Arcaneset the bar high for a video game adaptation with its compelling take onLeague of Legends' lore, specifically focusing on Zaun and Piltover. The only downside of getting deep intoArcane’s lore is that fans can’t experience the same adventure inLeague of Legends, which is primarily a MOBA and not an immersive RPG or MMO.
It’s been proven thatArcane’s massive success didn’t attract newLeague of Legendsplayers. It’s likely that fans aren’t interested in investing time on the MOBA format, especially if they have to either grind a battle pass or spend real money to obtainArcane-related skins for Champions. It also doesn’t help thatLeague of Legendshas a reputation for being a toxic game due to its highly competitive nature. IfArcanefans are still looking for a game that could replicate the magicpunk vibe, though, developer Nuverse Games has a new MMO for them:Crystal of Atlan.
Crystal of Atlan Brings Together Magic and Technology
Arcane’s major plot pointis how magic intertwines with technology and science, and the effects of it on the citizens and leaders of Piltover and Zaun. Throughout the series, the struggle for this power is evident, usually seen in how Jayce attempts to use magic to modernize Piltover’s technology; and how Viktor wields the Arcane to create an ideal world. The exciting story paired with the heart-pumping action, which was masterfully animated by Fortiche, makesArcanean unforgettable show that bothLeague of Legendsfans and people who’ve never played the game should experience at least once.
But, as mentioned,League of Legendsis far from whatArcaneis because it’s not a story-based RPG. This is what the new free-to-play gameCrystal of Atlanbrings as a magicpunk MMO action RPG that, likeArcane, combines magic and machinery in its gameplay and story. Players start by choosing fromCrystal of Atlan’s five core classes, which branch out to other subclasses as they level up their character. Whether players prefer close-range melee attacks, long-range damage, or magic spells, there’s a class for every play style.
Puppeteer
Set in the floating world of Atlan,Crystal of Atlanrevolves around various factions that are vying to obtain a mysterious artifact with boundless magical energy. With powerful weapons and technologies at their disposal, select heroes have to work together to confront these powerful factions, as well as monsters, and uncover the secrets of Atlan in order to restore peace to the world. This is very similar toArcanein that many characters benefit from and want a piece ofHextech magicto achieve their goals.
In terms of gameplay,Crystal of Atlandoesn’t limit players to dungeon-crawlingin order to gather materials to upgrade their character and craft better gear. Instead, they jump into stages to complete individual and cooperative challenges, promising a rewarding progression system that allows players to tailor-fit their builds based on various strategies.
Crystal of Atlan’s combat is reminiscent of games likeTales of AriseandPersona 5 Strikers, which are party-based slashers featuring characters with different abilities that can target enemies' weaknesses. In some ways,Genshin Impactfans can also feel a sense of familiarity with the gameplay thanks to its dynamic attacks and vibrant graphics while on the battlefield.Crystal of Atlanis also a gacha game, but instead of playable characters, players can pull for skins, pets, and titles to help make their unit stronger.
In a world that’s saturated withall kinds of gacha games,Crystal of Atlanstands out with its magicpunk themes and MMO mechanics that allow players to build their characters however they want. Nuverse Games is expected to release more content in the future, so players will have even more ground to cover when they explore Atlan.
