PUBG: New State Takes Gamers to the Future, But Will They Follow?
PUBG, a name synonymous with battle royale gaming, has left an undeniable mark on the mobile gaming landscape. While the original PUBG Mobile was banned in India, the fervor for the game remained. Krafton, the developer, responded with Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) – a rebranded version catering to the Indian market. But now, with PUBG: New State, Krafton takes a bold step, introducing a futuristic iteration of PUBG, aiming to reclaim its position in India and beyond.
PUBG: New State is not just a mere visual upgrade. It embraces a future setting, introducing entirely new maps, weapons, vehicles, and game mechanics that take the familiar PUBG experience to a whole new level. But in a landscape crowded with established battle royale contenders, will PUBG: New State have enough to entice both existing players and new recruits? We spent a week exploring the new battlefields of the future to find out.
A Visual Leap Forward
PUBG: New State is an undeniable visual upgrade over its predecessors. The graphical fidelity is noticeably enhanced, adding a level of realism to the already familiar sights and sounds of the PUBG universe. From the intricately rendered textures of buildings and terrain to the detailed animations of characters and weapons, every element contributes to a visually immersive experience.
Krafton has introduced new graphic settings, ranging from Lite to Extreme, catering to devices with varying capabilities. Framerate settings have also been expanded, allowing for smoother gameplay on high-end devices. While the game boasts impressive visuals, the increased graphical demands come at a cost. Loading times are longer compared to earlier PUBG iterations, and even on powerful devices like the iPhone 12, the game can lead to noticeable device heating after extended play sessions.
However, the initial launch did come with its fair share of issues, including server hiccups and bugs. While these glitches have been addressed through subsequent patches and maintenance periods, they underscore the challenge of introducing a complex and ambitious game like PUBG: New State.
New Maps, New Beginnings
PUBG: New State introduces two new maps: Troi and Erangel 2051. While Erangel remains a classic, Erangel 2051 presents a futuristic twist on the familiar landscape, showcasing a post-apocalyptic world with partially destroyed buildings and a sense of decay.
Troi, the completely new map, takes players on a journey to a sprawling cityscape set in the year 2051. This map is brimming with diverse locations, from the bustling City Hall to the eerily quiet Graveyard. Each location presents unique opportunities for strategic play, whether it’s securing high-ground advantage at Garrison or engaging in close-quarters combat within the confines of the Factory.
One notable improvement is the clear labeling of cities and locations on the map while players are airborne. This eliminates any confusion about the layout of the map, allowing players to quickly identify their target landing zones.
Driving into the Future
Troi is not just about new locations; it introduces a fleet of futuristic vehicles that reflect the game’s forward-looking setting. EV cars, powered by batteries, replace their fuel-guzzling predecessors, adding a touch of environmental consciousness to the battleground.
The most notable addition is the auto-pilot feature for cars. While not entirely autonomous, the AI system handles acceleration, allowing drivers to focus on maneuvering and engaging enemies. These EVs are less noisy than their internal combustion counterparts, offering a distinct advantage for stealth. However, their battery depletion rate becomes a tactical consideration as players venture further from the safe zone.
For those who prefer a slower but more strategic approach, the tram system offers a unique mode of transportation. These trams traverse predetermined routes, providing a reliable escape route or a platform for ambush tactics. Their slower pace, however, makes them vulnerable targets, necessitating careful planning and execution.
Gameplay Refinements
PUBG: New State does not radically depart from the core gameplay mechanics of its predecessors. The core elements of movement, gunplay, and strategy are largely consistent, offering a familiar feel to seasoned PUBG players. However, subtle but significant refinements have been implemented to enhance the overall experience.
One notable addition is the rolling maneuver, which allows players to quickly take cover or reposition themselves during intense engagements. This maneuver, similar to the roll mechanic in the PC version of PUBG, provides a dynamic escape option when caught in the open.
Gunplay has also undergone some alterations. The addition of a pre-equipped red dot sight on all weapons eliminates the need for immediate sight attachments, streamlining the initial engagement process. The new Viper sight offers an alternative to the default red dot, blending precision with a minimalist aesthetic.
The addition of shoulder-fire mode introduces a new way to engage enemies without the need for scoping. This mechanic, inspired by real-world tactical practices, allows for precision aiming at close to medium ranges, offering an alternative for players who prefer hip-fire techniques. While it requires practice to master, shoulder-fire can offer a significant advantage in close combat scenarios.
