Free-to-Play Focus is a video/article series that highlights a free-to-play game everyone should give a try. Free-to-play games are 100% free to download and play, but usually include optional perks and upgrades that can be purchased with real money. The video will demonstrate navigation of the game along with gameplay and audio commentary, while the article describes the game in general along with highlighting key features. Please comment below with your thoughts, or suggest other free-to-play games for me to try!
Past entries in the series: This is the first!
Next entries in the series: Champions Online, Tribes: Ascend, Star Conflict
Full Title: Blacklight: Retribution
Developers: Zombie, Inc.
Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
Platforms: PC
Release Date: Available now
For the first edition of Free-to-Play Focus I’ve chosen a relatively new first-person shooter, Blacklight: Retribution, that can be downloaded from Steam, or directly from the game’s website. The game is 100% free to download and play on your computer, looks and runs great at high settings, and has tons of customization options once you get into the meat of the game. Another great perk is that a decent amount of upgrades and skins are available just from playing the game through the leveling system, and Raptr Rewards.
Game modes range from the basics like Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture-the-Flag, and Domination all the way to more unique modes like King-of-the-Hill, Siege and Netwar. With a litany of features, it is very easy to recommend this game to shooter fans of all types (not just those on a budget.) Some of the highlights include:
- Hardsuits – Blacklight’s version of a mech suit can be earned and deployed in game matches if you perform well enough to give you that extra-edge in destruction and can be equipped with a mini-gun, flamethrower, or even a railgun.
- Hyper-Reality Vision – This is essentially “Predator Vision” and allows you to see through walls and locate allies, enemies, and mission objectives.
- Deep Customization – Between matches you can customize everything about your gear from your helmet, boots, scope, mag, and so much more. Ingame currency (GP) can be used to purchase new gear and upgrades.
- Level Progression – As you play the game and earn experience, you increase your rank, which in turn unlocks more equipment and customization options.
Be sure to check out my video above for demonstrations of the game’s features, as well as commentary along with some gameplay. There was one mistake in the commentary, however: some of the items are real-money only (such as the Hero skins.) I’m extremely bad at shooters, mind you, so don’t expect much. Let us know what you thought of the game, the article, and the video in the comments below and of course make sure to check the game out using their Beginner’s Guide! You have nothing to lose!
The next edition of Free-to-Play Focus will feature Champions Online, a free-to-play super-hero themed MMORPG. Keep an eye on The Koalition for future free-to-play game highlights and news. Please comment with any other game suggestions!
