Apex Legends: A Better Battle Royale?

Emilie Baxter

BY CLAIRE CORBEL AND CAMERON MCRAE

When Apex Legends was unexpectedly revealed to the world, nobody could have predicted the overwhelming impact it would have on the video game community.

The free-to-play online multiplayer adapts elements of a battle royale with a tactical first-person shooter, requiring players to fight and cooperate to be the last squad standing for each match.

Executive Producer of Respawn Entertainment, Drew McCoy, wrote in a letter to the community that the company's goal was ‘to make the most innovative, fun, and genre-evolving battle royale shooter to date’.

The resulting game not only proved this could be achieved, but that there is still room for originality amidst the usual formula of the ‘last man standing’ system.

Soaring with your fellow squad members toward the fray below is one of many epic experiences Apex Legends offers. Picture: Apex Legends, Respawn Entertainment

Despite little to no promotional hype preceding its release on February 4, the industry's newcomer managed to earn itself a staggering 25 million players in the first week.

This figure has skyrocketed to 50 million in one month.

Fortnite, another game in the Battle Royale genre, took an additional five months to reach the same figure after its release.

There are currently nine Legends available to play (including the newly released Season Pass Legend, Octane), but Respawn has many more pending for future updates. Picture: Apex Legends, Respawn Entertainment

Mitchell Stewart, Account Executive for Double Jump Communications, said content creation and streaming was one of the fundamental driving forces behind the rapidly growing popularity of the genre.

“The main game changer is the ping system, which allows players to be super communicative and convey exactly what they want without having to chat,” Mr Stewart said.

Through its unique design, careful development and enthusiastic following, it’s time to consider that Apex Legends could have the potential to permanently reshape the genre to which it belongs.

Players must work with their squad to scour the diverse terrain for weapons, ammo and supplies that will help them survive for as long as possible. Picture: Apex Legends, Respawn Entertainment

From the outset of its release, players have been pleasantly surprised by the graphics quality and overall polish of the game.

Respawn Entertainment, the developer behind Apex Legends, promises exciting future updates and features for fans including a First Season Battle Pass.

Apex Legends is also the first widely-known battle royale to omit a single player mode, instead of basing its gameplay predominantly around battling in a three-person squad.

This new focus on team play has many implications for the future of the genre, as players must strategise by adjusting their play style and customising gear around what will compliment their teammates’ abilities and features.

At its very core, Apex Legends is inspired by innovation and originality which has added a new dynamic to the battle royale.