With the rise of games like Fortnite, PUBG, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4’s Blackout Mode, newcomers to battle royal (BR) games may have encountered some trouble getting wins to due to a skill gap. Even veterans of the Battle Royale have had trouble, dropping into a game only to end up right back in the spawn lobby.

It’s a tedious and all-around futile system that turns newcomers off. But, Respawn Entertainment’s new BR Apex Legends (Apex) wants to provide a fresh twist to an exhausted genre.

An inviting new take on the BR genre, Apex takes place 30 years after the events of Respawn’s Titanfall 2. It also takes premise from hero shooters like Overwatch and Team Fortress 2. Apex is different from previous BR games, because of its many mechanics. For example, it utilizes eight heroes or “Legends”. These Legends provide either Assault, Recon, Support or Defense. Every Legend has something unique utility. For example, using smoke bombs, ziplining across long distances, or advanced mobility.

Unlike other BR’s, Apex can only be played in squads of three. Teams choose a Legend in random order, and the teams spawn in a deathmatch against 20 other teams. Once spawned players must look for weapons. Players deal with the ever-shrinking circle on the map, so time is of the essence. If a player has been killed, they must rely on their teammates to revive them.

When teammates are eliminated, they drop their equipment to be looted alongside a banner that can be picked up. The banner could potentially bring the player back in the game if it’s taken to Spawn Beacons. Spawn Beacons are around the map.

Another issue that has been identified by players is the lack of communication between teammates on BR games. Apex has said they want to fix this problem. Of course, one can always play with friends, but sometimes friends aren’t online to play.

Apex has the typical voice-chat communication that is used for any and all BR’s. However, the game also has a single-button “ping” system that allows you to mark map features, such as, weapons and opponents. It’s innovative, makes the game easier to play through, and increases players’ chances of winning.

The game provides a steep learning curve like any other BR, but can be easily overcome with practice paired with easy and inviting gameplay. With the strong reliance on team cohesion mixed with an innovative communication system, Apex is an awesome BR experience for all players, no matter their skill level.

4.5 out of 5 Spurs.