Iron Vice - Quick Look
1Game: Iron Vice
Platform: Web
Here's a "quick" 83 minute look or first impressions at the online co-op Action RPG, Iron Vice, by Black Tower Entertainment. I also added "skip" annotations for missions of already completed types.
In this title, you play as a mercenary who's main jobs involve journeying into semi-randomly cities, destroying the AI machines who have violently overthrown humanity, completing mission objectives, and destroying the AI cores that threaten to wipe out the last vestiges of humanity.
The game's campaign takes place over 11 cities and there are 7 mission types to choose from. In each city, you need to build up reputation by completing jobs in order to unlock the harder, more rewarding ones - culminating with the "Core" or boss mission. Each mission can be played solo or as group of up to 4 people. The latter is recommended due to the increased number of resources dropped as well as easier time destroying robots. But, I wasn't able to find other players.
Befitting to the RPG moniker, you can customize your character's stats, equipment (weaponry and armor), and appearance. There are over 30 weapon types to choose from, and six main armor types. Of course, the stats for each gun or armor piece are randomly generated upon receival, but thankfully are adjusted based on your current level and the quality. Plus, they can be slotted with various upgrades or outright crafted. Even the bad equipment can be useful thanks to the recycling system, which can level up a weapon or armor type.
The only way to get this equipment is through equipment crates which you can purchase from the in-game store (using in-game currency), earn from obtaining enough city reputation or completing missions, or receive them from enemy drops. Speaking of which, the cash shop seems relatively fair. From what I've seen, all items in-game can be obtained normally through gameplay or crafting. The cash shop will speed up this process though.
The game can get tedious with the repeated level environments and bullet-spongy enemies. From what I've observed, the latter problem disappears when playing in a group. Same with the level and equipment grinding. It seems this game was balanced more for group play. Though, this may change in later updates.
With all that said and done, I quite enjoyed my time with this game. I like the variety of equipment to tinker with, the loot drops, and how almost everything I do in-game has a tangible sense of progression. For instance, bad equipment can be recycled to better improve gear of the same class, instead of being sold or discarded. However, I wish I was able to find a group to show off co-op content. Sadly, this wasn't the case.
I strongly recommend playing this title in short bursts and to try finding a co-op team. There is no energy system implemented, so you can play as long as you desire. But, as the game can get rather monotonous in long play-sessions, it's best to complete this title's content in multiple 15 to 30 minute sessions.
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Iron Vice is developed and published by Black Tower Entertainment.
This game can be played at http://www.kongregate.com/games/BlackTowerEnt/iron-vice