Mecha BREAK is released worldwide, yet it encounters significant backlash from players.

      Credit: Mecha BREAK

      Mecha BREAK, a sci-fi mecha shooter developed by the Chinese studio Seasun Games, was globally launched on Wednesday for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox platforms. Highlighted as a promising entry in the realm of AAA-quality Chinese mecha titles, the game achieved over 130,000 concurrent players on Steam within the last two days.

      However, despite the excitement, Mecha BREAK has received a lukewarm response from players, maintaining a mixed rating on Steam with over 6,000 reviews and a 63% approval rate.

      Variety in mecha designs and gameplay modes

      Set in a near-future world devastated by the carbon-silicon substance known as EIC, Mecha BREAK follows elite mech pilots striving to save humanity from an escalating threat. The game includes three main gameplay modes: 6v6 Edge Battlefield (focused on strategic team combat), 3v3 Ace Sequence (a death match), and PvPvE Marsh Mark (a survival mode involving loot and extraction).

      Mecha BREAK is free-to-play but includes in-game purchases for skins, season passes, gear, bonuses, and other premium content. The current version provides access to 12 free mechs, categorized into five roles: assault, melee, sniper, defense, and support. Each mech is also classified by weight (light, medium, or heavy), influencing movement speed, armor durability, and skill cooldowns.

      User interface issues disrupt the gameplay

      Many players on Steam have criticized the user interface for being cluttered, confusing, and poorly arranged. Essential functions are hidden within complicated menu layers, and overlapping prompts can overwhelm first-time players.

      Inadequate color contrast, low icon recognizability, and interaction logic that deviates from standard PC gaming conventions have led some users to feel that the game "resembles a mobile UI transferred directly to PC."

      Concerns about monetization and combat feedback

      Early reviews on Steam have also expressed considerable dissatisfaction with the game's monetization strategy, particularly the immediate appearance of a RMB 288 ($40) limited-time offer right after the tutorial. Some players believe that the early focus on spending detracts from the gameplay experience and disrupts immersion.

      In an interview with TechNode, a gamer known as Phantom Core criticized the combat mechanics in comparison to games like Armored Core VI, describing the hit feedback as "plastic." He stated that the sound and visual effects do not align well, resulting in unsatisfactory attack impacts.

      Questions about gameplay balance

      The game's 6v6 battlefield mode has faced scrutiny over balance issues. Steam players report significant disparities in mech performance, hindering fair competition. Heavier, defense-oriented mechs tend to have exceedingly high firepower and survivability, while lighter assassin units seem underpowered and poorly calibrated, according to Phantom Core.

      Complaints have also arisen regarding resource imbalances in the PvPvE mode. Players who invest more time or money can quickly enhance their mechs through boss drops and upgrades, while average players struggle to keep pace. This disparity directly affects PvP combat power, creating a "grind (or spend) more, win more" experience that exacerbates the gap between experienced and new players, Phantom Core noted.

      Can Mecha BREAK overcome the initial drop?

      Despite the ongoing debates surrounding the game, the development team is anticipated to continue improving gameplay and system mechanics in light of player feedback. Whether the game will escape the typical pattern of early excitement followed by a swift decline and disappointment remains uncertain.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai, covering consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. Connect with her via email: [email protected]. More by Jessie Wu.