Kingshunt - Preview, we tried the Closed Alpha

Starting from the bottom and aiming upwards, a new company has become part of the gaming world, proposing a first project designed to land on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Let's talk about Vaki Games, software house that has decided to try their hand at a rather ambitious project, which unfortunately will have to compete with the tight world of multiplayer games. Let's talk about Kingshunt, a title that partly faces the world of MOBA, taking inspiration in various fields from already successful works such as Smite, and to projects that could have given us much more, among which we mention the now deceased Paragon.

These are only sensations that appear obvious mouse and keyboard in hand, since in recent days we have had the opportunity to interface with the PC version. In reality the title aims to be much deeper, far from a clone, since it includes a lot of new mechanics and sparks potential from all pores. Unfortunately, the development is still at an almost embryonic stage, and despite the fact that the work is playable - according to the developers themselves - it is only a first image of what the product will be in the future. However, the same have kept us to put the work in the hands of the players right away, to feel through the Closed Alpha its peculiarities and its development path; so let's find out all the details about this version of Kingshunt together!

Between MOBA and Soulslike

Taking us to bloody arenas, the title aims to make a total of 10 players collide in each match, divided into equal teams. While one has the task of attacking, the other must instead defend with all its resistance, pushing back the enemies in order not to lose the encounter. The gaming arenas are not only populated by players, but also by the well-known ones minion, which they automatically attack the various lanes, but they act almost only as "meat for slaughter" among the real clashes, albeit quite resistant and sometimes capable of giving a hard time.

Through a game system that undoubtedly winks at the series of Dark Souls, users must then repel the aforementioned waves of minions, as well as clash with their peers, the real threat of Kingshunt rounds. To compose the latter we find a really captivating hack and slash gameplay, simple but effective skills dedicated to each character, and theloved when hated stamina bar, which especially regulates dodging. To vary the formula from the simple MOBAs - to which we are now more than accustomed - it is precisely the play system, which is the funniest part of the experience. The clashes and battles are in fact more varied than ever thanks to the proposed fights, which have been adapted to the context by the software house.

Defenders also have the option of placing buildings, designed to keep opponents away, which creates a rather shallow management part for the moment, which is also proposed for attackers thanks to the presence of additional unique items. This mechanic could be implemented more successfully by the developer, just like additional abilities and possibilities for the characters. Graphically and in the field of view, basically just like what happens for the gameplay, the work, however, is still extremely unripe, albeit full of potential.

The long road to Kingshunt

The dark-themed graphics are certainly fascinating, just like the soundtrack, sadly though the glitches and bugs that run into games are frequent to say the least, it is clear that the title is not even in a state that we could define as completely "playable". It therefore goes without saying that the developer will have to work hard over the next few months to improve all the problems that plague the experience, enriching it with content and improving its rather innovative formula time after time.

To clash with Kingshunt we find a competition to say the least fierce, and it is therefore clear that the developer needs to make the title not only playable, but eye-catching and optimized (on PC and console) for all gamers. Maximizing all its potential may not be easy, but we are sure that this rough diamond can be modeled to perfection, so we look forward to further news on the debut of the product!