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The mobile gaming market has exploded in recent years, challenging the dominance of traditional gaming platforms. Accessibility and simple gameplay have contributed to this rise, but technical limitations, particularly with touchscreen controls, have often hindered complex genres like action games. Rayark, renowned for its rhythm games like Cytus, Deemo, and VOEZ, defied these limitations with Implosion: Never Lose Hope. Originally a mobile title, its impressive 3D graphics pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible on smartphones in 2015. Now, with the Nintendo Switch version, Implosion has found its true home.

Excellent Action Gameplay

One of the biggest challenges for mobile games is the limitation of touchscreen controls. While intuitive for some genres, touchscreens often fall short for action games that benefit from physical buttons. Implosion: Never Lose Hope exemplifies this. While successful on mobile, the Switch version unlocks the game’s full potential. Players control Warmechs, humanoid fighting machines operated remotely via neural link. The combat system shines with the Switch’s Joy-Cons.

Combining light and heavy attacks with just two buttons allows for fluid and stylish combos reminiscent of Musou games. Players must strategically balance quick combos with slower, more powerful attacks, all while managing enemy hordes. The later stages demand precise dodging and tactical thinking, punishing button mashing. The addition of equippable skills further enhances combat depth. Players can choose up to three skills from a diverse selection, ranging from area-of-effect attacks to defensive shields and armor-piercing abilities. These skills, coupled with the Switch’s HD Rumble, create a visceral and satisfying combat experience.

Rich Content and Engaging Story

Implosion offers a substantial campaign spanning four chapters, each comprised of numerous short levels lasting 4-10 minutes. The varied level design showcases Rayark’s commitment to quality, taking players through sci-fi military bases, snowy mountain ranges, and volcanic caverns. Each level presents unique challenges, such as completing levels without healing or within a time limit, incentivizing replayability and rewarding skill.

While the enemy variety isn’t overwhelming, each enemy type boasts distinct behaviors, attacks, and weaknesses. Learning these patterns is crucial for survival, demanding more than mindless hacking and slashing. Scattered throughout the levels are limited-ammo weapons like submachine guns, grenade launchers, and flamethrowers, offering tactical advantages when used effectively. The Ark system, a unique upgrade mechanic, further adds depth. Subsidiary Arks boost Warmech stats, while Main Arks influence skill sets, forcing players to make strategic choices between raw power and diverse abilities.

Beyond the initial Warmech, Avalon, players can unlock Crimson, a slower but more powerful Warmech wielding a polearm, and Jonathan, a ranged-focused Warmech available in the expansion. This variety in playstyles adds significant replay value.

Stunning Visuals

Mobile games, particularly 3D titles, often compromise on graphical fidelity. Implosion, however, is a striking exception. From its cinematic opening trailer, reminiscent of Starcraft 2 cutscenes, to the in-game visuals, Implosion boasts impressive graphics that hold up even on larger screens in docked mode.

The meticulously crafted 2D cutscenes and detailed 3D models demonstrate Rayark’s artistic prowess. Character designs, from the Warmechs to the supporting cast, effectively convey personality and emotion. This attention to detail is rare in mobile titles, where generic aesthetics often prevail. The combat animations are fluid and impactful, and the visual effects enhance the sense of weight and power behind each attack.

A Challenging Experience

Implosion continues to defy mobile gaming conventions with its demanding difficulty. Even on normal difficulty, the game quickly punishes careless play. While both Avalon and Crimson have shields that absorb damage, survival requires strategic thinking and precise execution, especially from Chapter 2 onwards. The increased enemy numbers and new enemy types demand careful positioning and skillful dodging.

The significant power difference between Avalon and Crimson, coupled with the substantial grind required to unlock Crimson, can create a sense of imbalance. While Crimson offers greater power and range, the slower attack speed creates vulnerabilities. The high energy cost of Crimson’s skills also requires careful management. Even the limited-ammo guns, while useful, don’t overshadow the importance of melee combat, except for the rare and powerful XADA Slayer. The challenging gameplay also makes grinding for upgrade badges a more demanding endeavor.

Conclusion

Implosion: Never Lose Hope on the Nintendo Switch transcends its mobile origins. The precise controls, engaging combat, and stunning visuals shine on the platform. While the difficulty may be demanding, it ultimately rewards skillful play. For action game enthusiasts seeking a challenging and rewarding experience, Implosion on Switch is a must-have.

• Developer: RAYARK Inc.
• Publisher: RAYARK Inc.
• Genre: Action | RPG
• Release Date: July 6, 2017
• Platform: Nintendo Switch