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MONSTER

Apex Legends

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Apex Legends
Item: Apex Legends
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresAction, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, Military and Warfare, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableFeb 4, 2019

PlatformXbox One, PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperRespawn Entertainment

Overview

Conquer with character in Apex Legends, a free-to-play Hero shooter where legendary characters with powerful abilities team up to battle for fame & fortune on the fringes of the Frontier. Master an ever-growing roster of diverse Legends, deep tactical squad play and bold new innovations that go beyond the Battle Royale experience—all within a rugged world where anything goes. Welcome to the next evolution of Hero Shooter.

Elsewhere

7.4

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Apex Legends' fast-paced, strategic gameplay, diverse roster of heroes, and innovative mechanics like the ping system. Despite some performance issues on the Nintendo Switch, reviewers praise the game for its satisfying gunplay, character abilities, and emphasis on teamwork. Apex Legends stands out in the battle royale genre for its engaging combat, depth, and balanced mechanics, earning it high acclaim from critics overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Apex Legends for its fast-paced, engaging, and strategic nature. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the diverse roster of heroes with unique abilities, the innovative gameplay mechanics such as the ping system for communication, and the team-based strategies that set it apart in the battle royale genre. Critics like Nintendo Insider and Game Informer commended the game for its satisfying gunplay, character-driven powers, and the strategic approaches of the Legend characters. PC Gamer and DualShockers also lauded the refined and polished gameplay of Apex Legends, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and communication in achieving success in the game. However, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay experience in Apex Legends. Reviewers playing on the Nintendo Switch, such as GameMAG and GameByte, noted performance limitations like lower-than-expected frame rates, objects lagging, and issues with items not appearing in hands. CGMagazine highlighted the potent aim assist in the Switch version, which led to a gameplay experience where locking onto enemies quickly became crucial. Nintendo Life also mentioned issues with framerate, controls, and technical performance that affected the overall gameplay experience on the platform. These criticisms suggest that the Nintendo Switch version of Apex Legends may have some drawbacks compared to other platforms. Overall, despite some performance issues on specific platforms, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Apex Legends. The game is praised for its unique mechanics, diverse character abilities, engaging gunplay, and emphasis on teamwork and strategy. Critics like PCGamesN and GameSpot commend the game for its engrossing combat, while Game Rant and PlayStation Country appreciate the fast-paced and frenetic style of gameplay. The innovative features, balanced mechanics, and strategic depth of Apex Legends have resonated well with reviewers, making it a standout title in the battle royale genre. The positive reception from the majority of critics underscores the overall success of Apex Legends in delivering a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics generally praise Apex Legends for its polished visuals, diverse environments, and detailed character models, with some highlighting the game's gorgeous level design and use of assets from the Titanfall universe. However, concerns are raised about compromised graphical fidelity on the Nintendo Switch, including issues like low resolutions and blurry textures. Despite some criticisms on certain platforms, the majority of critics appreciate the game's visual appeal and unique art style, making Apex Legends a visually engaging experience overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

