Review of CONVERGENCE: A League of Legends Story – A Flawlessly Executed 2D Side-Scroller
Developed by Double Stallion Games, CONVERGENCE: A League Of Legends Story is a story-driven, single-player 2D action platformer. Traverse the sprawling city of Zaun as Ekko with his ability to travel through space and time. He and his friends must work together to keep their city safe, but as danger looms and secrets come to light, Ekko realizes he can’t trust anyone—not even himself. Released May 23, 2023 to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, GOG, Steam, and Epic Games.
Fact Sheet:
Title: CONVERGENCE: A League of Legends Story
Developer: Double Stallion
Publisher: Riot Forge
Platforms: PC Steam (reviewed on), PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Release Date: May 23, 2023
Univers:
Venturing beyond the boundaries of Summoner’s Rift, the latest addition to Riot Forge’s game lineup delves into a different facet of the League of Legends universe. Following the footsteps of Ruined King, which centered around Bilgewater and the Shadow Isles, and The Mageseeker, which explored Demacia, we now have the opportunity to embark on a journey through Zaun. Introducing Convergence: A League of Legends Story (stylized as CONV/RGENCE), the newest game from Riot Forge, skillfully crafted by Double Stallion.
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Context:
Convergence takes inspiration from beloved action-platformers like Castlevania and Metroid, placing its focus on the adventurous protagonist Ekko. This engaging game offers a satisfying experience that can be completed in just a few dedicated play sessions. It captivates players with its endearing characters and exhilarating boss battles. While some of the platforming mechanics may prove slightly challenging, there is no need to worry, as I have an array of handy gadgets at my disposal to overcome the trickiest obstacles.
The protagonist, Ekko:
As an inventor, Ekko possesses a remarkable talent for crafting ingenious contraptions such as localized time-travel devices and wall-running shoes. However, his true strength lies in his compassionate nature. Hailing from Zaun, a steampunk city concealed within the shadows and crevices beneath the seemingly pristine technological utopia of Piltover, Ekko embodies a heart of gold. The relationship between these two cities is symbiotic, yet Piltover exploits its advantageous position to exert oppression upon the inhabitants of Zaun.
The gameplay:
Assuming the role of Ekko, players embark on a gripping adventure following a catastrophic explosion within a towering structure in Zaun. The aftermath blankets the surroundings with an enigmatic orange substance, capturing the interest of merciless chem-barons and the privileged elite of Piltover. To further complicate matters, a foreboding Future Ekko emerges, bearing an ominous message about an impending catastrophe. These events collectively indicate an imminent crisis on the horizon, and Ekko, a resolute individual, refuses to passively observe its unfolding.
Ekko's Abilities & gadgets
In Convergence, players take on the role of Ekko, equipped with a variety of helpful gadgets that enhance his journey.
One such gadget is the Z-Drive, which enables him to rewind time by a few seconds, proving invaluable when faced with a barrage of sniper shots or a treacherous fall into an abyss. Ekko’s familiar abilities from League of Legends also make an appearance, allowing him to traverse walls, freeze platforms in midair, and utilize his ultimate to deal massive damage to nearby foes.
Moreover, Ekko possesses new abilities unique to Convergence that are essential for navigating the intricacies of Zaun. Mastering special shoes and executing agile moves becomes crucial in this urban environment. While the platforming mechanics feel satisfying, it’s worth noting that using a controller is recommended, as attempting to maneuver with a keyboard and mouse can result in misjudged jumps and unfortunate falls into bottomless pits. Ekko seamlessly grinds on rails, traverses walls, and performs impressive acrobatics using poles and clotheslines.
At times, progress may be hindered by challenging obstacles that necessitate the acquisition of new gadgets.
Fortunately, Convergence offers a readily accessible map, and exploring the corners of Zaun reveals a plethora of collectibles, races, and challenges to engage with. It’s worth mentioning that some parts of the map may feel excessively gated by intricate platforming, making it somewhat cumbersome to return to Ekko’s apartment. Nonetheless, such hurdles and intricacies are characteristic of Zaun’s distinctive environment.
Conclusion:
In brief, CONVERGENCE: A League of Legends Story is an immersive and action-packed game that offers a unique perspective within the League of Legends universe. Players assume the role of Ekko, a plucky protagonist armed with an array of gadgets and time-altering abilities. Navigating the intriguing cityscape of Zaun, players engage in thrilling platforming challenges while uncovering the mysteries and dangers that lie ahead. With its captivating storyline, likable characters, and intense boss battles, CONVERGENCE delivers an enjoyable gaming experience for both fans of the League of Legends franchise and newcomers alike.
