During my time at Evo 2023 in August, I had the opportunity to try out Riot Games’ upcoming fighting game, Project L. It’s fast, flashy, and just as fun as everyone says it is. However, there are some areas that still need some work.
Great Representation of LoL Champions
Project L does an excellent job of capturing the unique personalities and traits of League of Legends champions. Despite my limited knowledge of the source material, I could see that each character’s combat style was tailored to showcase their distinct abilities.
I had the chance to play as Ahri, Darius, Ekko, and Yasuo in the early build of the game. Each character felt completely different in terms of gameplay, and their special moves were visually impressive while highlighting their individual strengths.
Darius, with his wide range and heavy movement, suited my preference for up-close and personal combat. Ekko had a stylish and unique playstyle, allowing players to control the flow of battle by jumping between afterimages. The combination of Ekko’s abilities with Yasuo’s stance-switching and projectile-blocking made for a devastating duo.
If you were concerned about the game’s character roster or their representation of League champions, rest assured that Project L delivers on both fronts.
Accessible and Deep Gameplay
Project L aims to cater to a wide audience, offering varying levels of depth. It’s designed to be accessible for casual players while also showcasing a clear depth in its assist-based combat system.
Jumping into the game and playing with friends is fast and easy, thanks to Riot’s free-to-play model and the game’s visually appealing aesthetics. Convincing friends to join in for some rounds should be a breeze, especially with the focus on duo play.
Project L takes inspiration from other Riot titles by emphasizing teamwork and the duo mode. Players can engage in classic one-vs-one matches or control both characters in a two-vs-two setup. This unique approach adds a new layer to the fighting game genre, especially with the option to team up with a friend and share the load.
For those looking for a more casual experience, having a friend control the second character allows you to focus on your character’s strengths without the added complexity of managing two movesets. Additionally, this feature provides an outlet for any toxic MOBA players to blame someone else when things go wrong.
While Project L offers a fun experience on the surface, there is also plenty of depth for those willing to explore further.
Tagging and Movement: Core Mechanics
Tagging is a central mechanic in Project L, and the developers have made it intentionally powerful to ensure its importance in gameplay. It offers distinct uses for every player, whether they play alone or with a partner controlling the second character.
Tagging includes various actions such as Assist Actions, Handshake Tag, and Dynamic Save. Assist Actions are unique to each champion and can be charged, while Handshake Tag allows for instant tagging when both characters are on the screen. Dynamic Save serves as a combo breaker, disrupting opponents even if your second fighter is knocked out.
The game also introduces the Fuse system, which enhances tagging by allowing players to select a special mechanic at the start of a match. These mechanics provide bonuses such as comboing ultimate attacks, performing multiple assists, or gaining movement advantages at low health.
Project L offers more than just tagging mechanics; it also provides a range of movement and defensive options. Players can utilize techniques like wavedashing, quick retreats, cross-ups, and parries to create exciting and strategic gameplay moments.
While defensive mechanics and balancing the tag system require some fine-tuning, Project L’s gameplay feels fresh and offers a unique approach to fighting game systems.
Final Thoughts on Project L
If you’re eager to get a taste of Project L’s gameplay before its official release, I recommend trying out Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid. Some of the developers who worked on that game are now involved in Project L, and it feels like the closest comparison to what Riot aims to achieve with their new fighting game.
Based on my experience with Project L, my initial impression still holds true. This game is an impressive tag fighter that will appeal to both newcomers to the genre and experienced players. It offers a level of depth that allows for self-expression and provides a great balance between accessibility and complexity.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
