Kyanbu The Legend
01-06-2016, 05:59 AM
Was going to post this in the "games in 2015" thread. But technically I've been playing it since 2011. And I've got enough to talk about it to merit a thread of it's own. And since the sequel is out. "Cosmic Break 2" or "Cosmic League" as it's known here in the states. I figured this was a good time to look back at the game with a nice size review.
Disclaimer! Most of the bots shown in the review are custom builds I built and tuned from varies other bots over the years. These do not reflect what you may or may not find in the shops!
Cosmic Break [PC]
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%203_zps3jvw2ewj.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%203_zps3jvw2ewj.png.html)
CB is a Free to play fast paced Mech MMO Third person shooter game developed by Cyber Step. The game takes place in a sci fi Fantasy universe where an omni potent evil force simply called "Chaos" is wreaking havoc all across the galaxy. To combat this evil and it's followers. "Angel Force" was formed. A army composed of 3 factions "DOS, BRD, and WIZ". The setting kind of reminds me of Phantasy Star though this game has a strong focus on Robots. Making it feel like a mix between Phantasy Star and Transformers with people sized robots and smaller. However each faction does compete against one another in the arena for sport in between missions. You play as one of many different robots on a mission to stop the "Chaos", and compete in the arena for victory and honor in the name of your faction. And I should probably mention this game is very "Moe" focused as well. Sometimes seemingly more so then the robots. With arguably close to D.O.A levels of Fanservice at times.
Gameplay:
As I said earlier, it's an MMO TPS. And a free to play one at that with micro transactions for it's premium content as usual. Controls are pretty good for both gamepad and K&M. And have a lot of options for customizing. Though in my personal opinion, it’s much more conferrable to move around with Analog Sticks. Where as aiming was a lot easier using a K&M. The game uses a Semi-Auto Lock-On system. While there is no manual lock on button, your robot will automatically lock on to whatever you have your courser on or near. Its fine but when dealing with about 3 or more moving targets it can become a problem depending on your weapons and control set up. As you will lock on to the wrong targets more often whenever enemies and opposing players are clustered together. Thankfully if you’re a K&M kind of player, this is not too much of a problem. And either way it can be very quickly corrected. You can also fire all of your main weapons at once if you hold down the main and sub weapon buttons at the same time. However you will not be able to move while doing this without the “Moving Burst” Cartridge.
Customization is a major factor in this game and one of its strong points. Simple and easy to use, with a lot of depth. Most robots in the game are made up of the following parts. Head, Body, Arms, Boosters, Legs, as well as optional joint parts in between each of the above. Weapons are divided into 2 main types, Main and Sub. And every bot has access to Wonder Bits, small devices that can be summoned to aid the bot for a set period of time so long as the Wonder Gauge is full. On top of that, Robots and "Moebots" are also divided into 3 Sizes, S (small), M (Medium), and L (Large). Along with 4 major types, Land, Air, Artillery, Support, as well as sub types within those 4 such as, Zero, Aura, and Axis These types and sizes determine what parts and weapons your bots can and can't use. Also as you level up your bots, you'll be able to equip cartridges to your bots to power them up with new abilities, stronger weapons, and more health. Cartridges are this game's "Skills". Each bot's Body or "core", has its own unique set of carts that it learn as you level it up With the maximum Level cap at 10 for regular bots and 12 for Zero Types for a reason I'll go into in a bit. You can also buy and or find additional carts from the shop to the arena and varies areas within the game. They do not require your bot to be at a specific level to use. With a few exceptions such as the Drive Carts which can be leveled up themselves for additional effects.