37%

Negative (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of several videogame reviewers regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Apex Legends are varied but generally positive. Critics like Cultured Vultures, Digital Chumps, and Guardian praise the game for its polished visuals, diverse environments, and detailed character models. Digital Chumps specifically highlights the gorgeous level design, huge landscapes, and visually appealing character models that enhance the overall visual experience. The use of assets from the Titanfall universe, as noted by GamesRadar+, adds to the polished and AAA quality visuals of the game. Additionally, IGN Italia and PlayStation Country appreciate the solid graphics performance on platforms like PS4, mentioning diverse map designs, detailed environments, and visually appealing art styles. On the other hand, critics who played Apex Legends on the Nintendo Switch, such as Cubed3 and GameSpot, express concerns about compromised graphical fidelity, low resolutions, blurry textures, and reduced visual quality impacting the gameplay experience. Game Rant and NintendoWorldReport criticize the Switch version for frame drops, texture loss, and lower draw distance compared to other platforms. These issues are further emphasized by critics like GameMAG, who mention poor visibility of enemies due to lack of detail in textures and environments, impacting gameplay negatively. Despite some critics like Impulsegamer finding the graphics on the Switch version decent but not as good as other platforms, the overall consensus leans towards a subpar graphical experience on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, while there are some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Apex Legends on certain platforms like the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics appreciate the game's polished visuals, diverse environments, and detailed character models. The game's unique art style borrowed from the Titanfall universe, as highlighted by Game Rant, adds to its visual appeal and sets it apart in the battle royale genre. Despite some graphical compromises on specific platforms, the overall consensus among critics is that Apex Legends offers a visually engaging experience with its well-crafted visuals, diverse landscapes, and distinct character designs, contributing to its immersive and enjoyable gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics are divided on Apex Legends' sound design and music, with many praising its immersive qualities like intense gunplay sounds and dynamic music. Positive feedback highlights the detailed sound effects, clear audio cues, and well-implemented pinging system. However, some critics raised concerns about potential sound issues affecting gameplay and lacking quality of in-game chat. Overall, reviewers lean towards the positive side, acknowledging the game's efforts in creating a rich audio experience that enhances player immersion and enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Apex Legends have garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the game for its immersive sound design, with specific mentions of intense gunplay sounds, adrenaline-inducing effects, clear audio cues, and dynamic music. GamesRadar+ highlighted the loudspeaker system that enhances the atmosphere, while Generación Xbox appreciated the detailed sound effects that contribute to the immersive experience. PCGamesN and Cultured Vultures also commended the well-implemented pinging system and in-game voice lines that enhance the overall sound design. Vandal specifically noted the precise spatial audio for tracking enemy movements, further enhancing the immersive experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out issues with the sound in Apex Legends. GameByte mentioned that sound problems could potentially affect gameplay and lead to players losing a match. Cultured Vultures highlighted the lacking quality of in-game chat, which could hinder communication among players. While Destructoid and Nintendo Insider did not delve deeply into the sound design or music, their reviews suggest a lack of detailed analysis in this aspect, indicating a potential oversight in evaluating the audio experience of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards the positive side regarding the Sound Design and Music of Apex Legends. The game's sound design is widely praised for its immersive qualities, enhancing the gameplay experience for players. Specific elements like the detailed sound effects, clear audio cues, and dynamic music contribute to creating a compelling and engaging atmosphere within the game. Despite some minor issues highlighted by a few reviewers, the majority of critics appreciate the efforts put into crafting a rich audio experience in Apex Legends, ultimately adding to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Apex Legends shines on PS4 and Xbox One with stable performance and minimal issues, while facing more challenges on Nintendo Switch with frame drops and connectivity problems. PC version requires hardware upgrades for optimal performance but still maintains overall stability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

20%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on the PlayStation 4, reviewers generally praised Apex Legends for its stability and smooth gameplay experience. Critics like Gaming Age and IGN Italia highlighted the game's minimal server issues and stable performance on the PS4 Pro, with a consistent 60 fps and stable gameplay. PlayStation LifeStyle also noted smooth performance on the PS4 Pro, supporting 60 players without issue. Despite some mentions of server lag and choppy servers by Gamers Heroes and PlayStation Country, the overall sentiment leans towards positive technical performance on the PlayStation 4 platform. On the Nintendo Switch, opinions were more divided regarding Apex Legends' technical performance. CGMagazine and Impulsegamer mentioned stable gameplay with some frame drops, while GameByte acknowledged limitations in performance such as lower frame rates and slow loading environments. However, critics like Cubed3, Game Rant, and Nintendo Enthusiast criticized the Switch port for issues like low frame rates, blurry textures, crashing, and connectivity problems, impacting playability and stability. Metro GameCentral even highlighted that players on Switch are at a disadvantage compared to other consoles due to muddy visuals and frame rate issues affecting gameplay. Moving on to the Xbox One platform, reviewers were generally positive about the technical stability of Apex Legends. Game Rant praised the impressive technical stability with minimal server issues and quick fixes for encountered problems. Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub also commended the smooth performance, stable connections, and impressive graphics on the Xbox One, with no specific technical issues mentioned. This indicates a strong technical performance on the Xbox One platform. Overall, while Apex Legends received praise for technical stability on platforms like PS4 and Xbox One, the Nintendo Switch version faced more challenges with performance issues such as frame drops, texture loss, and connectivity problems. Critics like PC Gamer highlighted the need for hardware upgrades on PC for optimal performance, but overall stability was acknowledged. The consensus among critics leans towards positive technical performance on PS4 and Xbox One, with more mixed reviews for the Nintendo Switch and PC versions due to various technical challenges impacting gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics laud Apex Legends for its diverse gameplay elements that boost replay value, with praise for unique abilities, balanced gameplay, and strategic depth. Some critics express concerns about loot boxes and platform-specific issues, but overall, the game's ongoing updates, diverse characters, and engaging gameplay set a high bar in the battle royale genre, ensuring a compelling experience that keeps players coming back for more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

