PUBG: New State is Back in India, But is it Worth the Hype?
PUBG Mobile, a global phenomenon, left fans in India heartbroken when it was banned over a year ago. The void it left in the gaming landscape was quickly filled by Call of Duty Mobile, but amidst the nostalgia and hope for its return, a new contender arrived: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). This "Indian" version of PUBG was a glimmer of hope, a localized experience. Yet, with limited access to global servers, the longing for the original PUBG persisted. Now, Krafton has finally delivered, reintroducing India to the iconic name with PUBG: New State – a futuristic reimagining of the battle royale experience. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into our first impressions and see what the “new” state of PUBG holds.
A Futuristic Facelift: New State Takes Us to 2051
PUBG: New State, launched globally on November 11, 2021, isn’t merely a reskin of its predecessors. It sets itself apart with a futuristic backdrop, pushing the boundaries of the battle royale genre. The game instantly captivates with its visually refined graphics, offering an experience that feels closer to the PC version than BGMI. While the initial launch encountered server issues, a swift update resolved the problems, allowing us to explore the new world.
The first thing you’ll notice is the redesigned UI, cleaner and less cluttered than BGMI, mirroring the PC version’s aesthetics. A standout feature is the graphics menu, featuring a plethora of options: Low, Medium, High, Very High, Ultra, Max, and Extreme for frame rates, and Lite, Medium, High, Ultra, and Extreme for graphics settings, making the game adaptable to diverse devices. The game even allows players to choose between OpenGL ES and Vulkan for graphics API, offering greater control over performance.
Beyond Erangel: New Maps and More
In PUBG: New State, you’re not confined to the familiar maps. You can choose to battle it out on Troi, a new map that takes you to 2051. The Erangel we know and love has been revamped, set in the same futuristic context. A Team Deathmatch (TDM) map called Station is also offered, currently in beta.
Troi is a visual feast, with cities like Loganville, Mid Town, Cornwall, and Graveyard meticulously crafted. The plane graphics are more polished, and the map display now clearly identifies the names of each city, eliminating confusion.
Erangel 2051 maintains its core features but boasts futuristic additions, adding a fresh spin to an established favorite. Even the simple act of landing feels different. Parachutes remain attached to your back, adding a touch of realism.
A New State of Gameplay: Futuristic Features and Tweaks
PUBG: New State isn’t just about changing the setting – it’s about pushing the boundaries of gameplay. The game is packed with features that elevate the battle royale experience.
Futuristic Mobility and Combat
The futuristic theme extends to the game’s vehicles. You can now navigate the map in high-tech bikes and cars, some bordering on the fantastical. But the real head-turner is the tram, a unique element that adds a different dimension to the gameplay. Cars even have an autopilot feature, a bold addition to a mobile battle royale game.
Streamlined Inventory Management
Inventory management has been streamlined, allowing you to unload weapons and ammo into the trunk of vehicles, a practical solution for managing limited bag space. Vehicles also have start/stop engine toggles for fuel economy. A welcome addition is the ability to take cover behind car doors, offering a strategic advantage in tense situations.
Enhanced Weaponry and Combat Options
While most weapons are familiar, a new bolt-action rifle, DSR-I, joins the arsenal, utilizing 7.62mm rounds like the M24. Deployable shields provide added cover, and the melee section has received fresh additions.
Combat mechanics have also undergone tweaks. The hip-fire mechanism has been replaced with shoulder fire, creating a more realistic feel. Roll movement for close combat allows for quick evasive maneuvers, adding another layer of tactical depth.
Drone Store – Shopping Spree Amidst the Chaos
One of the most surprising additions is the Drone Store. In a dire situation where resources are scarce, you can summon a drone to deliver essential items like ammo and medical kits. This innovative mechanic adds a unique dimension to supply management.
Resurrection Flare Gun – A Ray of Hope
The green flare gun, another new addition, allows you to respawn a fallen teammate, turning the tides of battle. This provides a strategic advantage, allowing for coordinated revivals and a more involved team dynamic.
A Global Comeback: PUBG is Back in India
With PUBG: New State, Krafton has finally brought the PUBG experience back to India, this time with the original moniker. The game allows players to switch between servers globally, ending the isolation of the BGMI experience.
Verdict: New State is a Worthy Successor
PUBG: New State is more than just a return to the familiar. It’s a leap forward, incorporating new features and mechanics that push the boundaries of the battle royale genre. The futuristic setting, refined graphics, and innovative gameplay elements make it a compelling experience. While the initial launch faced challenges, Krafton has quickly addressed the issues, paving the way for a smoother experience. It remains to be seen how PUBG: New State will be received by the Indian gaming community, but early impressions suggest it has the potential to reignite the battle royale passion across the country. Whether it can surpass the dominance of BGMI is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain: PUBG: New State is a bold and ambitious step into the future of the battle royale genre.