Each Type has its own strengths and weakness. With the four main types having a rock, paper, scissors weakness wheel:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Land%20Bot%203_zpsr1mvbmxp.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Land%20Bot%203_zpsr1mvbmxp.png.ht ml)
"Land" Units have the fastest top speed cap on land. The highest Str (strength) and Wlk (walk) stats on average. Specialize and close range combat, with the best melee options in the game next to Airs. They are strong against "Artillery" units and resistant to "blast" weapons. However they are weak against "Beam" weapons. They are unable to deal with "Air" Units very well with a few exceptions. And have the shortest flight time in the air.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Air%20Bot_zpsmqem4knm.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Air%20Bot_zpsmqem4knm.png.html)
“Air” Units have the fastest top speed in the Air. The second highest Tec (Technique) stat and highest Fly (Flight) stat on average. Specialize in mid to long range combat and air melee. With the best “Beam” weapon options in the game next to “Artillery”. And access to parts with a strong focus on change altitude, extending air time, fast takeoff and landing, and Air Melee. They are strong against “Land” Units and are resistant to “Melee” attacks. But are weak to “Blast” weapons, and are unable to deal with “Artillery” very well with a few exceptions. They have the longest Flight time in the Air without enhancements. And are capable of staying in the air for extremely long periods of time with the right parts.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Art%20Bot_zpsgomfqkjj.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Art%20Bot_zpsgomfqkjj.png.html)
“Artillery” Units have some of the slowest top speeds on both Land and Air with a few exceptions. They have the highest Tec (Technique) and Tgh (Toughness) stats in the game. With the best “Blast”, “Missile”, “homing”, and Long Range weapon options in the game. And are generally built like tanks with the best defense and fire power options in the game. They are strong against “Air” Units and are resistant to “Beam” attacks. While being weak to “Melee” attacks. And have a hard time dealing with “Land” and sometimes even “Air” Units at close range. They can stay in the air longer then “Land” Units but not as long as “Air” Units.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Sup%20Bot_zpsrae9lwug.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Sup%20Bot_zpsrae9lwug.png.html)
“Support” Units have average stats over all with a few exceptions. And tend to be very balanced in terms of “Str” (strength) and “Tec” (Technique) stats. With some of the best Wonder Bit and status effect options in the game. They are also the only bots in the game capable of healing other robots using ether healing weapons or healing Wonder Bits. They have no weakness and are able to use quite a lot of the weapons and parts of the other 3 main types. But they aren’t strong against anything and it takes a lot of work customizing and tuning them to be very affective in combat. They are mainly intended to aid their team with status buffs while dealing with the opposing team with status effects and de buffs.
In addition to the 4 main types, there are also 3 sub types within them.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Zero%20Bot_zpsou35wjew.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Zero%20Bot_zpsou35wjew.png.html)
“Zero” is a Sub Type exclusive to Moebots (as of this review in Jan 2016). They specialize in Cartridge customizing and have access to the best carts in the game built in to their core parts. These carts can almost completely change the way they play and even what they are weak or strong against to an extent. From the weapons they have to the abilities they can use at any given time. They are the only type of bots in the game that have a level cap at 12. Whereas the level of every other bot, caps at level 10. However they are not customizable, and are usually restricted to the weapons and parts they are built with. Even still they were literally the strongest bots in the game. So much so that many bots of this type have been nerfed several times for the sake of balance and encouraging the use of other types. And they are still incredibly powerful units.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Bot_zpscqliopzh.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Bot_zpscqliopzh.png.html)
“Aura” is a Sub Type of bots that have access to a special built in Wonder Bit called the A.U.R.A System. This allows them transform into “Aura Mode”! This game’s version of the “Super Mode”. And can make full use of Aura parts and weapons while in this mode. Which are just regular parts and weapons (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Mode%20Off_zpsqv8a9lqx.png ) that have hidden abilities, weapons, and stat buffs that become available during Aura Mode. When this Wonder bit is active. All Aura parts and weapons equipped will transform. Changing their appearance, sometimes slightly or drastically! (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Mode%20On_zpscwyoyk8t.png) However Aura bots tend to have lower than average base stats as a result with a few exceptions. In an attempt to balance this type, most new Aura bots had their own custom A.U.R.A system that only their Aura parts could really be activated with. Whereas the old Aura, bots can use almost any Aura part within their Main Type effectively. A well-built Aura, can sometimes rival a Zero Bot in terms of power.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Axis%20Bot_zps8fcgyh15.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Axis%20Bot_zps8fcgyh15.png.html)
“Axis” is a Sub Type of bots exclusive to Robots (as of this review in Jan 2016). They specialize having more customization options. And have some of the highest base stats in the game among other robots. Built around using more joint parts and built in weapons. They are all almost completely customizable. Save for their built in parts. And sometimes tend to overlap with “Aura” bots. However they are mostly all L size units. Meaning they are limited to using M, L, and LL sized weapons and parts, within their respective main types. Like “Auras”, they are capable of rivaling “Zero” types when built well.
