FORCED (2013)

Forced is an indie role-playing game developed by BetaDwarf that immerses players in a world where they take on the role of enslaved gladiators forced to fight in an arena for their survival. Set in a dark and brutal universe, the game blends action and strategy with a top-down perspective that draws heavy influence from the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre. However, Forced focuses exclusively on single-player and cooperative gameplay experiences.

Storyline

In Forced, players assume the roles of slaves who are forced to fight in a gladiatorial arena. These individuals were born in a nearby village, where they are conditioned from an early age to become fierce warriors. The journey begins with the guidance of your mentor, Balfus, who helps you navigate the harsh world of combat and trains you to be the ultimate gladiator. Your ultimate goal is to rise through the ranks and face the final guardian, known as The Master, in a battle that will test every skill you've acquired on your journey.

Gameplay Mechanics

Forced offers a dynamic action experience with a unique top-down perspective. Although the game takes inspiration from the MOBA genre, it focuses on providing a satisfying single-player and cooperative multiplayer experience. Players choose from a variety of weapons, each of which functions as a character class with distinct abilities. Each weapon class in the game has 16 abilities, both active and passive, that cater to different playstyles and strategies.

Weapon Classes

The game features four distinct weapon classes, each serving a different role in combat:

• Bow: A long-range weapon ideal for dealing damage from a distance.
• Hammer: A powerful weapon that excels in dealing massive area-of-effect damage.
• Knives: A fast and agile weapon perfect for swift, close-range melee attacks.
• Frost Shield: A defensive weapon designed to provide support to teammates and slow down enemies.

Each weapon class provides players with a unique set of abilities. These abilities are divided into active and passive skills that can be used strategically during combat. The combination of these abilities is crucial to overcoming the challenges and enemies you will encounter throughout the game.

Cooperative Mode

One of the standout features of Forced is its cooperative mode. In this mode, players team up with others to tackle missions together. However, there are certain restrictions to ensure a balanced and engaging experience. Players must choose different weapon classes within their party, as the game will not allow multiple players to select the same class. This requires cooperation and thoughtful planning to succeed in missions.

The difficulty of the game also scales dynamically when played in cooperative mode, ensuring that players are consistently challenged no matter the number of participants. This ensures that the cooperative gameplay experience remains engaging and rewarding for all players involved.

Progression and Rewards

As players progress through the game, they will complete various missions and challenges. Upon completing each mission, players are rewarded with gems, which serve as a currency for upgrading weapons. The gems can be used to unlock new abilities for the weapons, improving their effectiveness in combat. Players can earn up to three gems per mission, which encourages replayability and adds an additional layer of strategy to the gameplay.

Summary

Forced is a captivating action RPG that combines strategic gameplay with intense combat. The game’s weapon classes, cooperative mode, and progression system offer a rich and rewarding experience for players looking for a challenge. With its unique blend of MOBA-inspired mechanics and RPG elements, Forced provides a fresh take on the gladiatorial arena combat genre, offering both solo players and co-op enthusiasts a thrilling adventure.