Key Takeaways
1. Innovative MOBA Gameplay: Sirocco offers a unique take on MOBA mechanics with no fixed roles, allowing players to modify abilities and focus on teamwork and positioning.
2. Roguelike Features: The game incorporates roguelike elements, such as randomly obtained “Loom Coils,” which introduce variety and new tactical opportunities in each match.
3. Early Access Feedback: Launched on May 2, Sirocco has received positive reviews, with 80% of approximately 150 Steam reviews praising its fresh approach and enjoyable naval battles.
4. Free-to-Play Model: Sirocco is free to play and will remain so post-launch, making it accessible to a wider audience.
5. Criticism and Improvement Areas: Players have noted a lack of depth in weapon and progression systems, a superficial tutorial, and technical issues like latency and frame rate drops.
Sirocco is a free-to-play MOBA crafted by Lunchbox Entertainment Inc., immersing players in intense 5v5 naval combats that draw inspiration from the classic Warcraft 3 mod, Battleships. In that original custom map, players equipped their ships with various gear, fought at sea, and worked to destroy enemy bases. Sirocco takes that concept and adds roguelike features along with a significant emphasis on teamwork. The result is a contemporary twist on a beloved classic, merging fast action with strategic elements.
A New Approach to MOBA Gameplay
While Sirocco fits into the MOBA category, it deviates from the usual norms. There are no fixed roles or strict counter systems – players have the liberty to modify their abilities as the game progresses, enabling dynamic strategy alterations during matches. Ships are fitted with auto-firing weapons, which shifts the focus of gameplay away from precise aiming or last-hitting, highlighting the importance of smart positioning and close team coordination. Roguelike aspects, like the randomly obtained “Loom Coils,” introduce additional variety. These in-game upgrades provide active or passive effects, ensuring that each round offers new tactical chances.
Early Access and Future Plans
Sirocco entered Early Access on May 2 and is entirely free to play. The developers anticipate this phase will last between 12 and 16 months, and the game will continue to be free even after its official launch.
Sirocco has amassed approximately 150 reviews on Steam, with 80% of these being positive. According to SteamDB, the game has reached a peak of around 880 concurrent players. Steam users commend it for its innovative approach to the MOBA genre, especially its naval battles and a more leisurely pace, which makes it feel less overwhelming compared to major titles like Dota 2 or League of Legends. The smooth Early Access launch and the easy-to-access free-to-play model are also frequently mentioned as highlights.
Criticism and Areas for Improvement
On the downside, Sirocco has been critiqued for its lack of depth. Many players believe the weapon and progression systems are too simplistic, featuring only two weapon slots and limited build options, which doesn’t measure up to the complexity of the original Warcraft 3 mod. Numerous in-game choices seem to have low impact, resulting in repetitive gameplay. Other prevalent issues voiced by players include a superficial tutorial, a cluttered user interface, and technical problems like increased latency and frame rate drops.
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