You can also Tune up your parts. Every part in the game comes in 0 to 3 slot options. 3 slot being the rarest while 0 and 1 slot being the common ones. The more slots you have, the more you can tune that part with effects or buffs. You can also Tune your bot’s core as well which will additional effects or improve the carts you already have equipped.
Now for the game modes. Cosmic Break has 3 main game modes spread across it’s many different lobby areas.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%202_zpstr8nm8hy.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%202_zpstr8nm8hy.png.html)
Mission mode, which is an arcade style series of stages that the player goes through. Battle against the forces of Chaos and or complete challenges and Story Events! Clearing these will grant you a lot of rank points which help increase your rank. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%204_zps5wnprwet.png) The higher your rank the more stuff you can do in the game and the more bots you’ll be able to get access to. Fortunately Leveling up your Rank is very fast in the beginning. By the time leveling up really begins to slow down to a crawl. You’ll already have access to everything.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Arena_zpspkb4bdxp.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Arena_zpspkb4bdxp.png.html)
Arena Mode, which is the game’s main attraction where you’ll face off against other players in 15 vs 15 and 30 vs 30 matches. Clearing this will grant you the most amount of UC, this game’s currency. This can be used to buy parts, items, or buy RT this game’s premium currency. Special Events are often held here that can net you more RT and other free parts and items the more you compete here.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%202_zpst0wdfvrq.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%202_zpst0wdfvrq.png.html)
And Quest Mode, where you can explore a massive series of areas on the surface planet below Angel Force HQ. Here you can take on powerful bosses to level up your bots very quickly.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%203_zpseioihjhz.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%203_zpseioihjhz.png.html)
Or Explore around Planet Arcantus to find parts, weapons, items, and tuning materials spread across its 99 randomly generated areas. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%204_zpswzecapx6.png) With outpost spread out between every 5 areas. If you want to save your progress and keep what you found you’ll have to exit the planet through a yellow gateway in the Outpost. If you leave manually or if all three of your bots die, you’ll lose everything you found during that run. And be sent back to the lobby. However during Arc Boss fights and quest mode. You have infinite lives but every time one of your 3 bots die. You and your party lose 30 secs on the timer. The time limit determines how long you can stay on the planet before you are forced to return. As it’s over flowing with Chaos enemies and monsters.
Final Verdict:
Cosmic Break has a fairly decent sound track. Nothing amazing but it’s ok. Graphics are about average for a game that’s technically been around since Gen 6, the PS2/GCN/Xbox days. Very simplistic, but that might be due to the game’s map creation mode where you can build your own maps for private rooms or contests which almost never happen for these now a days. Voice acting is ok but the really only the JP voices are well done. And only JP voices are used for cut scenes and dialog during the few story events and missions the game has. A real shame as the game does have some interesting lore and characters that Cyberstep could have explored more. Which brings me to this games faults.
For a game that has, a lot of potential with plenty of good ideas. It falls victim to a common problem most Free to play games have. It can be very pay to win at times. Granted they did fix this later on with the upgraded shops (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Shop_zpsjzaikf8s.png) and RT being obtainable through playing the game. But shades of this still persist due to the Garapons. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Garapon_zpsuf8nsa8v.png) A bunch of slot machines in the game’s shop where you trade UC, RT, or event tickets for a chance to pull a bot, item, part, or weapon you want. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Garapon%20drop_zpsd8szntje.png) These are honestly something that shouldn’t have been here. And with the fact that you can’t trade RT parts and weapons. You’re stuck with whatever you get if it’s something you don’t want. Fortunately there are a lot of robots (over a 100) that you can buy in the shop that are very good for UC, RT, and DX coins though these require you to get them through events in the arena. And once you buy a bot or acquire its parts just once. You can buy more copies of its parts except for the Body obviously in the shop for UC or RT.
