Aftercharge

Very fun game, quick matches and lots of fun. Would recommend.
You get matched with bots for the first 8 games to learn how to play and try out different people, so dont be fooled into thinking that no one is playing since you just play against bots initially. Devs probably shouldve made that bit more explained imo, but still a very fun game.

I've been very close to the community of the game, i'm even a Partner & Champion since a long time. Aftercharge is such an awesome competitive game! It is super original and have a multiple of shiny colors. The graphics are amazing and you are really into the game. It can be confusing if you just started the game and that is totally normal but after a couple of matches, you will understand more and be much better. I've been supporting the game since the start and so far, the characters seem balenced and all have their defaults. The maps are not too big and not too small. If you have a potato computer, you will be able to play in the lowest graphics / resolution and still have a good experience. I had a potato computer before and I was able to play the game. Aftercharge is also available on PC, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch and cross platform! Which is AMAZING for playing with your friends.
So, in brief, if you need a original competitive game, Aftercharge is the game you need in your life.

Aftercharge, I like the concept but player wise the game is very dead. I got a chance to play this during the free weekend, and we are talking single digit player amounts while the game is free. Overall I think the game is descent but with a pop this low I only recommend it if you have a group of friends also pick up the game.

Whether new or old to FPS games, Aftercharge delivers strategic, skirmish-based play that is relatively unique to the genre. Be part of an invisible assault team, or invincible defenders, making constant split second decisions how best to use or counter character abilities. Sadly, the game is slated for removal at the end of June 2021, so if you haven't tried it, do so now.
Pros
✅ 12 unique character classes, 6 per faction
✅ Everything unlocked at start. Leveling is purely cosmetics
✅ Supports custom matches with friends
✅ "Orbital strike" system prevents keeping games hostage
✅ Cartoon aesthetic
✅ All ages friendly
✅ Multiplatform / Crossplay (?)
Cons
❌ Low population. Hence the impending closure
❌ Online only. Unplayable after shutdown. Why wasn't offline/local mode included?
❌ Only 4 maps. The game is two years old...
❌ Very basic tutorial did not train character abilities, synergies, and counters. Likewise, in-game text doesn't explain important nuances
❌ If you play with bots, very rarely, the pathing gets stuck. Twice i had to restart a match because I was downed as attackers, and the remaining wouldn't come to revive. To the devs' credit, the game was not built for A.I. play.
❌ Repetitive. Your enjoyment depends heavily on other players' skill and willingness to play different classes, and even then, it's something that's likely to only be played in short sessions.
❌ Skill-based focus may alienate casual gamers. Besides that, it's easy to encounter matchmaking imbalances as there's no way to judge mastery in game--no ranking system exists. Level is only an indication of cumulative time.
In the crowded FPS genre, Aftercharge courageously takes the leap to add a new contender, and one that's incredibly tough to pull off: Stealth. Picture your typical team-based defense mission, except only one side has guns, and the other is invisible. As the offensive robots, you want to evade detection as long as possible to destroy all the generators, and as the defensive agents, you want to down every robot long enough to put the entire team out of commission. Stealth can be potentially frustrating-- after all, how do you chase what you can't see? Rest assured, the stealth here isn't as potent as it sounds.
As a robot, every action you take can give away your location. Cloaked, your footsteps are indiscernible, but every time you try to attack, it becomes disengaged. You can also siphon a portion of your energy and give it to teammates to charge abilities, but in doing so, it creates a visible and audible lightning bolt that gives away the general proximity of both locations. Furthermore, to prevent players from hiding and possibly prolonging the match unnecessarily, orbital strikes begin around seven minutes, which create static shocks that become increasingly visible with time. All of this is independent of the enemy's innate ability to cancel your cloaking if they are a few feet away and facing you directly.
So you might be thinking, okay, if players can track these robots by so many methods, then defenders must have it easy, right? No, not exactly. Defenders have an energy tank that depletes with gunfire and ability use. The only way to charge it is to stand by an active generator. Thus, their ability to chase is continually dictated by remaining ammo and generator proximity. Placing traps, throwing grenades, erecting force fields, and so on, all siphon considerable energy and directly limit their use. Defenders only get the upper hand if and when they can down and wall off enemy robots, luring the remaining survivor near to try to revive them. And let's not forget one other powerful advantage robots have: Revival. Not only can robots revive each other (with a period of invulnerability), they are instantly energized to the max, enabling some very aggressive plays.
We didn't even get to character abilities, which add quite a bit of complexity to the game. To illustrate, one robot can create a bubble shield which prevents damage. But there's more to it... if you're cornered by defenders, drop that bubble and slip right out, leaving enemies trapped inside-- a potentially game winning strategy if you manage to do this while they're out of energy. On the defenders' side, one of their members carries a tracker which allows, once stuck to enemy, to reveal their position with a homing shot. But it can do more: When the homing shot connects, it refracts in the direction of the two other teammates. Provided no terrain in the way, you can smoke out the stragglers and potentially seal the match. With mastery of each character's unique powers, you can create some devastating combos with your teammates, and this is where the magic of Aftercharge lies.
So what about the shutdown? Well, the game didn't get the traction it needed to survive. It's a very specific niche in category with no shortage of titles to choose from. The average FPS player might have been frustrated by invisible targets, forced instead devise tactical plays to flush out the enemy team. It isn't a game of reflexes so much as one of wits, which further narrows the potential interest. Then there's the matter of content: A limited number of maps lead to player fatigue, as did the lack of competitive rewards, a battle pass, or some sort of alternate modes to encourage continuous dedication.
If you have the game, give it a chance (even against bots) before it's gone for good. Collectors will want to grab it before it's delisted. Whatever you do, do it soon: You have until 6/30.
Achievement Hunters: Get to level 30, 50 wins, and character-specific tasks. All of it is possible with bot matches, and the game is in permanent 2x EXP mode for the remainder of its life. First win a day grants 2000 XP bonus, and this will cut some of the grind. That said, do not wait to last minute, because the server seems to have sporadic connection issues, creating unusual lag at random.
The task achievements should be easy to understand once you've tried each character. The setup is the hardest part. Likely, you'll earn most during your leveling grind, but if you're truly stuck, search for the Aftercharge discord, or that of its developer, Chainsawesome Games. There are still active players organizing matches, and there's probably going to be a little tournament right around the final weekend.
~15 hrs to 100% with double XP and winning every match

