Catalyst Black

Last updated
Catalyst Black
Catalyst Black App Icon.png
App Store icon
Developer(s) Super Evil Megacorp
Publisher(s)
  • Super Evil Megacorp
Engine E.V.I.L. Engine
Platform(s) iOS, Android
ReleaseMay 25, 2022
Genre(s) Battleground Shooter
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Catalyst Black is a free-to-play mobile video game with in-game purchases, developed and published by Super Evil Megacorp for iOS and Android. The game centers around players using Primary and Heavy Weapons, along with other Trinkets and Abilities, that enhance the player's gameplay in one of several game modes ranging from standard capture the flag to more intricate team-based and achievement-related game events. Players also have the ability to transform into one of six more powerful beings called a "primal," each having its own set of unique powers and perks. [1]

Contents

The game was released globally on May 25, 2022, [2] after several years of development and a closed, invite-only, beta period beginning on August 12, 2020 [3] that was primarily coordinated through the developers' Discord server.

Gameplay

Catalyst Black is a third-person battleground shooter where the player controls an avatar that is placed on a team composed of both A.I.-controlled teammates as well as other players. Depending on game mode, teams can range from 5 per team up to 15 on each side. The game is built around the idea of being able to drop-in and drop-out of a mode at any time without penalty. [2]

Players can customize gameplay by unlocking and then swapping out different primary and secondary weapons, such as battle rifles, machine guns, rocket launchers, and others. Additionally, players can equip different abilities and trinkets which give the player other advantages, such as increased movement speed or reduced reloading time of their weapon.

Game modes

Currently there are 7 different game modes, each with a slightly different objective to win.

Reception

Catalyst Black received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregator Metacritic. [5] Reviewers gave high praise to the game's graphics, multiple modes, and loadout customization, but criticized its in-app purchases being pay-to-win. Pocket Gamer 's Catherine Ng Dellosa wrote that the gameplay is "smooth, stunning, fast-paced, and most of all, extremely fun." [7] Dellosa express that the only real flaw was more about the story apart from the basic primal descriptions.

Anthony Nash of Android Central felt indifferent about the game's in-app transactions, stating that while there aren't any direct pay-to-win mechanics within the shop, "it's not entirely hard to imagine the game's upgrade mechanics becoming abused by players who don't mind throwing money at it." [8] iMore 's Rebecca Spear counters this argument, claiming that "most importantly" she did not feel the need to buy anything to keep up with other players. [9] GameSpot 's Jason Faneli shared his experience, citing the unique loadout focus and freedom to design your playstyle from scratch, but wished to see more customization on the character end. [10] Samsung awarded Catalyst Black the Galaxy Store's "Game of the Year". [11]

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References

  1. ↑ Dubois, Alex (May 6, 2022). "All characters in Catalyst Black". Dot Esports . Archived from the original on May 26, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  2. 1 2 Spear, Rebecca (May 2, 2022). "Catalyst Black for iOS preview: An engaging team experience with varied modes and loadouts". iMore . Archived from the original on September 30, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  3. ↑ Partleton, Kayleigh (July 23, 2020). "Super Evil Megacorp to launch Early Access for Catalyst Black". Pocket Gamer . Steel Media Ltd. Archived from the original on June 25, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 Sheehan, Gavin (April 30, 2022). "Catalyst Black Is Set For Release On Mobile Later This May". Bleeding Cool . Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  5. 1 2 "Catalyst Black: Action Shooter for iPhone/iPad Reviews". Metacritic . Archived from the original on August 1, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  6. ↑ Slater, Harry (May 28, 2022). "Catalyst Black Review – A Sharp-Edged Team Shooter". Gamezebo . Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  7. 1 2 Dellosa, Catherine Ng (May 25, 2022). "Catalyst Black review - "Gorgeous visuals, smooth gameplay and fun-filled fights"". Pocket Gamer . Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  8. 1 2 Nash, Anthony J (May 25, 2022). "Catalyst Black for Android review: A surprisingly deep team-based shooter". Android Central . Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  9. 1 2 Spear, Rebecca (May 27, 2022). "Catalyst Black for iOS review: Satisfying progression and smooth team gameplay". iMore . Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  10. ↑ Fanelli, Jason (May 25, 2022). "Catalyst Black Looks To Change The MOBA Game Forever". GameSpot . Archived from the original on July 7, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  11. ↑ SamMobile; Naresh, Sagar (2022-12-08). "Samsung announces winners of fifth annual Best of Galaxy Store Awards". SamMobile. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
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