Although the number of games released in the Attack on Titan series doesn't compare to franchises like Dragon Ball, Naruto, or One Piece, it still boasts several impressive titles. Particularly noteworthy are the two entries developed by Omega Force, a studio renowned for the Dynasty Warriors series and musou-style hack-and-slash games. The first installment sparked my strong interest in the entire Attack on Titan franchise with its unique gameplay, an enthusiasm that has persisted long after the anime and manga ended. The sequel built upon its predecessor, elevating the experience to new heights and earning widespread acclaim from players.
Therefore, I was thrilled to learn that I had the opportunity to preview Attack on Titan 3 before its release. The game will launch on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2 on December 10. Although I haven't had the chance to play the second entry in the series, I've heard mostly positive reviews, so I am very eager to see how the development team further refines the gameplay, ensuring this experience is more than just a simple retelling of the original's exciting plot.
GameSpot 15-Minute Preview:
Attack on Titan 3 will present the full story from the anime, but players will witness it all from a fresh perspective
Beyond the Story, There Is Another Tale
Since this preview was limited to the first four chapters, totaling about 10 hours of gameplay, and primarily covers early arcs such as the Defense of Trost, it is too early to judge whether the game can successfully recreate the complete story of the series.
However, I can already appreciate the care put into the narrative design. At the start of the game, players can customize an original character through a robust character creation system. As the story progresses, this character will lead a special operations squad within the Survey Corps. This team is somewhat similar to Levi Squad, but their main task is to venture beyond the walls, establish outposts, reclaim land taken by Titans, and gather various resources.
Although the protagonist is a player-created character, they have their own backstory. This soldier belongs to the same generation as Levi and witnessed the brutal massacre of their newly formed squad during their first mission. This experience left deep psychological scars that continue to affect their life years later. Later, the protagonist is transferred to serve as an instructor for the 104th Training Corps, where they meet familiar characters like Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. It isn't until the Titan attack on Trost District that the protagonist gradually overcomes past trauma, returns to active duty, and forms a new squad.
The real surprise is how naturally the protagonist's story blends with the familiar original plot. Omega Force cleverly utilizes narrative gaps where main characters like Eren were not directly involved, adding enough new content to keep fans engaged without compromising the faithfulness of the adaptation (though some scenes are still omitted).
Additionally, the game features a relationship system. Players can deepen bonds with major characters from Attack on Titan, unlocking more character-focused side stories. This extra content will surely satisfy fans of the series.
Defeating Titans Is Only Part of the Experience
What truly surprised me was the gameplay design of Attack on Titan 3.
First off, the core controls are solid. Omega Force has successfully recreated the sensation of high-speed aerial movement using the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, with various maneuvering techniques that even reminded me of Insomniac Games' Marvel's Spider-Man series.
The combat system also faithfully recreates the battle experiences from the anime. Players must adopt different strategies against different types of Titans. Smaller Titans can be defeated with a single strike to the nape, while larger, more powerful Titans require attacking their limbs first to stagger them and destroy specific parts, thereby exposing their fatal weak points.
For defense, the game relies mainly on agile movement, dodging, and parrying to counter attacks and find opportunities for quick counterattacks. Overall, the combat system is quite comprehensive, offering rich mechanical depth while allowing players to experience the epic scale expected when battling the Nine Titans.
However, what truly sets Attack on Titan 3 apart from other hack-and-slash games is not just its solid combat system. Two design elements in the early chapters are particularly noteworthy: the open world and the light social simulation mechanics.
In recent years, Koei Tecmo seems increasingly inclined to transform its titles into open-world or open-zone games, such as Nioh 3 and the upcoming Wo Long 2: Wings of Ash. Now, Attack on Titan 3 has adopted a similar design approach.
Since the protagonist's squad needs to establish operational bases outside the walls, there are vast areas for players to explore. The expansive map is dotted with various treasures, watchtowers to capture, Titans to defeat, and comrades to rescue. Successfully rescued characters can be recruited into the squad, and there are numerous side quests to complete.
While exploring largely unknown territories, the game creates a genuine sense of danger through certain restrictive mechanics. For example, there is a limit to the amount of resources that can be brought back to base during each expedition, and squad members may perish in battles against Titans. This includes enhanced special Titans, which are often the primary targets of optional hunting missions. The loss of a squad member can significantly impact the team, reducing overall combat effectiveness.
Furthermore, blades and gas have usage limits. Once the supplies carried by the player's horse are exhausted, they must return to the nearest base; otherwise, they will be at a significant disadvantage when facing Titans.
Players must manage not only their entire squad but also equip the protagonist personally. Different equipment parts unlock different abilities, which correspond to three combat styles: Offense, Defense, and Mobility.
Tying these systems together is the game's light social simulation mechanics.
Between main missions and expeditions, players can explore the headquarters and surrounding areas, interact with other characters, and give gifts to increase affinity. As relationships deepen, players can not only unlock the character-specific quests mentioned earlier but also gain new skills and Buddy Arts, which are cooperative attacks with partners. These skills, along with Combat Arts, are crucial tools during battles. Additionally, players can pick up more side quests here.
In a way, these designs reminded me of Fire Emblem: Three Houses, which was jointly developed by Koei Tecmo and Intelligent Systems. Although the social simulation system in Attack on Titan 3 is not as deep, it does add an unexpected layer of content, transforming the game from a pure action title into one with growing action-RPG characteristics.
Conclusion
After my initial 10 hours of playtime, I am quite confident that Omega Force is about to release a title worthy of being counted among the studio's best works.
Of course, I do have some concerns. For instance, the open-world design currently feels somewhat formulaic, which could slow down the pace and impact the overall experience. Additionally, due to narrative reasons, players cannot transform into Titans to fight, which is somewhat disappointing.
However, this title fully leverages the core elements of the Attack on Titan series to craft its combat system, while also integrating life simulation mechanics that blend naturally into the game world. These design choices not only enrich the gameplay experience but are also likely to appeal to fans who remain deeply immersed in this complex universe, unable to forget it even years after the anime and manga concluded.