61%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, multiple critics highlighted the diverse gameplay elements that contribute to the replay value of Apex Legends. Game Revolution praised the game for offering a different experience compared to other battle royale games and introducing new features that set a high standard for future games. GamesRadar+ and IGN Italia both emphasized the diverse roster of Legends with unique abilities, strategic gameplay, and team composition focus as factors that enhance the game's replayability. Additionally, Digital Chumps and PC Gamer commended the balanced gameplay, character variety, and strategic gear choices that contribute to the game's replay value. On the negative side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that could affect the replay value of Apex Legends. Cultured Vultures mentioned concerns about the loot box system and currency mechanics that may deter some players from engaging in the game long-term. Twinfinite highlighted factors like the leveling system, loot boxes, and lack of content as potential issues affecting replayability. GameMAG's experience on the Nintendo Switch was notably negative, describing the game as unplayable and straining on the eyes, which could significantly hinder the overall replay value for players on that platform. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Apex Legends. The game's ongoing updates, new characters, maps, limited-time modes, and ranked system were highlighted by Metro GameCentral and Trusted Reviews as elements that enhance replayability. Digital Trends and DualShockers praised the dynamic encounters, diverse character abilities, and strategic depth that ensure each match feels unique and engaging. The general sentiment is that Apex Legends has set a new benchmark in the battle royale genre, offering a compelling and engaging experience that keeps players coming back for more, as noted by Wccftech and Digital Trends. Despite some concerns raised by a few critics, the overall consensus is that Apex Legends provides a high level of replay value through its diverse gameplay elements and ongoing support for new content and updates.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers on Apex Legends, several positives stand out. Critics such as Trusted Reviews and PlayStation LifeStyle praise the game for its expertly-crafted gameplay mechanics, hero shooting concept, and Titanfall-inspired gunplay. The innovative features, character variation, and cool equipment are also highlighted positively by XGN and DualShockers. Additionally, the game's balanced gameplay, cosmetic microtransactions, and positive start in the Battle Royale genre are commended by PlayStation Country and Cultured Vultures. On the flip side, the Nintendo Switch version of Apex Legends receives significant criticism from reviewers like Nintendo Enthusiast, NintendoWorldReport, and Nintendo Life for suffering from technical and visual issues that impact the overall gameplay experience. These critics point out the compromised performance, heavy compromises, and disappointment in the Switch port, indicating that the limitations on the Switch hinder the game's potential. GameMAG and Screen Rant also express concerns about the unsuitability of the Switch version for a smooth gaming experience, suggesting the need for updated hardware like a Switch Pro. Despite the mixed opinions on the Nintendo Switch version, the overall consensus among critics leans towards a positive view of Apex Legends. Critics such as PC Gamer, GamesRadar+, and DualShockers consider the game a standout title in the Battle Royale genre, praising its refined gameplay, smart design touches, and accessibility options. The game is hailed as a marvel that elevates the genre by PCGamesN and as a superb game with excellent heroes and polished mechanics by God is a Geek. While acknowledging the technical issues on the Switch, reviewers like Metro GameCentral and Game Rant still recognize the game's potential and success, highlighting its massive free-to-play multiplayer shooter experience and stable mechanics. Overall, despite the criticisms of the Switch version, Apex Legends is widely regarded as a groundbreaking and enjoyable game that sets a new standard in the Battle Royale genre, with potential for future growth and enrichment.

TL;DR

Apex Legends receives praise for its gameplay mechanics and innovative features from critics, but faces criticism for technical issues on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the game is recognized as a standout title in the Battle Royale genre with potential for future success and growth.

MONSTER

Reviews

131 reviews found

100

Games.cz

Feb 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hailed as a modern game that excels in various aspects and sets a high standard for the genre.

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100

GamesRadar+

PlayStation 4

Feb 8, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Apex Legends stands out as a champion in the battle royale genre, offering a polished and immersive experience. The game's free-to-play model, combined with its development quality, makes it a remarkable addition to the gaming world.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Feb 12, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly recommends Apex Legends and states that it will be the Battle Royale title the reviewer sticks with for the immediate future.

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100

DualShockers

Feb 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Considered a masterpiece within its genre, Apex Legends sets a new standard for battle royale games and showcases Respawn Entertainment's dedication to creating a groundbreaking gaming experience.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Feb 13, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Apex Legends is praised as the best battle royale ever made, with refined gameplay mechanics, diverse characters, and a feature-complete experience.

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PC Gamer

Feb 11, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Apex Legends is praised for being a free-to-play battle royale game that sets a new industry standard with its refined gameplay, smart design touches, accessibility options, and communication tools. It is described as stable, fun, and the best battle royale game available at the time of the review.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 4

Feb 8, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Apex Legends as a special game packed with potential for greatness and the reviewer's go-to battle royale.

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PCGamesN

Feb 15, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Apex Legends as a marvel that elevates the battle royale genre and marks the end of the beginning of the battle royale.

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