Override 2: Super Mech League wastes very little time in getting you into the thick of things. There’s not much in the way of pre-menu cutscenes or backstory, and when it loads, you’re free to jump right into whichever mode you want to play. What acts as the campaign or career mode is the eponymous Leagues mode, which is the only true non-Quick Play mode, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of lore or story. Effectively, this mode is just a structure for you to experience each of the different types of battles and rank up along the way. There aren’t predetermined boss battles or major fights; instead, before every battle you’re given the option of which event to participate in, whether it’s a one-on-one, two-on-two, 4-player free-for-all, or another special type. The game doesn’t force you to play any of them in any order, and because every match is so short, taking a max of 2-3 minutes, it’s good to have such agency for the path you want to take. Every match can be played either online against other players or offline against bots, and, while the online option is great for the multiplayer community, I usually found it quicker and more stable to play offline.

"Its enjoyability is mostly surface-level, as the initial glamour of controlling mammoth robots in gorgeous, colorful arenas cracks underneath the limited ways to play and the shallow combat system that lacks reward for more nuanced players."

As every mech is locked until you can buy them with credits in the main menu, the tutorial set of matches gives you access to five predetermined mechs to use until you’ve made enough credits to buy your first. Mercifully, there are no microtransactions to be found, so each mech is priced equally and fairly, though it will take a bit of grinding to unlock all 20 of them and counting. Once you do buy your first mech, you’re sent on a path to conquer the ranks of each type of battle. Just as you’re allowed to choose which type of battle to participate in before each match, so too do you rank up in each individual match type as you play. So if you only want to fight in one-on-one matches, you can do so, but you’ll only be ranking up in the one-on-one league. This allows for a nice balance that lets you play how you want but won’t let you skate by and rank up in leagues you’re neglecting.

To spice things up and add a hint of a real structure to the Leagues mode, you have an agent who talks to you between each round, offering what feels like mostly filler but sometimes adding a helpful tip or two. Her most pressing information is the sponsors you can sign, which give you specific goals to complete within a time limit. These time limits are set in real time, instead of in number of matches or in-game time, so if you set your controller down to take a break, you’re out of luck and are at risk of losing future sponsorships with that company. While these sponsors add another element to gameplay, I normally found them to be more onerous than additive. They generally ask you to perform a single move, like a grab or block, a certain number of times within that time limit, but they often ask you to do them so many times that they effectively force you to spam that move if you don’t want to lose their business. I rarely needed to grab an enemy dozens of times in a match, but for the quotas they’re asking you to reach, you might need to focus on that instead of using your other combat abilities.

Like in the first game, the combat in Override 2 is primarily melee-focused. While every mech has their own unique attacks, they each have the same framework for their move sets. They each have punches and kicks, mapped to the left and right shoulder buttons, respectively, and each has a light and heavy variation, mapped to the bumper and trigger, respectively. On top of that, combinations of the four shoulder buttons, like both bumpers or the right bumper and trigger, call for special attacks that deal more damage and are generally more interesting to watch. It’s easy to string together basic attacks, but it’s much more enjoyable to watch special attacks make their mark. The same is true for Ultimate attacks, very high-powered moves that only charge in a certain area of the map at certain times but deal massive damage. With the Ultimate attacks, they’re much more interesting to watch than they are necessary to use, as the effort required to charge them usually outweighs the damage they actually do.

"Mercifully, there are no microtransactions to be found, so each mech is priced equally and fairly, though it will take a bit of grinding to unlock all 20 of them and counting."

While they do have similar combat frameworks, each mech is given their own unique set of attacks, generally based on their archetypes, of which there are just a handful that each of the 20 mechs can comfortably fit into. The heavy mech is arguably the most common, which includes mechs like the fish-shaped Pescado or the reptilian Metageckon, while the balanced or agile mechs, like Watchbot or Shifu, are more unique. You can generally understand the move types that any character will have just by looking at them. The heavies are slower and more powerful, while the smaller mechs are faster and try to hit multiple times with lower individual damage. I did end up finding a few characters that fit my personal play style, but this was more based on individual preference over any real unique qualities within a certain archetype.

The potential complexity in the combat is ultimately undermined by the lack of a necessity to actually dive into it and learn that complexity. There are combos to play with and nuances to learn, but I found that almost none of my matches boiled down to anything more than button mashing the handful of damaging attacks I knew my mech had. There are times where combos hit and are really satisfying to watch, but many of the times that I tried to learn those combos or figure out a better way to use my attacks, it was reinforced that it would be both easier and more successful to button mash my way out. Because of that, the combat doesn’t feel particularly deep in any way. Once I had figured out which of my mech’s attacks could actually deal damage, instead of dashing away or something similarly unoffensive, I had learned everything I needed to win almost every match I played, even when I started ranking up to higher difficulties. The only times I really tried to use certain attacks were when I wanted to watch their animations, like Toasty’s setting on fire or Pescado’s hilarious suplex, but I rarely felt an incentive to really learn the mechs’ move sets with any sort of depth like I would in many other fighting games.