I was first introduced to Aftercharge through a friend, who was introduced to it by a friend of theirs that went to PAX. I got interested in the game and participated during the test stages, quickly becoming a "Champion" (Top 10 MMR) and becoming part of the first official Afterchagre team, Overcharge.
Since then I have met many nice people on the Aftercharge discord and have made many friends. I really enjoy the strategic gameplay and fresh take on a FPS game that Aftercharge brings, where teamplay is important. I hope you can all enjoy this game as much as I am.
tl;dr - It's alright, I guess.

This game is unique in its mechanics and idea. I love how this game was made and the developers are amazing. They do really care about your opinion and to make the game more enjoyable for everyone. I would insanely recommend this game!

❤ Audience ❤
☐ Beginner
☑ Casual Gamer
☑ Normal Gamer
☑ Expert
☼ Graphics ☼
☐ Bad
☐ Alright
☐ Good
☑ Beautiful
☐ Fantastic
♬ Music ♬
☐ Bad
☐ Alright
☐ Good
☐ Beautiful
☑ Fantastic
☠ Difficulty ☠
☐ Easy
☐ Average
☑ Easy to learn / Hard to master
☐ Hard
☐ Unfair
§ Bugs §
☐ Bugs destroy the game
☐ Lots of bugs
☑ Few Bugs
☐ You can use them for speedrun
☐ Nothing encountered
☯ Story ☯
☑ There is none
☐ Bad
☐ Alright
☐ Good
☐ Fantastic
⚔ Gameplay ⚔
☐ Frustrating
☐ Sleepy
☐ Boring
☑ Fun
☑ Challenging
$ Price / Quality $
☑ Full price
☐ Wait for Sale
☐ Don't buy
☐ Refund it if you can