Byte Breakersis a new free Steam game that may just rival the famousSuper Smash Brothers.Byte Breakersis a new game by indie studio Odyssey Interactive, which previously madeOmega Strikers. However, the action sports game, while fun, had complications with keeping an audience large enough to warrant constant support. So, while the game is still active, no major new updates are planned for it while the studio works on other things.
Odyssey Interactive does have an uphill battle trying to get into the platform fighter genre.Many have tried, and so few have reached a point to compete withSmash.MultiVersuswould be the most recent example, and even though it has had success withcharacters from beloved Cartoon Network and Warner franchises, it has yet to reach the highest heights. Though it is early,Byte Breakershas the potential to rise and compete with the top dogs.
What Is Byte Breakers?
Smash Meets Battle Royales
Byte Breakersis set in the same universe as theOmega Strikersso many of the characters are the same. Each match consists of 20 teams of two that start at a selected point on the map. The map will then shrink over time and force the teams into one another.Players have 100 health, which is lowered by taking damage, and when they hit zero they have increased knockback. Luckily, as long as someone on the team is still alive, players can be revived.
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The attack patterns inBreakersare the same as any other platform fighter, but it does introduce its own Energy system. Using one bar of Energy will energize attacks, giving them a variety of buffs, the most notable being extra damage and knockback. When two bars are consumed, players can use their Burst, a strong escape tool, or Team Assist, which will let them dash to their teammate and attack. These team features are likely what is going to be needed the most to make this title stand out.
Finally, Gear and Consumables are scattered across the map.Gear goes into one of three slots and provides buffs across different rarities. Four Consumables can be equipped at any time and can be used a set number of times to heal, attack, regain Energy, and more. Lastly, Omega Energy is a currency that can be collected and used to upgrade gear at specific stations.
How Byte Breakers Compares To Other Platform Fighters
Combining The Best Of Both Worlds
Though understandable, given the early stage of this game,Byte Breakersis clumsy and has some issues. Matches can sometimes have long periods without action, given the size of the map mixed with the lobby count. The best solution for this would be to shrink the maps or increase the lobby size if possible. The combat is also clunky and not as responsive as other fighters, and while that makes sense for a prototype, it doesn’t give players a good feel for how the game should play.
However, the teamplay mechanics and aspects fromthe best battle royalesputByteBreakersat its best. The ability to find and upgrade gear across the map can help make up for disadvantages in skill. The size of maps, while still a bit too big, allows for repositioning and more tactical encounters than in regular platform fighters, which are limited. Teamplay can be important in any platform fighter, butwith how Odyssey Interactive has always incorporated synergies between characters,Byte Breakerscould take it to another level.
When comparing it toother great platform fighters, it is obvious to see where the problems lie. Outside lack of polish, this is also an original IP that doesn’t have characters from popular franchises likeSmashandMultiversus. Thus, returning and new characters will have to be appealing to those who have no experience with theOmega Strikersuniverse. However, if this can be done while combat and other areas are also improved, it has the makings of a nice twist on the genre.
Since the developers have said they might stop working on this idea if the feedback is not supportive enough, it will be important that the positive aspects shine. It is unlikely any major changes are made during this playtest, but some idea of where the direction of this title could go would be a boon. Until then,Byte Breakershas an uphill battle if it wants to reach the high potential it has of rivalingSuper Smash Brothers.