And then there’s the lag. Cosmic Break is plagued with lagging issues. It’s gotten much better over time but it does still happen a bit as the game will jump around from 60fps to as low as 15fps at random. And certain stages in the game can be buggy at times. Resulting in you or your enemies clipping through walls and hills. Which can out right kill you if you’re in a stage with instant death pits. Because the game treats everything below the ground, in stages like this as a pit. Though these problems are mainly in the Arena. Because the Arena is the main attraction, Mission and Quest mode tend to be very devoid of new content. Rarely getting anything new. And as a result, players rarely play these modes. Fortunately if your bots are strong enough, you can solo quite a few missions and quests. But still it’s sad to see these so barren when I remember them being pretty active back in the day. Fortunately, during Bazzaar, a special event that lets you trade you UC gear to other players for UC. Mission mode tends to gain a lot more attendants.
All in all Comic Break is an ok game that could be so much more if Cyber Step had done things differently, improved on the Missions and quest modes, Better servers, get rid of the Garapon or at least let players trade anything for anything, and actually market the thing properly. They say they’ve learned their lesson and that Cosmic League (Cosmic Break 2) improves and fixes most of the problems that plagued CB1. And it did for the most part though I can’t play it due to it requiring actually decent gaming rigs to run and the PS4 version is still a no show at least here in the US. But only time will tell if it becomes the great and fantastic game Cosmic Break could have been. As much as I love CB1 at times. I have to be honest. it’s just not a good game. It’s Ok, maybe thanks to the really good ideas it has here. But the execution isn’t done very well at all for the most part save for maybe the customization system. While CB 1 will still be alive with new content coming out every week to a month. I can’t completely recommend it. Especially if you aren’t fond of almost D.O.A levels of fanservice at times (this has been toned down a lot in the sequel). Or if you can’t stand lag. Cyber Step has gold in their hands with this game, if they can do it right, CB or CB2/CL could become a very popular and successful MMO TPS. Try it if you want, who knows maybe you might enjoy it like I do, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you hated it after just 1 week.
6.7/10, Ok with potential to be a great game.
You can find the screenshots I took for this review stored here, along with unused shots.
http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/library/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images?sort=3&page=1
Disclaimer! Most of the bots shown in the review are custom builds I built and tuned from varies other bots over the years. These do not reflect what you may or may not find in the shops!
Cosmic Break [PC]
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%203_zps3jvw2ewj.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%203_zps3jvw2ewj.png.html)
CB is a Free to play fast paced Mech MMO Third person shooter game developed by Cyber Step. The game takes place in a sci fi Fantasy universe where an omni potent evil force simply called "Chaos" is wreaking havoc all across the galaxy. To combat this evil and it's followers. "Angel Force" was formed. A army composed of 3 factions "DOS, BRD, and WIZ". The setting kind of reminds me of Phantasy Star though this game has a strong focus on Robots. Making it feel like a mix between Phantasy Star and Transformers with people sized robots and smaller. However each faction does compete against one another in the arena for sport in between missions. You play as one of many different robots on a mission to stop the "Chaos", and compete in the arena for victory and honor in the name of your faction. And I should probably mention this game is very "Moe" focused as well. Sometimes seemingly more so then the robots. With arguably close to D.O.A levels of Fanservice at times.
Gameplay:
As I said earlier, it's an MMO TPS. And a free to play one at that with micro transactions for it's premium content as usual. Controls are pretty good for both gamepad and K&M. And have a lot of options for customizing. Though in my personal opinion, it’s much more conferrable to move around with Analog Sticks. Where as aiming was a lot easier using a K&M. The game uses a Semi-Auto Lock-On system. While there is no manual lock on button, your robot will automatically lock on to whatever you have your courser on or near. Its fine but when dealing with about 3 or more moving targets it can become a problem depending on your weapons and control set up. As you will lock on to the wrong targets more often whenever enemies and opposing players are clustered together. Thankfully if you’re a K&M kind of player, this is not too much of a problem. And either way it can be very quickly corrected. You can also fire all of your main weapons at once if you hold down the main and sub weapon buttons at the same time. However you will not be able to move while doing this without the “Moving Burst” Cartridge.
