Counter:Side – Spoiler-Free Combat & Game Review

One of the biggest if not the fastest growing genre in the freemium mobile market is RPG. The evolution of mobile devices made what used to be an exclusive genre for consoles and PCs playable on smartphones. Not to mention that aside from having a free-to-play structure, most games of today come with AAA-quality graphics, gameplay, and overall structure. Speaking of AAA-quality games, world-renowned mobile video game developer Nexon along with ZlongGames recently launched one of their biggest titles to date in the form of an ARPG called Counter:Side.

What is Counter:Side?

Counter:Side is a side-scrolling ARPG developed by Nexon and published by ZlongGames for mobile in 2021. The game was initially launched for the South Korean market in 2020 and due to popular demand, was marketed in SEA a year later. Like most free-to-play games, Counter:Side comes with a freemium marketing structure. This means that the game comes with monetization elements that encourage the player to spend real-world currency on the game. Nevertheless, despite the monetization model, the game boasts a solid and fair gameplay structure.
 

Image Source: Counter:Side Official site

 
Counter:Side, for the most part, is an ambitious title loaded with modern elements to enhance the player’s experience. For one, the game employs the use of Live2D effects that enhance each counter/character in the game. Furthermore, the game also comes with an AR mode that allows the player to project the characters in the real world.
Other than the new and innovative features, the game contains the same basic elements often found in an RPG title. One of which is the in-depth character customization and optimization. Another is the skill-based gameplay structure designed to test the player’s real-time strategy skills.

Counter:Side Gameplay Features

Now, let’s take a quick overview of some of the most iconic elements and gameplay mechanics of this popular game.
 

Image Source: Counter:Side Official site

Narrative/Lore

Counter:Side presents its narrative in an-episodic/cinematic hybrid type of structure. Unlike other ARPGs, this game features lengthy anime-grade cutscenes complete with well-written dialogues. For those who are not really into cutscenes or cinematic interactions, you can simply click on the skip button or click the auto feature to make it look like you are simply watching an episode of an anime.

From the looks of it, the game’s presentation of the narrative is quite overwhelming especially for those who are not akin to these types of displays. Nevertheless, the addition of the skip button and the auto function makes the game more accessible for all types of players. As far as the entire narrative is concerned, Counter:Side comes with well-written lore that is definitely worth checking out.

Graphics & Animation

Counter:Side, is hands down, one of the visually stunning games ever to come out in 2021. Although this is already expected given the track record of the game’s developer.
 

 
For one, the game is visually stunning from the narrative cut scenes to the combat animation. Making the experience even more immersive, the original audio harmoniously provided the perfect ambiance in the game. Even better is the smashing audio-visual effects that make each encounter or battle even more explosive compared to other titles. All in all, Counter:Side will satisfy players who love fast-paced combat that comes with smooth animation and high-definition graphics.

Combat

One of the most important elements in an ARPG is the combat mechanics or battle system. For starters, this element can make or break an ARPG title no matter how flashy or fancy the game’s graphics may be. With that in mind, Counter:Side not only comes with a solid battle system but a unique one as well. You see, the game’s combat mechanics infuses the elements of tower defense into the game’s ARPG structure. Even though the game comes with a semi-auto battle system, it does not let the player go idle.
 

 
The game challenges the player’s strategy, planning, and tactics in real-time. In short, battles are not just a harmonious display of audio-visual effects but a concoction of various strategies as well. On top of the game’s unique battle system is the in-depth leveling system that involves various in-game items, equipment, and skills.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Counter:Side Is one of those freemium games that comes with AAA attributes. Whether you are a casual or hardcore ARPG player, you will definitely enjoy its evolving narrative and unique battle system. The game’s stunning visuals along with other gameplay elements are more than enough reason to check out the game. To that end, if you are looking for a unique ARPG challenge that you can play for free, you should check out this awesome game.

The best part is that you can now download and play this awesome title straight from your computer. All you need to do is click on this link and follow the download instructions provided on the page.