Valve Tag Battle is a fighting game developed by Mad Man Ninja Studios and published by Valve, featuring characters from some of the company's most iconic franchises. The game is set to be a 2.5D fighting game, similar in style to classics such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.
It was released on October 31st, 2023 and is available on Steam, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. This cross-platform release allows players to battle against each other on any console, further increasing the player base and competition. The game also features full support for Steam's Big Picture Mode and Remote Play, making it easy to play on PC and stream to other devices.
Gameplay[]
One of the key features of Valve Tag Battle is the tag-team gameplay. Players will select a team of two characters to battle with, and can switch between them during the match. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players will need to consider not only the strengths and weaknesses of their own characters, but also those of their opponents.
The graphics and art style are also sure to impress. The game features beautifully detailed 2.5D sprites, and the stages are based on locations from various Valve franchises. The game's presentation is also top-notch, with an exciting and catchy soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced action on screen.
The gameplay itself is smooth and responsive, with a good balance between accessibility and depth. The game's controls are easy to pick up, but mastering each character will take time and practice. The game also features a variety of game modes, including a story mode, arcade mode, and online multiplayer.
Other feature of Valve Tag Battle is the inclusion of elements from the various franchises represented in the game. For example, players can use the gravity gun from Half-Life to pull objects from the environment and use them as weapons, or use the portal gun from Portal to create strategic openings in the battlefield. These elements add an extra layer of depth to the gameplay and make for a truly unique fighting game experience.
Game Modes[]
In addition to the diverse roster, Valve Tag Battle also features a variety of game modes for players to enjoy. The game includes a traditional arcade mode, where players can battle their way through a series of opponents to become the champion, as well as a story mode that delves into the backstories of the characters and their interactions with one another. There is also a multiplayer mode, allowing players to take on their friends in local or online battles.
Story Mode[]
The game features an extensive single-player story mode, which takes players on a journey through the various universes of Valve's most popular franchises. The story mode begins with the player character, a new recruit to the "Valve Tag Battle" tournament, being introduced to the various universes and characters that they will be battling against.
The story mode is divided into several chapters, each focusing on a different franchise. The first chapter takes place in the Half-Life universe and pits the player against the Combine, the tyrannical alien overlords of Earth. Players will have to navigate through the ruins of City 17, fighting off hordes of Combines soldiers and other enemies while uncovering the secrets of the Combine's plans.
The second chapter takes place in the Portal universe, where the player must face off against GLaDOS, the rogue artificial intelligence that controls the Aperture Science facility. Players will have to use their Portal Gun to solve puzzles and battle against GLaDOS' deadly turrets and other hazards in order to progress. Along the way, the player will also encounter other characters from the Portal universe, such as Wheatley and Cave Johnson. As the story progresses, the player will also encounter characters from other Valve franchises like Team Fortress 2 and Left 4 Dead. As the player progresses through the story mode, they will uncover a larger conspiracy involving all of the different universes and characters, and ultimately have to face off against the main villain in an epic final battle. The story mode also includes a variety of challenges and side missions that players can complete to unlock new characters, stages, and other content.
Characters[]
The roster of characters in Valve Tag Battle is sure to excite fans of the company's various franchises. Characters from games like Half-Life, Team Fortress, and Left 4 Dead are all represented in the game. Players will be able to choose from a variety of characters, each with their own unique set of moves and special abilities.
| Character | Original Game Series | First Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Gordon Freeman | Half-Life Series | Half-Life (1998) |
| Alyx Vance | Half-Life Series | Half-Life 2 (2004) |
| Adrian Shepard | Half-Life Series | Half-Life: Opposing Force (1999) |
| G-Man | Half-Life Series | Half-Life (1998) |
| Barney Calhoun | Half-Life Series | Half-Life: Blue Shift (1998) |
| Eli Vance | Half-Life Series | Half-Life 2 (2004) |
| Gary, The Vortigaunt | Half-Life Series | Half-Life: Alyx (2020) |
| Chell | Portal Series | Portal (2007) |
| GLaDOS | Portal Series | Portal (2007) |
| P-body | Portal Series | Portal 2 (2011) |
| ATLAS | Portal Series | Portal 2 (2011) |
| Heavy Weapons Guy | Team Fortress Series | Team Fortress Classic (1999) |
| Demoman | Team Fortress Series | Team Fortress Classic (1999) |
| Pyro | Team Fortress Series | Team Fortress Classic (1999) |
| Spy | Team Fortress Series | Team Fortress 2 (2007) |
| GIGN Agent | Counter-Strike Series | Counter-Strike (2000) |
| Phoenix Soldier | Counter-Strike Series | Counter-Strike (2000) |
| Pudge | Dota Series | Dota 2 (2013) |
| Invoker | Dota Series | Dota 2 (2013) |
| Earthshaker | Dota Series | Dota 2 (2013) |
| Juggernaut | Dota Series | Dota 2 (2013) |
| Bill | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead (2008) |
| Zoey | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead (2008) |
| Tank Zombie | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead (2008) |
| Coach | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead 2 (2009) |
| Ellis | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead 2 (2009) |
| Charger Zombie | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead 2 (2009) |
| Yusuke | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead 2 - Japanese Arcade Version (2009) |
| Blake | Left 4 Dead Series | Left 4 Dead 2 - Japanese Arcade Version (2009) |
Soundtrack[]
Valve Tag Battle boasts an epic and dynamic soundtrack that perfectly complements the fast-paced and intense gameplay. The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, with a focus on driving percussion and powerful brass sections to reflect the high-stakes battles between iconic Valve characters.
One standout track is "Combustion" by Celldweller, which features heavy electronic beats and a driving bassline that perfectly captures the energy of the game's intense fights. Another notable track is "The Swarm" by Two Steps from Hell, which features a soaring orchestral arrangement and epic choir vocals that perfectly convey the sense of epic battles between Valve's beloved franchises. Additionally, the game also includes remixed versions of iconic themes from Valve's franchises, such as the main theme from Team Fortress 2 and the main theme from Left 4 Dead.
List of Tracks[]
- "Still Alive" from Portal
- "Want You Gone" from Portal 2
- "Combine Overture" from Half-Life 2
- "Adrenaline Horror" from Left 4 Dead
- "Hard Times" from Team Fortress 2
- "The Radiance" from Dota 2
- "Love as a Construct" from Aperture Science Psychoacoustic Laboratories (Portal 2 DLC)
- "Nihilanth" from Half-Life: Opposing Force
- "Rise and Shine" from Half-Life: Alyx
- "End Credits" from Half-Life 2: Episode Two.
Reception[]
- Alex Tweeny from Direct Gaming Magazine: "Valve Tag Battle is a must-play for any fighting game fan, earning a 90 on Metacritic. The crossover of Valve's beloved franchises, combined with tight gameplay and an immersive story mode, make for an unforgettable gaming experience."
- Fran Jakowski, Pixelated Players: "An absolute must-have for fans of fighting games and Valve franchises alike. A perfect blend of fast-paced action and strategic gameplay, this game earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars."
- Carlos Ortiz, from E-sports Enthusiast: "[...] an incredible fighting game that brings together the best of Valve's franchises in a seamless and exciting way. The gameplay is smooth and intuitive, with a wide variety of characters and moves to master. The story mode is also top-notch, offering a deep and compelling narrative that keeps players engaged from start to finish."
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