XBlaster is a simple browser game by Bigpoint, casual in nature. Player vs. Player (PvP) is the main focus. You play as the pilot of a high-tech robot, and the goal is to become the best among the rest. You fight against other pilots in a randomly generated arena, using the arsenal at your disposal to eliminate the opposition while picking up crates that provide credits, ammunition, or if you’re lucky, weapons.
Gameplay in XBlaster is very similar to Gladius 2. The only difference is the setting: XBlaster puts you in a sci-fi arena with giant mechs, whereas Gladius 2 was set in the Coliseum of ancient Rome.
Before going further, it helps to clarify the term “mech.” Mecha is a science fiction genre centered around robots or machines controlled by pilots.
New players choose between three mechs: The Ranger, The Defender, and The Hunter. Each has a special ability that gives the player a specific strength to capitalize on.
The Ranger is a swift machine best suited for close-range combat. Its special ability is the Nitro Package, which provides a temporary speed boost. The Ranger also deals +30% damage to other Ranger mechs, courtesy of its Ion Cannon.
The Defender is built for long-range combat. Its special ability is the Shield, which provides temporary invulnerability. The Defender is equipped with Impulse weapons that deal +30% damage against Hunter mechs.
The Hunter has the highest damage potential of the three. Its special ability is the Seeking Missile, which carries the highest damage output in the game. The Hunter is equipped with a Plasma Gun.
At the start of each match, every player is given a chainsaw, a grenade launcher, and a gun. All basic weapons and mech armor can be upgraded using skill points, which function as the game’s upgrade currency. Skill points are earned two ways: by completing missions, or by spending time in the arena. The arena is an open zone where players attack each other freely and accumulate points. Crates scattered around the arena contain credits (the premium currency), temporary buffs, jackpot points, and additional skill points. With enough skill points, players can purchase new weapons and equipment, including flamethrowers, mines, shields, and plasma guns.
The core gameplay is well thought out. Controls are simple: keyboard only, no mouse required. Players can register and jump straight into a fight. The learning curve is short, and the basics are easy to pick up within the first few minutes. Victory isn’t just about having the biggest guns. You need to consider your mech type, how your weapons match up against the opponent, and how to use the terrain to your advantage. The class balance is the best thing about the game, and blowing up robots in a well-designed arena is genuinely fun.
The biggest drawback is lag. For a browser game built entirely around PvP reaction timing, lag is a serious problem, and it consistently hurts the experience. Beyond that, there’s not much here outside of fighting, which is fine if that’s what you came for.
