Fortnite Festival Review: A Promising Start with Room to Grow
Fortnite Festival, the newest addition to the Fortnite universe, developed by Harmonix, has generated much buzz. It’s not Rock Band 5, but a new rhythm-based experience within the existing Fortnite ecosystem. It joins LEGO Fortnite and Rocket Racing as the new free games in Fortnite. Festival adopts the classic Fortnite aesthetic, setting it apart from other additions to the game. This new mode caters to players who may not enjoy the shooter aspects but appreciate the musical side.
Two Stages: Main Stage and Jam Stage
Fortnite Festival features two distinct modes: Main Stage and Jam Stage. The Main Stage delivers the core rhythm action experience, where players tap buttons to match scrolling notes. It supports solo and online multiplayer but lacks split-screen, a staple of the genre. Jam Stage is a more relaxed musical sandbox for creating mixes with friends or strangers by layering different instrument tracks. While creative, its appeal is limited by the high cost of individual songs.
Gameplay: Familiar but Streamlined
The gameplay is rooted in the traditional rhythm game format, similar to Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Notes descend on-screen, requiring timely button presses. Currently, instrument controllers aren’t officially supported, limiting players to controllers and keyboards. The game’s setup may feel less precise compared to titles specifically designed for controller play. On expert difficulty, the notes are split so that double presses on the same side of the game pad is not possible.
Progression and Customization
Unlike games with structured progression, Fortnite Festival provides limited sense of accomplishment, like Guitar Hero’s structured approach or Rock Band’s tour progression. Players choose from a selection of songs and unlock cosmetic items, such as loading screen images. It is expected that there is some appeal to amassing items as part of the Fortnite formula, but the progression is generally unrewarding. This system needs a significant overhaul to keep players motivated.
Song Selection and Pricing
New songs are gradually added, but their availability within the playlist seems short-lived. While party members can play songs owned by others, individual ownership is required for unlimited access. At roughly $4.50 per song, the pricing significantly exceeds that of Rock Band DLC. Buying a song costs 500 V-Bucks, which could equate to a substantial investment to build a diverse library.
The V-Bucks Dilemma
The game uses V-Bucks, an in-game currency, to purchase songs and other items. Players must buy V-Bucks in increments larger than the cost of a single song, pushing them to spend more than intended. This business model, common in free-to-play games, may deter players. The pricing model and the limited availability of songs significantly impact the value proposition of the game.
Jam Stage: A Mixed Bag
Jam Stage presents an area where players can collaborate and mix song samples. Though similar to Fuser, it falls short due to the expensive song catalog. While it can foster musical engagement, the limited selection and cost hinder the creation of truly compelling mashups. The potential for accidental harmony exists but lacks the depth and accessibility of similar mixing games.
Conclusion: Potential Undermined by Monetization
Fortnite Festival shows promise as a rhythm game, but its current form is marred by aggressive monetization. The high cost of songs, combined with the V-Bucks system, significantly diminishes its appeal. Addressing the song pricing and introducing features like local multiplayer and traditional instrument support would enhance the experience and elevate Fortnite Festival into a must-play music game. While the core gameplay is solid, the surrounding elements need significant adjustments to justify the investment. Buy a Fortnite account on iGV and join the battle.
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