Brawl Stars

ARENA BASED BRAWLING Free with IAP | https://supercell.com/ en/games/brawlstars/

FROM THE DEVELOPERS behind the critical and commercial mobile multiplayer successes like Clash Royale and Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars is a fast paced, easy to learn but tough to master brawler where players fight as team of three to meet map objectives and take out their opponents. Set in the same trademark cartoon style that Supercell is known for, there are a vast array of maps, game types, brawlers and weapons to choose from. Highlights include Heist, where your team must manoeuvre their way around your enemy’s defences to crack open a safe, and Brawl Ball, where soccer becomes a little more interesting when weapons enter the field.

Each map is a mixture of 2- and 3D assets, which helps to provide detail around what elements allow you to hide, provide cover or can be destroyed. There’s also a battle royale mode (Showdown), as is vogue nowadays, although its only ten players (fitting for a quick mobile experience) and doesn’t really have the same effect as a sprawling 100 player fight; but it’s fun for those who prefer to play these sorts of games solo. Progression is rewarding, and the trophy system provides a solid base for competition.

Brawl Stars has been available for a while in beta, and during that time it has added and removed features, balanced weapons, items, and tactics, and optimised its graphic package. As a result, the launch product feels significantly more solid than most new games of this type, with good matchmaking, strong performance on both Android and iOS, and a ton of customisations and variations to keep play fresh and fund. Controls are tight, and the in-app purchases system doesn’t affect performance, just your speed of progression and access to brawlers and items that can be earned by play.