Every article tag can be clicked to get a list of all articles in that category. Every article tag also has an RSS feed! You can customize an RSS feed too!
We do often include affiliate links to earn us some pennies. See more here.

So I Played… FORCED SHOWDOWN

By - | Views: 20,736
FORCED SHOWDOWN is essentially an arena shooter with a card-based upgrade system that promises some frantic gameplay, but is it any good? I tried to find out.

Note: Key provided by developer.

Linux gameplay video
YouTube Thumbnail
YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link

I have to say I am very impressed with not only how smooth the gameplay is in FORCED SHOWDOWN, but how fun the battles actually are.

The start of the game is incredibly easy, but it's one of those starts that eases you in with a gameplay tutorial and easy enemies. Once you get past the initial two boss battles things to start to heat up somewhat.

I actually failed my campaign quite early on, as I wasn't expecting one of the enemies to be as strong as they were, be sure not to underestimate the enemy strength and remember to keep using your abilities.

It feels almost like playing Dota 2 at times in small sized arenas, and that's a really good thing. I actually really like Dota 2, but I hate the community, so FORCED SHOWDOWN has been really exciting to play.

At the start of each round you get to pick different cards to put into play to heal, gain new abilities and so on. It's a really cool idea and I love games that blend different genres together. You could end up with cards giving you more health, extra companion units to fight with you or special abilities that trigger now and then.

The battles are never the same, as each time you do a new run, the arena has a different rule attached to it. Sometime you may get a rule that reduces your health if you start the battle with a certain amount of cards left unused, or even starting you off at 50% health. They certainly don't make it easy, and the challenge has kept me going for a while.

There have been plenty of battles were I've won with so little health my heart was actually racing when I finished it, I even let off a little "woohoo!" once.

During matches you collect points which will unlock special extras for you too, like extra health. There's just so many things like that in the game that make it a pleasure to keep coming back.

I haven't wanted to put it down since I started playing it, so I consider it a must buy.

Issues
The only issue I have encountered is that it will load up on the wrong screen every time. This is easily solved by making it go to windowed mode, moving it to the right monitor and then telling it to go fullscreen again. A minor issue, but still an issue.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
0 Likes
About the author -
author picture
I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
See more from me
The comments on this article are closed.
12 comments
Page: «2/2
  Go to:

Liam Dawe Jul 6, 2016
Quoting: melkemind@liamdawe Did you play the original Forced, and did you like it? I'm asking because I didn't really care for it, so I'm wondering if this game is similar or might be something I'd prefer.
The original did not hook me at all, this however did!

Quoting: adolsonAnother that comes to mind based on your description is Hand of Fate, in case you haven't got it yet. I dig it.
HoF is also a cracking game well worth trying.
neowiz73 Jul 8, 2016
Quoting: adolson
Quoting: neowiz73
Quoting: melkemind@liamdawe Did you play the original Forced, and did you like it? I'm asking because I didn't really care for it, so I'm wondering if this game is similar or might be something I'd prefer.
I know you asked Liam, but I just want to say that I didn't care for the first Forced game all that much. But I do like playing card games and action or hack'n slash sort of games. Forced Showdown is a mix of all that, and is very enjoyable if you like all those things.

Another that comes to mind based on your description is Hand of Fate, in case you haven't got it yet. I dig it.

yeah, I've played HOF and sometimes still play it. I got all the way up to the final stage of the game and couldn't seem to beat it before. the RNG effects of all things seems to take a toll on my character to much and make the final fight almost impossible for me. I generally have bad RNG luck. So I have to fight through a lot of it by running it until the odds are in my favor. But I've not had that chance with this game yet. This may have changed by now with many updates since I last played. But it is one on my back burner list to check out again one day.

But I will say compared to Forced Showdown, at least Forced Showdown has much of the game still in the hands of the player. Where as the main RNG happens with card draw, which is something easily overcome with good preparation in deck building.


Last edited by neowiz73 on 8 July 2016 at 8:36 pm UTC
While you're here, please consider supporting GamingOnLinux on:

Reward Tiers: Patreon. Plain Donations: PayPal.

This ensures all of our main content remains totally free for everyone! Patreon supporters can also remove all adverts and sponsors! Supporting us helps bring good, fresh content. Without your continued support, we simply could not continue!

You can find even more ways to support us on this dedicated page any time. If you already are, thank you!
The comments on this article are closed.