FOR HONOR™

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Release: Mar 14th 2024
Platforms:
Action
Skill-based
Unique-combat
Toxic-community
Server-issues
Powercreep
FOR HONOR™ Poster

" Dynamic action game with unique combat and diverse heroes but frequent server lag "

FOR HONOR™ Review

For Honor™ offers a unique combat system that appeals to players who enjoy skill-based fighting games with historical weaponry and diverse characters. The game features satisfying mechanics like parrying and counterattacks, and its maps and character designs receive praise for their quality. However, the experience is marred by persistent issues such as poor matchmaking, server instability, and a toxic community that many players find discouraging.

While the game has a steep learning curve and can be rewarding for those who master its mechanics, the balance problems, power creep, and frequent lag significantly impact gameplay quality. The grind to unlock content is seen as excessive, and new heroes often feel overpowered, contributing to frustration. Despite these drawbacks, some players remain loyal due to the game's depth and competitive nature, though its player base has notably declined over time. Ubisoft's limited updates and perceived neglect further dampen enthusiasm for new and returning players.

Highlights

Gameplay mechanics stand out with a deep, skill-based combat system rewarding timing and strategy, making duels engaging and satisfying.

The game boasts beautiful graphics, detailed maps, and diverse characters that enrich the visual and tactical experience.

Its storyline and lore, while not the main focus, provide an interesting backdrop for the factions and heroes, adding depth for those who explore it.

Criticisms

Players frequently criticize server connectivity issues causing lag, disconnects, and unplayable moments, severely affecting competitive matches.

The matchmaking system is often unbalanced, pairing new players with veterans, leading to frustrating experiences.

There is widespread dissatisfaction with power creep and balance, where newer heroes overshadow older ones, and repetitive, unblockable moves dominate gameplay.

The community toxicity and presence of cheaters further degrade the multiplayer environment.

Additionally, the grind for unlockables is considered excessive, and updates are seen as insufficient to address core problems.

Pros

  • Unique and satisfying combat system rewarding skill and timing in fights.
  • Diverse roster of characters with distinct playstyles and abilities.
  • Beautiful graphics and detailed, immersive maps enhance gameplay.
  • Engaging 1v1 duels that provide intense competitive moments.
  • Varied game modes catering to both casual and competitive players.
  • Deep lore and backstory enrich the game's factions and heroes.
  • Fun to play with friends, increasing enjoyment and social interaction.

Cons

  • Poor matchmaking often pairs new players against highly experienced veterans.
  • Frequent server lag and disconnects disrupt gameplay and frustrate users.
  • Community toxicity and cheating diminish the multiplayer experience.
  • Power creep leads to unbalanced heroes and repetitive move spam.
  • Excessive grind required to unlock characters and cosmetic items.
  • Limited and slow updates from developers reduce game freshness.
  • Unblockable and guardbreak spam dominate combat, reducing skill impact.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Fight alone or with friends in For Honor, a third-person hero-based melee fighting game. Enter the chaos of war as a Knight, a Viking, a Samurai, a Wu Lin, or an Outlander. Fight in brutal PvP and team-oriented modes, or play the thrilling story campaign.

Release Date Mar 14th 2024
Publisher Ubisoft
Developer Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec, Ubisoft Toronto, Blue Byte
Required Age 17+
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (51,512)
71% Positive 29% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
76