KIBORG: Arena | Xbox Demo Review

KIBORG: Arena, a 3rd person brawler, delivers a straightforward gameplay experience with its clean graphics and arcade-style combat. The demo offers a glimpse into a repetitive yet strangely addictive loop.

A Simple Formula

At its core, KIBORG: Arena adheres to a simple formula: fight waves of enemies, collect resources, upgrade your character, and repeat. This straightforward approach can be both appealing and limiting, offering quick bursts of fun but lacking long-term engagement. There are different combos that you can use depending on the weapons and items that you have equipped. While playing you can also pick up implants and augmentations that greatly increase your chances of survival. 

A Shallow Skill Tree

The game’s skill tree lacks depth. The linear progression and limited customization options can feel restrictive. Higher-tier upgrades, while tempting, are often gated behind less desirable choices, forcing players to make compromises that may not align with their preferred playstyle. Some of the skill tree unlocks are simply a new combo while some add stats to gear.

Visual and Audio Design

Visually, KIBORG: Arena presents a clean graphical aesthetic. The vibrant color palette and detailed character models contribute to the game’s overall appeal. The soundtrack, with its chiptune melodies and energetic beats, complements the gameplay. However, the repetitive nature of the combat can lead to audio fatigue during extended play sessions.

Short-Term Fun, Long-Term Limitations

While KIBORG: Arena offers a fun, bite-sized experience, it struggles to maintain its appeal over extended periods. The repetitive gameplay loop and limited strategic depth can become monotonous. The game’s potential for replayability is hindered by every level and wave feeling the same with the exception of more enemies or stronger enemies. The environment never changes. The later levels end up being so chaotic that all you can really do is repeatedly mash attacks without much thought and hope you can get through it.

Conclusion

KIBORG: Arena is a solid third person brawler that offers a nostalgic arcade experience. Its simple, addictive gameplay loop and charming visuals make it a fun diversion for short bursts. However, its repetitive nature and limited depth prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the demo offers a promising start, the full game will need to offer more substantial content and strategic depth to truly captivate players.

Note: This review is based on the Xbox Series X demo and may not reflect the final product.

To hear me talk more about KIBORG: Arena, be sure to listen to the November 7, 2024 episode of The Gaming Outsider podcast around the 1:37:34 time stamp.

This review is based on an Xbox Series X/S demo copy of KIBORG: Arena provided by Stride PR for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.