After much anticipation and several delays, Hyper Light Breaker launched in Early Access on Steam last month. Players have encountered a blend of loot, extraction shooter, and roguelite mechanics, but the reception has been largely unenthusiastic. With challenging boss encounters and awkward exploration, the game faced significant criticism. In response, the development team unveiled a roadmap outlining future updates and expressed confidence in their decision to launch in Early Access.
Reception and Feedback
Currently sitting at a “mixed” rating on Steam, with only 63% positive feedback, the developers at Heart Machine recognize the need for improvement. Lead producer Michael Clark emphasized the importance of player feedback, stating that a game is best refined through early user interaction. “Early Access is the way to do that for a title like this,” he explained.
Upcoming Updates
The February 18 update will introduce a new character alongside additional enemies, reworked gear, combat adjustments, and various bug fixes. Following this, a significant batch of updates, including new content, is set for March. The most substantial update will arrive in April, featuring a content drop named Buried Below, which intends to enhance onboarding and provide even more new characters and enemies.
Development Context
Hyper Light Breaker serves as a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Hyper Light Drifter, which was released in 2016. The previous title garnered attention for its atmospheric design and unique gameplay, leaving high expectations for this successor. The studio also released Solar Ash in 2021, which incorporated a more action-oriented approach.
Community Response
Initial reviews and community feedback have highlighted significant issues. Critiques range from negative assessments by outlets like IGN to a chorus of discontent from players regarding the game’s exploratory mechanics and boss fight structures. One user noted the game’s conditions as “unacceptable for an Early Access title,” mentioning particularly poor onboarding experiences.
Future Prospects
The announced roadmap addresses many player grievances, particularly regarding gameplay difficulty. Many players have labeled the game as not just challenging, but poorly designed. Despite ambitious plans to address these concerns, the game’s history of delays and staff changes raises questions about the timeline for these improvements. If Heart Machine can fulfill their commitments, Hyper Light Breaker could potentially evolve into the engaging experience fans had anticipated.
For more information regarding the roadmap and updates, you can refer to the official source here.