a lore to explore helps a lot.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding for cosmetics to be challenging and sometimes frustrating, particularly due to a lack of active players leading to tedious matchmaking. While the fast-paced gameplay can provide a distraction, many feel that the grind is excessively demanding, with some describing the drops and cosmetics system as overly punishing, even for a free-to-play title.
“However, eventually it got to the point where the game was so void of players that finding matches became a tedious experience, and I just gave up.”
“Also, the drops/cosmetics system would be too brutally grindy and paywalled, even for a free-to-play game.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its blend of futuristic elements like body implants, teleportation, and anti-gravity, creating a unique and immersive experience. Reviewers appreciate the fast-paced gameplay and modern aesthetics, which evoke nostalgia for classic shooters while maintaining a gritty and engaging environment. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both exhilarating and comforting, setting it apart from other titles in the genre.
“I like the atmosphere of the game: all these body implants and teleportations, anti-gravity and exo-suits, big corporations and government wars.”
“This game's atmosphere, speed, physics, and music are amazing and provide an incredible change of pace, reminding me of old-school, self-sufficient 'I am the badass' shooters from the past but with a slick modern feel.”
“I've always preferred a grittier atmosphere in my games.”
“Not that I don't enjoy teen-rated shooters (gameplay above all else), but I've always preferred a grittier atmosphere in my games.”
Critic Reviews
LawBreakers Review
LawBreakers’ world and characters don’t carve deep impressions, but the experience itself exerts a strong pull with its diverse, balanced classes, solid selection of modes, and stellar gunplay. It’s more than a nice distraction from its looming competitors, and while the map design and implementation of gravity leave more to be desired, the game has the potential to further defy gravity and our expectations if it keeps shooting for the moon.
80%Lawbreakers Review
Available on PC, PS4 (both versions tested)
80%LawBreakers review
Nimble, graceful, and original, LawBreakers' movement sets it apart from other FPSes despite a few aesthetic weaknesses.
84%