Visually and tonally, Override 2 achieves exactly what it sets out to do. Each character is unique in their design, and they all incorporate a wide range of colors and influences that give them their own personalities, to the point that I wish there had been more of an effort to really explore these characters. There’s a lot of potential for a story in the vein of recent hero shooters, but we really don’t get to experience much of the characters at all. With the lack of a true story in Leagues mode, it’s a glaring opportunity to explore the characters and create a true structure for these fights. Similarly, I’d love to understand the locations in which they fight, as the environments are equally as enticing and colorful. While they can feel too small for these specific matches, especially those with more than two fighters, each environment feels unique and, along with each character, is beautiful. Even the most basic arenas are well-designed and fun to look at, especially on the new generation consoles.

"The potential complexity in the combat is ultimately undermined by the lack of a necessity to actually dive into it and learn that complexity. There are combos to play with and nuances to learn, but I found that almost none of my matches boiled down to anything more than button mashing the handful of damaging attacks I knew my mech had. "

There are a lot of things about Override 2: Super Mech League that are well-designed and well-executed. On a visual level, it’s beautiful and conveys an appropriately affable tone that could have been further expanded upon, and its centerpiece Leagues mode isn’t much of a story, but it offers an acceptable framework for fighting each of these fights without suffering from the imbalance it could have fallen into. Unfortunately, the barebones framework of the rest of the game forces an emphasis on the combat, which doesn’t require as much nuance or depth as is necessary to stop it from getting old after just a few fights. Having a wide range of mechs with unique move sets helps delay the inevitable, but the shallow combat system makes the entire experience feel less rewarding than it should have. You can come to Override 2 for the lovable characters and beautiful presentation, but you’ll likely feel like you’ve gotten everything out of it just as soon as you’re starting to get into it.

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Modus Studios Brazil’s Override 2: Super Mech League is now available for multiple platforms (though availability may vary depending on your region). A launch trailer has also been released, showcasing the rough and tumble mech brawling that fans can expect. Check it out below.

Override 2: Super Mech League offers 20 different mechs to choose and a new Career Mode to battle through. You start by joining a Mech League and then competing throughout the world, earning Influence and unlocking rewards. Multiplayer also makes a big return with competitive and co-op modes for up to 4 players.

It’s possible to play online and locally with modes like 1v1, 2v2, Free-for-All, Xenoswarm, King of the Hill and so on. You can also go one-on-one against another player in Ranked Rumbles and progress through the ranked ladder. Those who purchase the Ultraman Deluxe Edition can also net the season pass which contains characters like Ultraman, Black King, Dan Moroboshi, and Bemular.

Override 2: Super Mech League is out on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Cyberpunk 2077

After numerous delays, Night City Wire episodes and seemingly insurmountable hype, Cyberpunk 2077 is definitely, assuredly, 99.9 percent for sure releasing this month. We hope. There’s a lot to look forward to, whether it’s choosing one of three Life Paths and pursuing the story or simply cruising around Night City, completing Scanner Hustles and interacting with the citizenry. There’s an extensive arsenal of weaponry, cyberware and daemons to experiment with, not to mention an entire world of Braindance to get lost in, all while conversing with Johnny Silverhand played by Keanu Reeves. Cyberpunk 2077 releases for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Google Stadia on December 10^th. Hopefully.

Call of the Sea

Out of the Blue’s first person adventure title arrives next month, following the tale of Nora as she travels to a strange island in the South Pacific to locate her missing husband. Inspired by the works of Lovecraft, Call of the Sea focuses more on a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere as opposed to horror. Players explore locations, solve puzzles and take in the sights while piecing together the truth. Releasing on December 8^th for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC, Call of the Sea will also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch.

Chronos: Before The Ashes

Before one was traveling to different dimensions and dodge-rolling with firearms, there was the labyrinth. Set before Remnant: From the Ashes, Chronos: Before the Ashes sees players venturing into said labyrinth and defeating the evils within. The twist is that dying results in expulsion, which means returning a year later. Thus do players begin their journey as a spry, Souls-like adventurer before having to rely on their wits and magic to survive as they mature over the years. Chronos: Before the Ashes is out on December 1^st for Xbox One, PS4, PC, Google Stadia and Nintendo Switch.

Empire of Sin

Travel back in time to the Prohibition era, where syndicates and mob bosses battled it out for reign over Chicago. As a strategy title, Empire of Sin is all about recruiting gang members and expanding an empire, dipping into all kinds of illegal activities while evading the law. Other gangs will want a piece of you though, and when negotiations and deception fail, a turn-based strategy combat system lets you deal threats. With numerous perks and traits for characters, resource management and gang warfare, Empire of Sin looks to be a nice change of pace for publisher Paradox Interactive. It’s out on December 1^st for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Twin Mirror

Developed by a separate team at the Life is Strange studio, Twin Mirror is ultimately a tale of mystery and duality. It sees Sam, an investigative journalist, returning to his hometown in Basswood, West Virginia. Things aren’t what they seem though, and the player will interact with various towns-folk, deciding who to trust, while dealing with The Double, Sam’s “inner voice.” That also means investigating different events and piecing together clues with the unique “Mind Palace” while questioning the truth. Twin Mirror is out on December 1^st for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond

In the midst of new IPs, Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond is a familiar sight for long-time fans. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, it’s a VR title for Oculus Rift and Steam VR that sees players venturing through Europe at the height of World War 2. Afterwards, it may be worth watching interviews with veterans who experienced the conflict and learning more. Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond could be a dark horse when it launches on December 11^th.

