By gamingepicenter.com 
Valorant, a tactical 5v5 hero shooter by Riot Games, was released over four years ago as a competitor to “CS”. Since its launch, the game has gained a large and dedicated fanbase, maintaining its popularity through consistent updates and new content. This review by Macro revisits Valorant, examining its development, new features, and ongoing issues. Read more such articles on Gamingepicenter.com
Since its release in June 2020, Valorant has taken the gaming world by storm. Developed by Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends, this tactical first-person shooter (FPS) has carved out a unique space in the competitive gaming landscape.
With its blend of precise gunplay, character-based abilities, and strategic gameplay, Valorant has attracted millions of players and established a thriving esports scene. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Valorant’s journey over the past four years, examining its gameplay mechanics, community impact, and future prospects.
Gameplay Overview
Valorant matches involve two teams of five players each, tasked with either planting or defusing a bomb. The first team to win 13 rounds claims victory. Between rounds, players earn money to purchase weapons, armor, and abilities. Each agent has unique abilities, including powerful ultimate abilities that are earned through gameplay.
New Content and Updates
Since its initial release, Valorant has expanded significantly. The number of agents has increased from 10 to 24, and the game now features 11 maps compared to the original three. Additionally, new game modes such as Team Deathmatch and Escalation have been introduced, adding variety and depth to the gameplay experience.
Character and Weapon Additions
Macro provides humorous nicknames for the new agents, highlighting the game’s growing roster. A notable addition is “The Outlaw” sniper rifle, which offers a middle ground between existing sniper rifles in terms of cost and functionality.
Agent Unlock System
The agent unlock system has been revamped, now utilizing “Kingdom Credits”. These credits can be earned through gameplay and used to unlock agents or purchase cosmetics. This new system provides more flexibility compared to the previous method, which required either payment or turning on a contract to unlock agents.
Monetization and Battle Pass
One of the major criticisms of Valorant is its monetization practices. The prices for cosmetics are seen as predatory and overpriced. Unlike other free-to-play games, Valorant does not allow players to earn enough currency from one battle pass to purchase the next, necessitating real money for each pass. Despite some improvements in the quality of battle pass rewards, this remains a contentious issue.
Competitive Scene
Valorant has a strong competitive scene, supported by continuous updates to maintain balance. The “Valorant Premiere” mode offers a path to professional play, showcasing Riot Games’ commitment to fostering a robust competitive environment.
Esports Scene
Valorant has quickly established itself in the esports arena, with numerous tournaments and competitions held worldwide. The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) has become a premier esports event, showcasing the best teams and players in the game. The competitive scene has attracted significant attention, with professional players and organizations investing in Valorant teams.
The rise of Valorant esports has also led to increased viewership on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Fans eagerly watch matches, cheering for their favorite teams and players. This engagement has helped solidify Valorant’s position as a leading title in the esports landscape.
Vanguard Anti-Cheat System
The Vanguard anti-cheat system has been noted for causing problems, with some players needing to adjust their BIOS settings to play the game. This can be a significant hurdle, especially for new players.
Overall Evaluation
Despite some drawbacks, Valorant is praised for its core gameplay, satisfying gunplay, excellent sound design, and well-crafted character designs. However, the heavy reliance on abilities and the predatory monetization practices are notable downsides.
Overall, Macro rates the game 9 out of 10, recognizing its engaging and fun experience while acknowledging areas that need improvement.
Valorant A Four-Year Review Conclusion
Valorant has proven to have longevity in the competitive gaming scene, continually evolving and improving over the past four years. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran, the game offers a compelling and enjoyable experience. Despite its issues with monetization, Valorant remains a standout title in the tactical shooter genre.
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How has the agent roster changed since Valorant's release?
Since its release, Valorant’s agent roster has grown from 10 to 24 agents, adding diverse abilities and playstyles to the game.
What are the new game modes introduced in Valorant?
Valorant has introduced new game modes like Team Deathmatch and Escalation, providing more variety and depth to the gameplay experience.
How has the agent unlock system been improved?
The agent unlock system now uses “Kingdom Credits,” which can be earned through gameplay, offering more flexibility than the previous contract-based system.
What are the main criticisms of Valorant's monetization practices?
Valorant’s monetization practices are criticized for being predatory and overpriced, with players unable to earn enough currency from one battle pass to purchase the next without spending real money.
What challenges does the Vanguard anti-cheat system present?
The Vanguard anti-cheat system can cause issues requiring players to adjust their BIOS settings, which can be a significant hurdle for new players.
What makes Valorant's competitive scene strong?
Valorant’s competitive scene is supported by continuous updates to maintain balance and features like the “Valorant Premiere” mode, which provides a path to professional play.