GameNow review
Valorant review: A Tactical Shooter with a Twist
Valorant, a tactical shooter from Riot Games, draws comparisons to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch. Critics praise its refined gameplay and unique character abilities, but also note issues with its toxic voice communication system and anti-cheat software.
This summary reflects the cited sources, which may describe earlier versions. The update date does not confirm a new playtest or the current patch.
Gameplay and Systems
Valorant is a tactical shooter that pits two teams of five players against each other in scenarios such as bomb defusal and hostage rescue. Critics have praised the game for its polished gameplay and the distinct abilities of its characters, which cater to various playstyles. The game's beta launch saw a surge in popularity, with over 1.7 million concurrent viewers on Twitch, second only to Riot's own League of Legends.
Community and Voice Communication
The game's community has grown significantly since its release, with the official Valorant Discord server becoming one of the largest gaming communities on the platform. However, the voice communication system within the game has faced criticism for being toxic and male-dominated, with many players, including women, reporting harassment and negative experiences. This has led to a significant number of players opting out of using the voice chat feature.
Anti-Cheat Software and Technical Concerns
Valorant's anti-cheat software, Riot Vanguard, has been a source of controversy due to its use of a kernel driver, which critics argue could potentially expose players to security risks. Riot Games has addressed these concerns by stating that the software does not send any information back to them and has launched a bug bounty program to reward those who find vulnerabilities in the software. Despite these assurances, some players remain wary of the potential risks.
What works
- Refined gameplay mechanics
- Distinct character abilities
- Growing community and popularity
What doesn’t
- Toxic voice communication system
- Concerns over anti-cheat software
Verdict
Valorant offers a polished tactical shooter experience with unique character abilities, but its toxic voice communication system and concerns over the anti-cheat software may deter some players. It's best suited for those who enjoy competitive gameplay and are willing to navigate the game's community challenges.
Sources
This review was drafted with AI assistance from the sources listed here, then checked automatically so that no source text is copied. Scores from outlets are facts recorded on Wikidata.
Source publications: wikipedia.org
- Valorant — Wikipedia (en) en.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
- VALORANT — Wikipedia (ja) ja.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
- 발로란트 — Wikipedia (ko) ko.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
- 无畏契约 — Wikipedia (zh) zh.wikipedia.org · CC-BY-SA-4.0
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