$14.99Is FORCED: Slightly Better Edition worth it?
FORCED: Slightly Better Edition is worth it if…
- you have friends on the couch or on voice chat and want a game that forces real coordination
- you like a challenge with no easy mode, where every enemy attack can be dodged if you learn how
- you enjoy short arena trials that mix fighting with puzzles under pressure
- you would rather master four distinct weapons than grind for loot
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Co-op that actually asks something of you
This is a game made to be shouted over. You and up to three friends pick weapons and skills before each trial, splitting roles so someone can handle what the arena is about to throw at you. Some trials get easier with more people, some bosses get harder, so the party composition is a real decision every time. The Spirit Mentor, Balfus, is a shared tool: players have to coordinate to move him around the arena, which is where friendships get tested. You can play on one computer with controllers plugged in, or online. It is at its best with people you can actually talk to.
Trials designed to kill you
The campaign is 25 trials in a fantasy gladiator school, and they are not kind. One trial asks you to clear monsters, the next drops you in a maze while enemies keep spawning, another has you lighting shrines while dodging hazards that turn you into a red smear. There is no easy mode and no difficulty slider: every enemy attack can be evaded, and figuring out how is your job. Clearing a trial earns a crystal, and doing it under a time limit or with a special challenge earns two more. Those crystals unlock skills, and later bosses practically demand them.
Four weapons, one mark at a time
You pick between four classes, each a weapon with its own feel: an area-damage hammer, a tanky shield, single-target blades and a ranged bow. Every class carries healing, damage and defensive options, so nobody is stuck as the useless one. Combat runs on marks: your basic attacks apply marks to enemies, and then a special attack, yours or an ally's, detonates them for heavy damage. Setting up marks on the right target at the right moment is where the tactical side lives.
Can you play it solo?
Can you play it solo?
Technically yes, and the campaign is balanced for one player. But this game lives for co-op, and playing alone is widely agreed to be a much weaker experience. If you have even one friend to play with, bring them.
How long is the campaign?
The 25 trials take most groups somewhere in the range of 15 to 30 hours, more if you chase every crystal. Each trial also has a time attack and a special challenge worth extra crystals, and some skills are worth going back for.
Is it like Diablo?
Not really. There is no loot, no potions and no gear to grind. You pick one of four weapons, choose your skills before each trial, and win through skill and teamwork rather than better equipment. Changing your build takes seconds.
What is Balfus, exactly?
Balfus is a Spirit Mentor, a floating extra party member that players control together. He interacts with the arena: destroying shrines, lighting paths and helping in fights. You can only call him to your own position, so moving him where he needs to be is a team decision.
Is there anything to do after the campaign?
There is a Survival Arena Mode, and the trials themselves reward replays through their challenge and time attack objectives. Beyond that, the game is mostly about the campaign and mastering it with your group.
