Final 12 months, we obtained the disappointing information that Blue Protocol — admittedly my most anticipated F2P MMORPG on the time — was cancelled. The sport by no means made it to a worldwide launch, and the Japanese servers have been shut down earlier this 12 months. With Blue Protocol reportedly underperforming financially, Amazon Video games pulled the plug earlier than the sport even had a shot within the West.
Quick ahead to the current, Star Resonance not too long ago welcomed gamers in China to a restricted beta take a look at. What’s Star Resonance, you ask? It’s Blue Protocol yet again, slightly below a special title. The sport is basically a mobile-game-ified Blue Protocol that’s being developed by Tencent as an alternative of Bandai Namco this time round.
I needed to attach my VPN and dive in myself, however I couldn’t be bothered to navigate the Chinese language language barrier, so I did the following smartest thing: watched hours of different folks taking part in. And actually? I’m impressed, and able to be let down once more.
Star Resonance, which has a PC consumer by the best way, appears to be like rattling good visually. You’re in a position to leap, glide, and roam via a surprising open world. Different gamers are round you too — working via zones, preventing packs of mobs, and knocking out quests. It seems to be a “correct” MMORPG.
The following beta for Star Resonance will happen April 24, 2025.
⬇️Recruitment is LIVE ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rtyNbzaa4b
— Star Resonance Database (@StarResonanceDB) April 8, 2025
The sport has social options too; I seen guilds, emotes, and fishing. Additionally, in contrast to loads of cellular video games, there’s no stamina or power cap — so you possibly can theortectially grind dungeons or world bosses til your coronary heart’s content material.
As for fight, Star Resonance combines motion and tab-targeting, which I feel is the best setup for an MMORPG. There are seven lessons, every with their very own specializations, and the dungeons look enjoyable as a result of the moment-to-moment gameplay feels tight and impactful.
On the monetization facet, there’s a beauty gacha system, each day log-in rewards, and month-to-month passes. It doesn’t scream pay-to-win. That being stated, some comfort gadgets and sophistication unlocks are locked behind premium forex apparently.
To this point, the sport is confirmed for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. Fingers crossed Star Resonance involves the West. I solely obtained to check out Blue Protocol in English throughout a closed take a look at way back, and I genuinely had a blast. I’m hopeful, however once more, I’m able to be let down once more.
