Product Info

Platform

Switch, PlayStation 4, PC

Publisher

PQube

Genre

Action, Arcade, Board Games, Strategy/Tactics

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

552 MB

Release Date (NA)

Aug 12, 2022

Purchase From

eShop

PSN Store

Steam

Super Bullet Break is an intriguing card game that’s a mix of gacha pulls and roguelike gameplay. The game has a lot of spark and deep mechanics, but the frustrating battles and unlucky pulls will push casual players away.

Corrupted Games

The gaming world is corrupted by a rogue artificial intelligence, and it’s up to you to stop the corrupted AI before everything gets unplugged. The game also offers optional, additional dialogue that’s outside the main storyline, filling in the gaps that aren’t told there. They’re not voiced but rather conveyed entirely in text-based message threads. However, they just aren’t all that interesting to read through.

There are seven game worlds to explore, each corrupted and needing saving. In each world, you’ll go through three maps with at least one boss on each one. Each map is laid out like a checkerboard, and you can proceed to the right up to three spots. Completing each spot sends you in a direction, though limiting you to a specific path. On some paths, it can be very easy to avoid battles, but in doing so, you will miss out on rewards for defeating enemies, such as money and pulling a “Bullet” for your deck. Bullets are like cards and each one is designed differently, most of them being cute anime girls (waifus). There are over 160 designed Bullet characters, and it’s difficult to choose a favorite. That should be the least of your worries, though, as the game proves to be quite challenging.

Each world plays a bit differently than the others. While the gameplay is still the same, the strategy changes. Think of it as being given a new deck of cards to play. In one world, earning defense points is essential to surviving strong attacks. In another, loading up your “Heartsplosion” to 100 causes your enemies’ moves to be delayed, allowing you to activate more Bullets to attack. It’s an interesting way to keep players on their toes and not fall into rinse-and-repeat gameplay.

Before playing, you can grab three free summons to add to your deck. Additionally, you can choose between three main story characters. However, in the beginning of the game, you’re stuck with one specific character for a little bit. Choosing a different character can alter your playthrough. For example, playing as the red-headed Akari can help create aggressive, high-attack Bullets, whereas Sumire starts off with a random item that can benefit your playthrough.

The Right Pull

Unlike many gacha games like Fire Emblem Heroes, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius, and Genshin Impact, players don’t have to spend real money to get pulls to build their team. Instead, you’ll use in-game coin currency. Earning those coins is done two ways: battles and treasure box pulls. However, compared to the other games, Super Bullet Break doesn’t give you as much time to build your dream team before a battle.

You’ll start with a set of Bullets that are dealt into your deck, much like a playing card game. Each Bullet has a unique set of stats that can help or hinder your strategy. Some cards give your opponent status effects, such as poison, and blunt their attacks for a set of rounds. However, you also have to keep an eye on your opponent because their status boosts can actually wipe you out. For example, if you inflict poison on your enemy and they have a deflect status, each round they are harmed by the poison will affect you instead. Ouch!

Your health reflects the main character, and once depleted, game over. This makes every single health point important. Sometimes, healing is a challenge when you don’t have restorative potions or Bullets with the relevant skill. Even if you do have the right Bullets, you’ll only be able to heal in single digits, making it more challenging. Therefore, healing items stored in your inventory will come in very handy and are highly recommended when facing challenging boss fights, especially the last boss per world.

Lady Luck, We Need You!

When playing through the first time, expect to perish. And again for a few more rounds. Without the right set of Bullets and items, and depending on where you go on the map, you’ll be challenged every step of the way. It doesn’t help that Super Bullet Break doesn’t thoroughly explain every fine detail either, just the basics. It’s up to players to figure it out, and newcomers will have a real challenge on their hands. Each time you fail, you actually do get better at playing, but it doesn’t feel like enough at times. It’s exhausting and frustrating at the very least.

You’ll find out certain Bullets work well for specific boss fights and how to manage your turns for the greatest benefit. It’s recommended to keep an eye on your opponent’s upcoming attack, which is displayed above their health gauge. You’ll definitely need to plan ahead if you want to pull away with a victory here. It’ll take a few tries to get the mechanics down, but once you do, you’ll get the hang of it. Now, it’s just a matter of playing the right Bullets and using the items at the right time. However, experience only goes so far.

Players will have to rely on Lady Luck more than ever. Whether it’s what you pull in each opportunity given or where you land as you travel through the game’s map, her favor is essential to your success. Do you decide to skip a dialogue scene for a chance of free potions just to get to the shopping panel that may not carry it? Which treasure box will you choose, and will you regret not picking the middle box or the left one? Whichever you choose can affect the outcome of the game.

Like many roguelikes, once you fail, you’ll start all over from the beginning. Even if you were at the final boss, you have to go all the way back. It’s almost like playing Candyland, where you’re one step away from winning but you pull the peanut card and have to go back all the way down on the board. Remember how that felt as a kid? It’s that same feeling. It’s incredibly frustrating and those without the ambition to keep pushing will give up on the game quickly. Ideally, an option to save before a boss battle, a rewind tool, or a way to keep your deck but lose health points would help newcomers stick around longer. Otherwise, expect broken controllers to occur more often than normal.

Beautiful Bullets

Like many gacha games, the characters are part of the appeal, and that’s no different here. Each one is designed and illustrated remarkably well. Furthermore, every character rewarded while playing can be looked up in the game’s glossary. Some appear to have different illustrators, but overall, it’s a large roster of characters to flip through. Players will no doubt find many favorites. In terms of the music, it’s entertaining and energetic. Unfortunately, the game over theme will become your least favorite track.

The Final Pull

Super Bullet Break is a game that has a lot of potential, but its frustrating roguelike gameplay makes it difficult to hang onto and finish. If you have the ambition and are willing to learn the game’s strategic mechanics, give it a whirl and save the gaming world!