Customization is a major factor in this game and one of its strong points. Simple and easy to use, with a lot of depth. Most robots in the game are made up of the following parts. Head, Body, Arms, Boosters, Legs, as well as optional joint parts in between each of the above. Weapons are divided into 2 main types, Main and Sub. And every bot has access to Wonder Bits, small devices that can be summoned to aid the bot for a set period of time so long as the Wonder Gauge is full. On top of that, Robots and "Moebots" are also divided into 3 Sizes, S (small), M (Medium), and L (Large). Along with 4 major types, Land, Air, Artillery, Support, as well as sub types within those 4 such as, Zero, Aura, and Axis These types and sizes determine what parts and weapons your bots can and can't use. Also as you level up your bots, you'll be able to equip cartridges to your bots to power them up with new abilities, stronger weapons, and more health. Cartridges are this game's "Skills". Each bot's Body or "core", has its own unique set of carts that it learn as you level it up With the maximum Level cap at 10 for regular bots and 12 for Zero Types for a reason I'll go into in a bit. You can also buy and or find additional carts from the shop to the arena and varies areas within the game. They do not require your bot to be at a specific level to use. With a few exceptions such as the Drive Carts which can be leveled up themselves for additional effects.
Each Type has its own strengths and weakness. With the four main types having a rock, paper, scissors weakness wheel:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Land%20Bot%203_zpsr1mvbmxp.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Land%20Bot%203_zpsr1mvbmxp.png.ht ml)
"Land" Units have the fastest top speed cap on land. The highest Str (strength) and Wlk (walk) stats on average. Specialize and close range combat, with the best melee options in the game next to Airs. They are strong against "Artillery" units and resistant to "blast" weapons. However they are weak against "Beam" weapons. They are unable to deal with "Air" Units very well with a few exceptions. And have the shortest flight time in the air.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Air%20Bot_zpsmqem4knm.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Air%20Bot_zpsmqem4knm.png.html)
“Air” Units have the fastest top speed in the Air. The second highest Tec (Technique) stat and highest Fly (Flight) stat on average. Specialize in mid to long range combat and air melee. With the best “Beam” weapon options in the game next to “Artillery”. And access to parts with a strong focus on change altitude, extending air time, fast takeoff and landing, and Air Melee. They are strong against “Land” Units and are resistant to “Melee” attacks. But are weak to “Blast” weapons, and are unable to deal with “Artillery” very well with a few exceptions. They have the longest Flight time in the Air without enhancements. And are capable of staying in the air for extremely long periods of time with the right parts.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Art%20Bot_zpsgomfqkjj.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Art%20Bot_zpsgomfqkjj.png.html)
“Artillery” Units have some of the slowest top speeds on both Land and Air with a few exceptions. They have the highest Tec (Technique) and Tgh (Toughness) stats in the game. With the best “Blast”, “Missile”, “homing”, and Long Range weapon options in the game. And are generally built like tanks with the best defense and fire power options in the game. They are strong against “Air” Units and are resistant to “Beam” attacks. While being weak to “Melee” attacks. And have a hard time dealing with “Land” and sometimes even “Air” Units at close range. They can stay in the air longer then “Land” Units but not as long as “Air” Units.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Sup%20Bot_zpsrae9lwug.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Sup%20Bot_zpsrae9lwug.png.html)
“Support” Units have average stats over all with a few exceptions. And tend to be very balanced in terms of “Str” (strength) and “Tec” (Technique) stats. With some of the best Wonder Bit and status effect options in the game. They are also the only bots in the game capable of healing other robots using ether healing weapons or healing Wonder Bits. They have no weakness and are able to use quite a lot of the weapons and parts of the other 3 main types. But they aren’t strong against anything and it takes a lot of work customizing and tuning them to be very affective in combat. They are mainly intended to aid their team with status buffs while dealing with the opposing team with status effects and de buffs.
