Wildlight Entertainment's latest title, 'Highguard,' has garnered a variety of responses since its release. While the overarching gameplay might not consistently captivate every player, a particular aspect stands out for its exceptional design and player enjoyment: the in-game mounts. These animal companions, ranging from horses to eldergryphs, offer a dynamic and fluid traversal experience that is both engaging and distinctively well-implemented within the game's mechanics.
Detailed Analysis of Highguard's Mount System
Initial player feedback regarding Wildlight Entertainment's new FPS title, 'Highguard,' has been notably polarized, with some critics pointing to a less-than-smooth launch. However, a consistent highlight among players has been the game's innovative and remarkably enjoyable mount system. After extensive playtime, many concede that while the core gameplay loop may at times feel somewhat uninspired, the seamless integration and intuitive handling of these animal companions offer a refreshing change of pace and a genuinely fun experience.
Unlike the often cumbersome mount systems found in other titles, 'Highguard' distinguishes itself by allowing players to instantly summon and dismiss their chosen beast – be it a horse, bear, panther, or eldergryph – with a simple button press. This eliminates tedious call animations and frustrating terrain navigation issues, ensuring that the mounts remain a tool for efficient and enjoyable movement rather than an obstacle. The creatures exhibit impressive speed and agility, rarely encountering environmental snags, which suggests a significant development effort was dedicated to perfecting their functionality within the game's sprawling maps. This fluid control allows players to engage in dynamic combat scenarios, such as chasing down adversaries on horseback while simultaneously firing weapons, creating exhilarating, action-packed moments reminiscent of a sci-fi fantasy Western.
The creative minds behind Wildlight, known for their work on 'Titanfall' and 'Apex Legends,' have successfully translated their expertise in movement mechanics to 'Highguard's mounts. This has led to speculation and excitement about future possibilities. Game director Chad Grenier recently hinted at the studio's consideration of a dedicated mount-racing mode. Such an addition could significantly enhance the game's appeal, potentially offering a free-to-play experience that would be warmly received by the community, especially given the current trend of premium cosmetic purchases like horse armor skins.
The Potential of Engaging Mechanics in Gaming
The success of 'Highguard's mount system underscores a crucial lesson in game development: even a game with mixed reception can find its stride and captivate players through exceptionally well-executed individual mechanics. This situation highlights that focusing on specific elements, refining them to a high degree of polish, can create memorable and beloved experiences. It also serves as a reminder that innovative traversal and interaction systems can significantly contribute to player enjoyment and the overall longevity of a game, potentially inspiring new gameplay modes and fostering a dedicated community around these unique features.
