Shrapnel: Early Access Review of the New Shooter

Shrapnel: A Promising Leap into Blockchain Gaming

The world of blockchain gaming continues to evolve, and with the recent early access launch of Shrapnel, a first-person extraction shooter, the excitement is palpable. Released last week on the Epic Games Store, this game represents not just a fresh entry in the online shooter genre but also a unique blend of traditional gameplay mechanics and blockchain technology. As anticipation builds, Shrapnel offers an intriguing glimpse of what could become a formidable competitor among established titles.

Early Access: A Glimpse into the Future

Neon Machine’s announcement of Shrapnel’s early access debut last Friday was met with enthusiasm. The event included a brief online session for media and content creators, which provided a first-hand experience of what the game has to offer. Notably, the real action is set to unfold today at 4 PM ET, with a three-day competition offering a staggering $100,000 in SHRAP token rewards. This period marks the opening for thousands of Extraction Pack owners to dive into the game, compete for crypto tokens, and potentially influence its development trajectory.

Initial Impressions: Gameplay and Mechanics

Having had the opportunity to experience a multiplayer demo nearly a year ago, the early access version, dubbed Shrapnel Training Exercises (STX), showcases a more polished gameplay loop centered on survival and extraction. While the visuals are still in the developmental stage—with much of the environment appearing gray boxed—the gameplay experience is exhilarating.

• Speed and Fluidity: The fast-paced movement resembles the iconic feel of Mirror’s Edge, providing smooth and clean mechanics that make the gameplay enjoyable despite the unfinished aesthetic.

• Risk and Reward: Drawing inspiration from titles like Escape from Tarkov, Shrapnel presents a compelling risk-reward dynamic. Players must choose between making a quick escape or lingering for rare loot, with the constant threat of being eliminated before extraction.

Core Features and Challenges

While the excitement of the gameplay is undeniable, it is essential to recognize the current limitations of Shrapnel.

• Limited Player Count: Matches are currently capped at 12 players, a decision made to ensure a balanced experience for participants around the globe. This sparse environment may affect the intensity of gameplay but also allows for a more strategic approach.

• Temporary Loot and Game Elements: At this stage, players cannot retain extracted loot between sessions, and the NFT elements, which promise to enhance in-game content creation and trading, are not yet implemented.

• Future Potential: Despite the unfinished aspects, Shrapnel boasts a strong core foundation. The gameplay mechanics are engaging, and the integration of blockchain elements holds promise for future expansions.

The Road Ahead

Purchasing an Extraction Pack now means investing in a demo that is currently playable only during limited sessions. However, this early investment could yield long-term benefits, especially as the game transitions to a free-to-play model.

Shrapnel’s potential to become a mainstream blockchain game is evident, with its unique mechanics and competitive framework setting the stage for future growth. While there remains much to build and refine, the early access version already hints at a new era for blockchain gaming, blending the thrill of traditional shooters with innovative technology.

As the gaming community gears up for the competition ahead, one thing is clear: Shrapnel is a title to watch, and its journey is just beginning.