In the grand theater of online shooters, a new contender has burst onto the stage, leaving some fans thrilled and others scratching their heads: enter Highguard! This free-to-play extravaganza—yes, free, as in “won’t cost a single coin from that piggy bank”—has somehow managed to wrestle its way to a bountiful crowd on Steam, boasting a peak of 97,249 players on its launch day. Impressive, right? Well, buckle up, because the reviews tell a slightly less cheerful tale.
Launch Day Buzz and Tumult
Highguard made its grand entrance during the fanfare of The Game Awards, a place where blockbuster game announcements typically steal the spotlight. But instead of unveiling the next iteration in a long-established series, this rookie shooter sidled up to the stage, waved, and promptly vanished back into the shadows. Naturally, eyebrows were raised, and palms were rubbed together in anticipation. A humble debut trying to play in the big leagues? Someone call the underdog movie producers!
The Numbers Game
Shockingly, while Highguard attracted a crowd big enough to rival a pop concert on launch day, it emerged from the experience with an impressive collection of, shall we say, less-than-enthusiastic reviews. Here’s the scoop: a paltry 32.05% of players have managed to find something positive to say about their experience. That’s right—a rough tally shows 6,027 positive reviews swarmed by a whopping 13,363 negative ones. It’s almost like watching a classic horror movie where the protagonist just keeps making bad choices!
Praise and Protests
So, what’s the beef? According to those brave enough to wield their keyboards, the game’s expansive maps have drawn a fair amount of criticism. Picture this: bustling 3vs3 encounters on a map so big, players might as well be lost in a corn maze. Many are evidently feeling that the game should perhaps come with a map and a dose of GPS, just to keep players from wandering aimlessly into oblivion.
Behind the Curtains
Created by the fine folks over at Wildlight Entertainment—composed of industry veterans who might have dropped a few too many hours on Apex Legends and Call of Duty—this all-star cast has lofty ambitions. “We are driven by our deep passion for making AAA games that leave a lasting impact on the world,” says an esteemed gem on LinkedIn, as if creating a magical game moment would bring world peace. According to them, it’s all about a supportive workplace with open communication… perfect conditions for game development, right?
The Verdict: A Work in Progress
Although the critics may be throwing shade like a cherry tree in summer, the initial player engagement numbers paint a portrait of potential. The balance between getting players in the digital door and keeping them engaged is a fine line to walk—and right now, it looks more like a tightrope act that’s had one too many cups of coffee.
In wrapping up this saga of triumphs and tribulations, the future of Highguard remains uncertain. Will it rise like a phoenix from the ashes of negativity, or will it float back into the ether of forgotten games? Only time will tell, and with any luck, those maps will get a bit of trimming. Now, where can one find a game that doesn’t require a GPS? Stay tuned!
