Fractured Space! Can This MOBA Set Itself Apart From the Rest?

Let’s face it – the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre is a crowded space. Giants like League of Legends and Dota 2 cast long shadows, making it difficult for new contenders to emerge. Yet, sometimes a game comes along that dares to be different, twisting familiar mechanics into something fresh and exciting. Enter Fractured Space, a MOBA set not on the traditional fantasy battleground but in the cold vacuum of space.

Developed by Edge Case Games (now defunct) and published by Keen Software House, Fractured Space launched in 2016 after a successful early access period. While it didn’t achieve the mainstream success of its rivals, it garnered a dedicated following who appreciated its unique take on the genre. So, what sets Fractured Space apart from the celestial debris field of MOBAs?

Capital Ships and Strategic Depth: Fractured Space ditches the usual hero-focused gameplay for massive capital ships piloted by teams of five players. Each ship boasts distinct abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, demanding strategic thinking and coordinated teamwork. Instead of last-hitting minions for gold, you earn “energy” to power up your ship’s weapons and defensive systems.

The game features three lanes: flanking, middle, and main. Each lane serves a different purpose – the flanking lane is ideal for harassment and flanking maneuvers; the middle lane allows for quicker engagements and objective control; while the main lane becomes the primary battleground for pushing towards the enemy base.

Capturing Control Points:

Unlike traditional MOBAs where victory hinges on destroying the enemy nexus, Fractured Space revolves around capturing and holding “control points” scattered across the map. Holding these points generates points for your team, and the first to reach a predetermined score wins the match. This dynamic objective system encourages constant movement and tactical maneuvering, rewarding players who can adapt to changing situations.

A Diverse Arsenal of Ships: Fractured Space offers a diverse roster of capital ships, each with unique roles and playstyles:

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each ship type is crucial for success in Fractured Space. Building a well-balanced team composition is vital to overcome your opponents and secure victory.

Engaging Gameplay and Challenging Mechanics: Fractured Space’s gameplay is engaging and challenging, requiring players to master both individual ship control and strategic decision-making. The game features a third-person perspective that allows for precise aiming and maneuvering. You need to constantly adjust your position and aim to maximize damage output while minimizing incoming fire.

The Legacy of Fractured Space:

While Fractured Space’s official servers shut down in 2019, the game has left its mark on the MOBA genre. Its innovative approach to space combat, ship customization, and objective-based gameplay paved the way for other games exploring similar themes. The spirit of Fractured Space lives on in indie projects and community-driven servers where dedicated fans continue to battle it out in the vastness of space.

Fractured Space: A Hidden Gem Worth Revisiting? For players seeking a fresh and challenging MOBA experience, Fractured Space offers a unique blend of strategy, skill, and cosmic spectacle. While its official online presence may be gone, its legacy continues to inspire game developers and ignite the imaginations of spacefaring enthusiasts.