Last year, while trying a different game every day, I dabbled in a few mobile games. Yes, there are some easy “shovelware” titles, but there were also a few that I quite enjoyed. But what I didn’t grasp was how many “idle” games there are on mobile. It feels like most games fit this format in some way. Through the many gaming emails, I came across another one, Apex Girls. I’m enjoying aspects of this game, but I’m not sure if it’s something I’d play for the long term.
Story? There’s a story?
For those unfamiliar with the “Idle” genre, it’s pretty simple. These games focus more on collectibles. Yes, there is some gameplay, but most of it is out of your hands. You watch the action unfold. When you’re not watching the action, you’re spending credits on content. You’re unlocking extra characters, gear, and other stuff to improve your squad. The RPG aspects focus on character customization.
With Apex Girls, this is one of those games with busty anime characters. But once you start playing the game, they transform into chibi-like characters. It’s an interesting bait-and-switch, but very common in these types of games. There is a story here, but it’s so forgettable and unremarkable that I couldn’t describe any facet of it. I’ve gone through nine sections of the game’s main expedition mode, and I remember nothing.
I quite enjoy the collectible aspect of these games. I’m a sucker trying to unlock better characters and trying to ‘make the numbers go up’. So for me, this game is scratching that itch. Since this is a new game, the developers are throwing a lot of free content at players to keep them engaged.
So much content here
To say Apex Girls has a lot of content is an understatement. There is so much here that it can be overwhelming at times. There are still aspects of this game that are inaccessible. Currently, my player level is at 38, and I’m still unlocking other modes.
To unlock everything currently available, you have to reach level 65. I have no idea how long that will generally take most people, but after about five days of playing, I’m halfway there. It’s a slow process considering I’m putting in quite a bit of time playing.
If you’re familiar with these kinds of games, the many modes here are not uncommon. The modes are what you’d see in other games. Unfortunately, for new players, this can get overwhelming. There is a lot to remember, and navigating the many submenus can get confusing.
There’s a wall. There is always a wall
One aspect of the game that I am enjoying is the AFK aspect. When marketing this game, the devs make a big deal about how you can do a lot in only five minutes of playing. When you’re not in-game, you still earn rewards. Every hour, you can earn player and character experience and other rewards. This is key in leveling up your player character and unlocking all the content.
Unfortunately, I’ve also hit the content wall. I’ve reached the point in Expedition where the game is preventing me from continuing. I can’t progress because my player level is too low. At the same time, I can’t progress in other modes because my squad’s power isn’t high enough. I now have to wait for my AFK rewards to build up for me to continue.
Of course, if I spend real money. I can buy the Experience needed to level up my characters. The game is not afraid to throw offers your way. There are so many low-cost options that they promise to give me plenty of value. It’s “cheap” enough that I can see people dropping $5 to get access to more content in less time.
Sticking around for now
This isn’t the only mobile game I’ve been playing a lot lately. Recently, I got back into Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. Engage. I played it last year and jumped back around the time the latest anime series began airing on Amazon Prime. With Apex Girls, I see myself playing for a bit more because I’m curious about the other modes I have yet to try. I don’t know if I’ll stick with it long term, but if there are some cool promos in the future, I wouldn’t mind checking them out.