Immortals Fenyx Rising

In the midst of more “serious” offerings like Watch Dogs: Legion and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising is much less heavy material for Ubisoft. It sees a Greek soldier named Fenyx washing ashore off the Golden Isle and battling the titan Typhon to rescue the Pantheon. While exploring the lush, colorful world and battling mythical foes, players will also deal with Prometheus and Zeus as narrators, each offering their own take on events and humorously clashing. Immortals Fenyx Rising is out on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Google Stadia, PC and Switch on December 3^rd.

Haven

A co-op RPG about two lovers exploring a strange world isn’t quite what you’d expect from the team behind the twitch-based Furi. Nevertheless, The Game Bakers’ Haven has looked appealing since day one, focusing on the struggles of Yu and Kay as they scavenge for parts, battle the local wildlife and cook meals. Will their quest for freedom and love ultimately win out? We’ll find out when Haven launches December 3^rd for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC and Switch.

MXGP 2020

With many of the big-name racers out of the way this year, MXGP 2020 looks to round things out in its usual fashion. Sporting bikes and riders from more than 110 brands, while offering a track editor and dedicated servers for online play, the title is certainly looking to improve on past experiences. If previous games are any indication, it could end up being another solid racing title. Releasing on December 16^th, MXGP 2020 is coming to previous and current gen consoles along with PC.

Override 2: Super Mech League

Big mech battles are back with Override 2: Super Mech League. It features 20 robots with all kinds of over-the-top abilities and customization for players to mess around with. A new Career Mode allows for earning influence for one’s Club and taking on all challenges. Local and online multiplayer for up to four players also returns with modes like Free for All, Xenoswarm, King of the Hill and more. Battle it out on December 22^nd when Override 2 launches on Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Modus Games’ open beta for Override 2: Super Mech League is now playable on PS4, PS5 and PC. Eight mechs are playable from the full roster across “multiple game modes” from today until November 22nd. Check out the release trailer below which showcases the various playable mechs.

Override 2: Super Mech League will release with a total roster of 20 mechs, each with their own unique play-styles and abilities. Each mech can be customized with a variety of different components and cosmetics. Career Mode sees players joining the Mech Leagues, representing their Club and battling it out to earn Influence.

Multiplayer is where it’s really at though with 1v1, 2v2, Free-For-All, Xenoswarm and King of the Hill modes available. Ranked Rumbles see two players battling it out and ascending the ranks. But if you’d rather play with or against friends, then there’s support for up to four players via local and online co-op/versus.

Override 2: Super Mech League is out on December 22nd for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Modus Games has announced that Override 2: Super Mech League will release on December 22nd. It will be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC. A new gameplay overview video has been released which focuses on the improved combat and various systems. Check it out below.

Override 2: Super Mech League can be digitally purchased for $29.99. The Ultraman Deluxe Edition, available in physical and digital form, costs $39.99. Along with the base game, this version features Ultraman as a playable character. Three additional characters based on the Netflix anime will be added over time.

The base game offers 20 robots to choose from with unique abilities, play-styles and customization options. In terms of modes, there’s the single-player Career Mode where the player earns reputation and various multiplayer modes like 2v2, King of the Hill, Free-For-All and more. Local and online play for up to four players is supported. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.

Modus Studios Brazil’s massive mech fighting game Override 2: Super Mech League has received some new gameplay footage but that’s not all. It’s also going into closed beta tomorrow, which will last until October 4th. Registration is currently live but for PC via Steam.

The developer has yet to outline the beta’s content or how many robots will be playable. The current roster sits at 20 robots (not including Ultraman who is DLC), each with their own unique abilities and Ultimates. Game modes include 1v1, 2v2, Free for All, King of the Hill and Xenoswarm.

Robots can also be customized with a variety of attachments and cosmetics. The Career Mode should also be worth playing as you choose a Club, rep it in battle and fight for Influence. Override 2: Super Mech League releases this holiday season for PS5, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.

Modus Games’ underrated robot brawling title is getting a sequel and it’s coming to next-gen consoles. Override 2: Super Mech League will release this holiday season for Xbox Series X, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC. Check out the announcement trailer below.

Override 2 features both single-player and multiplayer campaigns with support for four player local and online play. The Career Mode sees players joining the Mech League and grinding out their reputation to ascend the ranks. You’ll also join a Club and working with its members will net you rewards.

Ranked Rumbles are also being introduced, pitting two robots against each other in a fight to the finish. Other game modes include 2v2, Xenoswarm, King of the Hill and Free-For-All, among others. Choose from 20 robots, each with unique abilities and Ultimates along with numerous ways to customize them, and batter the competition accordingly. Stay tuned for more details on Override 2: Super Mech League in the coming months.