Weapons and Gear
PUBG: New State introduces a new weapon to the arsenal: the DSR-I, a bolt-action rifle using the same ammo as the M24. This powerful weapon complements the existing 7.62mm lineup, offering a different perspective on long-range engagements.
The Dyneema Vest, a new armor option, provides enhanced protection against weapons utilizing 9mm, 5.56mm, and .45ACP. However, it renders the player more vulnerable to the higher-caliber weapons like 7.62mm, 12 gauge, and the .300 Magnum.
Gun customization kits add a new dimension to weapon customization. Players can tweak various aspects of their preferred weapons, adjusting fire rate, recoil control, and even transforming firing modes. For example, the double-barreled S685-6 can be customized to fire both barrels in a single shot, while the Mini 14’s horizontal recoil can be minimized. This level of customization allows players to personalize their weapons for specific combat scenarios.
A Drone of a Different Kind
PUBG: New State introduces a futuristic shopping experience: the Drone Shop. This unique system provides players with access to a wide range of items, including ammo, medical supplies, EV batteries, and flare guns— all essential for survival. To purchase these goods, players need to collect Drone Credits, scattered throughout the battleground.
After adding their desired items to the cart, players place orders, summoning a drone that airdrops a care package containing the purchased items. While this innovative system provides a much-needed boost, it also comes with inherent risks. The drone’s appearance and the blue smoke it emits can attract enemies, turning a supply run into a high-stakes engagement.
The Scout Drone is another innovative addition, allowing players to scan areas for enemies without exposing themselves to danger. This mobile reconnaissance tool is similar to Crypto’s drone in Apex Legends, but without the ability to cause damage. The Scout Drone is a valuable tool for planning ambushes, understanding enemy positions, and gaining an advantage in the strategic landscape.
A New Twist on Respawn
PUBG: New State introduces a new recruit system that adds a layer of intrigue and strategic depth to squad engagements. When a squad is eliminated, their members are knocked down instead of automatically killed. Players on the victorious team can choose to recruit a defeated enemy, adding them to their squad and granting them access to voice chat.
However, there’s a limit to how many players can be recruited, and only one enemy player can be brought onto a team at a time. This system offers an interesting dynamic: it allows players to potentially outnumber their opponents or recruit a player with valuable information.
The respawn system utilizes the green flare gun, costing 1200 Drone Credits, to revive slain teammates. With this new system, reviving teammates is no longer restricted by their ID cards. Players who are revived land from the sky, ready to rejoin the fight.
However, this system also brings tactical considerations. Reviving teammates in the midst of an active engagement can lead to disastrous consequences, making careful timing and location crucial for effective use.
Final Verdict: A Promising Future, But Some Rough Edges
PUBG: New State undoubtedly introduces a compelling new experience with its futuristic setting, new maps, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game’s visual fidelity, refined gunplay, and strategic additions like drones and the recruit system make it a thrilling entry in the battle royale genre.
However, the inability to transfer progress from previous PUBG iterations can be a major drawback for existing players. Additionally, the game’s high graphical demands may limit its accessibility on budget devices.
Despite these shortcomings, PUBG: New State offers a promising future for the PUBG franchise.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- PC-like gameplay: The refined movement, gunplay, and strategic elements offer a familiar and engaging experience for existing PUBG gamers.
- New weapons, cars, and maps: The futuristic setting introduces fresh gameplay elements, adding diversity to the overall experience.
- Drones, revival, and recruit system: These innovative additions create unique strategic opportunities and encourage dynamic gameplay.
- Enhanced graphics and lighting: The visual fidelity adds a level of realism and immersion to the PUBG universe.
- Futuristic elements: The game’s futuristic setting sets it apart from its predecessors, offering a fresh perspective.
Cons:
- Cannot port old account: Players are forced to start from scratch, potentially hindering the transition from previous versions of PUBG.
- Initial bugs and glitches: While these have been addressed, they can impact the initial game experience.
- Demanding system requirements: The game demands significant processing power, limiting accessibility on devices with lower specs.
Overall Rating (out of 10): 8
PUBG: New State is readily available for download on both Android and iOS platforms. The game is free-to-play with microtransactions for acquiring cosmetic items and weapon skins. While the game does feature in-app purchases, there is no pay-to-win aspect, ensuring a level playing field for all players.
Whether you’re a seasoned PUBG veteran or a newcomer to the battle royale genre, PUBG: New State is a game worth checking out. Its futuristic setting, refined gameplay, and innovative features offer a unique and exhilarating experience that is sure to capture the imaginations of gamers worldwide.
