GungHo Online Entertainment has released an eclectic array of games int he past few years, from Ninjala to Let It Die, but Volta -X represents not only the newest game for the Japanese publisher, but also, a truly unique and dynamic entry in action and strategy games. I first played Volta-X during PAX WEST 2019 in Seattle, Washington, and greatly enjoyed its unique premise and combat perspective. On July 18th, 2020, GungHo Online Entertainment allowed an open public beta for both the single-player campaign and the online PvP. After a few hours with Volta-X, I am incredibly excited for the game’s release later this Summer.
Volta-X takes place on Earth, in a world inhabited by anthro-creatures. In this future, there are Kaiju and giant robots. Life hasn’t quite worked out as it should, but there is the World League of giant robot fighting. To get in the League, a robot and a crew are needed, and fortunately, there happens to be both nearby. With a giant robot at your command, the quest to become a champion begins, and along the way, there might be a chance to get the girl and save the world.
Volta-X is an action strategy game that players and their crew in the shoes of a giant robot in a hybrid gameplay mechanic that combines the pacing of an action game and the tactics of a strategy game. Players assemble a care, choose their weapons, and set out onto one-on-one battles with mechs. Players use timed attacks and crew placements to attack specific parts of the opponent. Attacking a part delivers damage and the part can be destroyed, giving the player or the opponent a point. The one with the most points wins the match. Each weapon can be launched but has a cool down to consider, and depending on the placement of the crew, an attack can be far more powerful than before.
Part of the gameplay of Volta-X is to maneuver your crew throughout the mech to various compartments. The compartments house weapons systems and support systems. Keeping a crew member in a compartment can enhance the ability of that compartment. If a crew member, for example, has a trait to enhance the melee weapons, then having that crew member in a compartment with a melee weapon will automatically increase the capabilities of the melee attack. However, there is a risk to leaving a crew member in a compartment. If the compartment takes damage while the crew member is in it, they will get hurt. Crew members can be knocked out if they receive enough damage. A Volta without a crew puts the player at a serious disadvantage as crew members also fix and repair damaged compartments. The most important part of the Volta is the head. Volta-X encourages strategy but also encourages risk versus reward. For those that wish to target the head, the head is the toughest part of the mech but also yields instant victory and huge gains in points and experience. When battles are over, players set up a base, similar to X-Com. The base can house sleeping quarters, a mess hall, a research lab, and other specialized rooms. The base is essential to the crew for rest, research, and building stronger friendships to use in battle.
For each Volta, Volta-X offers a large variety of weapons and abilities. Each Volta can be equipped with a combination of lasers, missiles, melee attacks, and so on. Upgradeable weapons allow for special attributes to be added, such as driller missile that drill into the target, or drill arms that burrow into the armor of the enemy at close range. Some parts can become shields for better protection, and certain compartments can become reserved for a first aid station or generator to either heal crewmates or power weapons.
For those that grew up on Power Rangers, Pacific Rim, and the Gundam series, they’ll be right at home for what Volta-X offers. During my time with Volta-X, I observed the enthusiasm and polish the game currently has in its development, remarking at the style, combat, and responsiveness to the game mechanics. Volta-X adopts a colorful yet soft style to its characters and worlds. The mechs are designed wonderfully, and the music is reminiscent of Pixar’s The Incredibles. However, with the main characters, all being anthropomorphized creatures, they are depicted as if they were to exist in children’s books. It’s a softer yet more refreshing approach, giving a sort of heartful friendliness to an otherwise action-packed and chaotic game. During my time with the single-player game, a humorous by heartfelt story seemed to be unfolding, involving friendship, achieving greatness, and a mysterious girl with telepathic powers that seems to communicate through dreams. An official prequel comic helps to establish the world of Volta-X and can be seen here.
The combat was swift, allowing me to chose my attacks and when to launch them, but also learn the importance of timing and using the crew wisely. For the beta, I used a mouse and keyboard to play. Overall, the controls and gameplay were refined and polished. I lost matches because my crew was all gathered in one place, but also won matches because I took a chance to attack the head of the opponent. Granted, I’d lose matches for being far too overconfident in attacking the head and settled for attacking body parts. This was more resourceful, especially if I was able to knock out crew members in battle. For the single-player campaign, the battles were understandably easy, but not pushovers. PvP was a barrel of fun, though there were a few connection issues and balancing issues. I had to restart the beta twice, but for the most part, Volta-X ran well. I won a few matches but was decimated in many. Playing the single-player campaign is essential to success, especially in the ability to better arm, upgrade, and prepare for battle.
Overall, Volta-X is looking to be an incredibly strong action and strategy title, with a fascinating world and amazing combat mechanics. Volta-X to strike a balance for players looking for something new and tactical enthusiasts looking for something smarter than the average action game. It remains to be seen what Volta-X will grow into, but base upon what I’ve seen, it’s going to be a great game. Volta-X launches in Summer 2020 for Nintendo Switch and PC.
A beta key was generously supplied to Marooner’s Rock for PC by GungHo Entertainment
