Hunters On-Chain, the inaugural web3 release from Boomland, introduces a fresh twist on the battle royale genre for blockchain gaming enthusiasts. This free-to-play, action role-playing game (RPG) stands out for its versatility, with multiple game modes and a unique blend of character abilities. With 40 distinct Hunter characters, each equipped with their own abilities and weapons, players are immersed in a vibrant digital world where they combat mythical creatures, enemies, and even each other. Here, we’ll dive deep into what makes Hunters On-Chain a promising addition to the web3 gaming landscape and why it may appeal to players across various gaming backgrounds.

A Closer Look at Gameplay

The gameplay in Hunters On-Chain is what truly sets it apart from typical battle royale titles. Rather than offering a single mode, it provides several game modes, each with distinct objectives and play styles. Some of the standout modes include:

• Boss Hunt: In this mode, players team up to defeat increasingly challenging boss monsters, demanding strategic cooperation to take down the strongest foes.
• Duel: This one-on-one mode pits two players against each other, each wielding three Hunters in a round-based battle to earn points.
• Hunt: A more traditional game mode where players go head-to-head in a quest to hunt and defeat enemies.
• Co-Op: Players team up to achieve objectives together, fostering a sense of community and cooperative gameplay.
• Bounty Hunt and Dungeons: These modes offer a mix of PvE (Player vs. Environment) challenges, ideal for players who prefer a cooperative experience.

The game’s visual appeal is notable. Hunters On-Chain’s graphics feature a distinctive block-style environment, reminiscent of classic video game aesthetics but polished to cater to the tastes of modern gamers. The game world is divided into biomes—forests, deserts, winter landscapes—each bringing its own aesthetic and gameplay challenges. These landscapes, combined with whimsical music, enhance the immersive experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages.

One aspect that appeals to casual gamers is the short play sessions. In modes like Hunt and Boss Hunt, each session lasts only about three minutes, minimizing the grind often associated with RPGs. This quick-paced setup ensures that players can hop into the action without dedicating lengthy periods of time, making it easy to pick up and put down whenever they like.

Character Progression and Customization

Hunters On-Chain introduces character progression through artifacts, shards, and equipment, which unlock special abilities and upgrade hunters. The progression system allows players to evolve their Hunters, making them stronger and better equipped for the game’s challenges. Artifacts, in particular, enhance abilities and add a strategic element to gameplay, as players need to choose the best artifacts for each mission or challenge. Shards, meanwhile, are used to level up Hunters, gradually enhancing their attributes and power.

However, one drawback players have noted is the somewhat confusing interface when managing characters and artifacts. For new players, navigating through the abilities and artifact menus can feel overwhelming, with a steep learning curve on how to effectively use each feature. This aspect of the game may benefit from a future update, perhaps adding a clearer tutorial or improved interface design.

Game Currency and Economic Model

The game’s in-game currency, $BGEM, is used for purchasing chests that contain artifacts and equipment. This currency system is a significant component of Hunters On-Chain’s economic model and plays a role in its broader web3 ecosystem. Unlike many traditional games where in-game purchases can become a barrier, $BGEM enables players to acquire upgrades without an extensive grind, allowing for a fair playing field. While there are pay-to-play options, the game design remains accessible for players who wish to progress without spending real money.

A key part of the gameplay’s appeal lies in its lack of grinding. For example, the game doesn’t require players to collect excessive in-game currency or items before they can experience the more exciting aspects of gameplay. Instead, Hunters On-Chain is designed to provide immediate access to various game modes, with rewards that naturally accrue as players advance.

Pros and Cons of Hunters On-Chain

While Hunters On-Chain is an enjoyable experience, it has some limitations worth noting. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and areas where it could improve:

Pros

1. Accessible and Beginner-Friendly: The game’s short play sessions and simple mechanics make it easy to pick up and play, even for players new to RPGs or blockchain games.
2. Visually Appealing Design: With its block-style graphics and diverse biomes, Hunters On-Chain is suitable for players of all ages, adding a playful aesthetic to the battle royale format.
3. Variety of Game Modes: The multiple modes provide options for players with different interests, from competitive duels to cooperative monster hunts, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Cons

1. Confusing Character Interface: The layout for character abilities and artifacts can be unclear, potentially frustrating new players as they try to optimize their Hunters.
2. Repetitive Mechanics: Despite the variety in game modes, some players may find the gameplay mechanics lack depth, especially as they progress through multiple levels.
3. Limited Narrative: The game’s world feels somewhat lacking in lore and storytelling, making it harder for players to connect with the universe and characters.

Narrative and Storytelling in Hunters On-Chain

One aspect where Hunters On-Chain falls short is its narrative depth. Many RPGs and battle royale games thrive on immersive storytelling, which can create a more memorable experience for players. A well-developed story can also help establish the characters’ backgrounds and motives, adding layers to the gameplay. Hunters On-Chain, however, is currently more focused on gameplay mechanics and character abilities, leaving the storytelling component minimal.

While this does not detract from the game’s overall appeal, especially for casual players, a more elaborate backstory could enrich the universe and make the game more engaging. Given that Hunters On-Chain is still in its early stages, there is ample opportunity for the developers to expand on its lore and narrative.

Hunters On-Chain and the Web3 Gaming Ecosystem

As a blockchain-based game, Hunters On-Chain marks an important step in the evolution of web3 gaming. Boomland’s decision to make it accessible and free-to-play opens the doors for a wider audience, which is crucial for web3 adoption. Blockchain-based games often come with a steep learning curve, as players need to understand wallets, NFTs, and other blockchain technology concepts. Hunters On-Chain, however, simplifies this by providing a user-friendly experience and a sustainable ecosystem. By allowing players to own in-game assets and earn currency, the game encourages participation while helping players become familiar with blockchain concepts.

Hunters On-Chain is built on Immutable X, a popular blockchain known for its low gas fees and scalability, which helps reduce the financial barriers that can discourage players from participating in blockchain games. This setup also enhances the game’s economic model by allowing players to trade assets without high transaction fees.

Final Verdict: Is Hunters On-Chain Worth Playing?

Hunters On-Chain brings something fresh to the table for both RPG enthusiasts and blockchain gamers. It offers an accessible entry point into web3 gaming while maintaining the core elements of a battle royale RPG. The variety of game modes keeps gameplay interesting, and the short play sessions are perfect for players with busy schedules.

However, for players seeking a highly complex narrative or intricate mechanics, Hunters On-Chain may feel limited. Its lack of a developed story and repetitive mechanics are areas the developers could explore in future updates. Yet, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the game’s accessibility, design, and innovative use of blockchain technology.

Overall, Hunters On-Chain is a game that could appeal to a broad audience, from casual gamers to dedicated web3 enthusiasts. It is a promising example of how blockchain technology can be integrated into mainstream gaming, making it a title worth checking out for anyone curious about the future of gaming.

Whether you’re a battle royale fan, an RPG lover, or simply curious about web3 games, Hunters On-Chain offers a taste of what blockchain gaming could become.