In addition to the 4 main types, there are also 3 sub types within them.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Zero%20Bot_zpsou35wjew.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Zero%20Bot_zpsou35wjew.png.html)
“Zero” is a Sub Type exclusive to Moebots (as of this review in Jan 2016). They specialize in Cartridge customizing and have access to the best carts in the game built in to their core parts. These carts can almost completely change the way they play and even what they are weak or strong against to an extent. From the weapons they have to the abilities they can use at any given time. They are the only type of bots in the game that have a level cap at 12. Whereas the level of every other bot, caps at level 10. However they are not customizable, and are usually restricted to the weapons and parts they are built with. Even still they were literally the strongest bots in the game. So much so that many bots of this type have been nerfed several times for the sake of balance and encouraging the use of other types. And they are still incredibly powerful units.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Bot_zpscqliopzh.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Bot_zpscqliopzh.png.html)
“Aura” is a Sub Type of bots that have access to a special built in Wonder Bit called the A.U.R.A System. This allows them transform into “Aura Mode”! This game’s version of the “Super Mode”. And can make full use of Aura parts and weapons while in this mode. Which are just regular parts and weapons (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Mode%20Off_zpsqv8a9lqx.png ) that have hidden abilities, weapons, and stat buffs that become available during Aura Mode. When this Wonder bit is active. All Aura parts and weapons equipped will transform. Changing their appearance, sometimes slightly or drastically! (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Aura%20Mode%20On_zpscwyoyk8t.png) However Aura bots tend to have lower than average base stats as a result with a few exceptions. In an attempt to balance this type, most new Aura bots had their own custom A.U.R.A system that only their Aura parts could really be activated with. Whereas the old Aura, bots can use almost any Aura part within their Main Type effectively. A well-built Aura, can sometimes rival a Zero Bot in terms of power.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Axis%20Bot_zps8fcgyh15.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Axis%20Bot_zps8fcgyh15.png.html)
“Axis” is a Sub Type of bots exclusive to Robots (as of this review in Jan 2016). They specialize having more customization options. And have some of the highest base stats in the game among other robots. Built around using more joint parts and built in weapons. They are all almost completely customizable. Save for their built in parts. And sometimes tend to overlap with “Aura” bots. However they are mostly all L size units. Meaning they are limited to using M, L, and LL sized weapons and parts, within their respective main types. Like “Auras”, they are capable of rivaling “Zero” types when built well.
You can also Tune up your parts. Every part in the game comes in 0 to 3 slot options. 3 slot being the rarest while 0 and 1 slot being the common ones. The more slots you have, the more you can tune that part with effects or buffs. You can also Tune your bot’s core as well which will additional effects or improve the carts you already have equipped.
Now for the game modes. Cosmic Break has 3 main game modes spread across it’s many different lobby areas.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%202_zpstr8nm8hy.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%202_zpstr8nm8hy.png.html)
Mission mode, which is an arcade style series of stages that the player goes through. Battle against the forces of Chaos and or complete challenges and Story Events! Clearing these will grant you a lot of rank points which help increase your rank. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Mission%204_zps5wnprwet.png) The higher your rank the more stuff you can do in the game and the more bots you’ll be able to get access to. Fortunately Leveling up your Rank is very fast in the beginning. By the time leveling up really begins to slow down to a crawl. You’ll already have access to everything.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Arena_zpspkb4bdxp.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Arena_zpspkb4bdxp.png.html)
Arena Mode, which is the game’s main attraction where you’ll face off against other players in 15 vs 15 and 30 vs 30 matches. Clearing this will grant you the most amount of UC, this game’s currency. This can be used to buy parts, items, or buy RT this game’s premium currency. Special Events are often held here that can net you more RT and other free parts and items the more you compete here.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%202_zpst0wdfvrq.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%202_zpst0wdfvrq.png.html)
And Quest Mode, where you can explore a massive series of areas on the surface planet below Angel Force HQ. Here you can take on powerful bosses to level up your bots very quickly.
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%203_zpseioihjhz.png (http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/media/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%203_zpseioihjhz.png.html)
Or Explore around Planet Arcantus to find parts, weapons, items, and tuning materials spread across its 99 randomly generated areas. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Quest%204_zpswzecapx6.png) With outpost spread out between every 5 areas. If you want to save your progress and keep what you found you’ll have to exit the planet through a yellow gateway in the Outpost. If you leave manually or if all three of your bots die, you’ll lose everything you found during that run. And be sent back to the lobby. However during Arc Boss fights and quest mode. You have infinite lives but every time one of your 3 bots die. You and your party lose 30 secs on the timer. The time limit determines how long you can stay on the planet before you are forced to return. As it’s over flowing with Chaos enemies and monsters.
Final Verdict:
Cosmic Break has a fairly decent sound track. Nothing amazing but it’s ok. Graphics are about average for a game that’s technically been around since Gen 6, the PS2/GCN/Xbox days. Very simplistic, but that might be due to the game’s map creation mode where you can build your own maps for private rooms or contests which almost never happen for these now a days. Voice acting is ok but the really only the JP voices are well done. And only JP voices are used for cut scenes and dialog during the few story events and missions the game has. A real shame as the game does have some interesting lore and characters that Cyberstep could have explored more. Which brings me to this games faults.
For a game that has, a lot of potential with plenty of good ideas. It falls victim to a common problem most Free to play games have. It can be very pay to win at times. Granted they did fix this later on with the upgraded shops (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Shop_zpsjzaikf8s.png) and RT being obtainable through playing the game. But shades of this still persist due to the Garapons. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Garapon_zpsuf8nsa8v.png) A bunch of slot machines in the game’s shop where you trade UC, RT, or event tickets for a chance to pull a bot, item, part, or weapon you want. (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o180/kyanbu/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images/CB%20Shot%20of%20Garapon%20drop_zpsd8szntje.png) These are honestly something that shouldn’t have been here. And with the fact that you can’t trade RT parts and weapons. You’re stuck with whatever you get if it’s something you don’t want. Fortunately there are a lot of robots (over a 100) that you can buy in the shop that are very good for UC, RT, and DX coins though these require you to get them through events in the arena. And once you buy a bot or acquire its parts just once. You can buy more copies of its parts except for the Body obviously in the shop for UC or RT.
And then there’s the lag. Cosmic Break is plagued with lagging issues. It’s gotten much better over time but it does still happen a bit as the game will jump around from 60fps to as low as 15fps at random. And certain stages in the game can be buggy at times. Resulting in you or your enemies clipping through walls and hills. Which can out right kill you if you’re in a stage with instant death pits. Because the game treats everything below the ground, in stages like this as a pit. Though these problems are mainly in the Arena. Because the Arena is the main attraction, Mission and Quest mode tend to be very devoid of new content. Rarely getting anything new. And as a result, players rarely play these modes. Fortunately if your bots are strong enough, you can solo quite a few missions and quests. But still it’s sad to see these so barren when I remember them being pretty active back in the day. Fortunately, during Bazzaar, a special event that lets you trade you UC gear to other players for UC. Mission mode tends to gain a lot more attendants.
All in all Comic Break is an ok game that could be so much more if Cyber Step had done things differently, improved on the Missions and quest modes, Better servers, get rid of the Garapon or at least let players trade anything for anything, and actually market the thing properly. They say they’ve learned their lesson and that Cosmic League (Cosmic Break 2) improves and fixes most of the problems that plagued CB1. And it did for the most part though I can’t play it due to it requiring actually decent gaming rigs to run and the PS4 version is still a no show at least here in the US. But only time will tell if it becomes the great and fantastic game Cosmic Break could have been. As much as I love CB1 at times. I have to be honest. it’s just not a good game. It’s Ok, maybe thanks to the really good ideas it has here. But the execution isn’t done very well at all for the most part save for maybe the customization system. While CB 1 will still be alive with new content coming out every week to a month. I can’t completely recommend it. Especially if you aren’t fond of almost D.O.A levels of fanservice at times (this has been toned down a lot in the sequel). Or if you can’t stand lag. Cyber Step has gold in their hands with this game, if they can do it right, CB or CB2/CL could become a very popular and successful MMO TPS. Try it if you want, who knows maybe you might enjoy it like I do, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you hated it after just 1 week.
6.7/10, Ok with potential to be a great game.
You can find the screenshots I took for this review stored here, along with unused shots.
http://s120.photobucket.com/user/kyanbu/library/Cosmic%20Break%20Review%20images?sort=3&page=1