NCSoft is set to bring HoYeon (Steam title: Blade & Soul Heroes) to the global market via Steam this coming 24th. Despite already being tagged as a commercial disappointment in both Korea and China, the publisher is taking another crack at it with a fresh take on monetization. However, the early signs are looking rather grim, as the Steam discussion boards are already rife with harsh criticism from global users.

The volume of discourse on the Steam forum is sparse, and what little is there mostly centers on the game's genre, the monetization model, and a glaring lack of connection to its predecessor, Blade & Soul. Interestingly, only a single post is written in Korean, as the game’s Steam page is geo-blocked for domestic users. This means the usual suspects—local gamers holding a grudge—haven't really had a chance to pile on, aside from that lone entry.

The primary gripe among potential players is the fear that HoYeon will be yet another gacha-heavy mobile title. Critics were quick to slam the inclusion of auto-battle and loot-box mechanics. Steam user Masl*** noted, "I played during the Asia server launch. It's a gacha game with auto-battle. It didn't perform well in Asia, so I doubt it will find success globally." Users Hawk*** and Snap*** dismissed the title as "mobile gacha trash," while That****** flatly declared, "Gacha slop, absolutely not playing." When one hopeful user asked if the game avoids being Pay-to-Win, Ryus****** bluntly replied, "This game is very P2W. Sorry."

Despite leveraging the relatively well-known Blade & Soul IP, many feel the game fails to live up to fan expectations. The common consensus is that it has shed its unique art style to become just another cookie-cutter mobile game. Steam user 受尽庇护*** lamented, "Blade & Soul had a distinct art style, but this just feels like a generic Japanese or Chinese title." The user added, "It’s plain for gacha lovers, and a disappointment for Blade & Soul fans due to its graphics and mechanics. Honestly, it’s a failure that shouldn't exist." Another user, Krake***, expressed complete apathy toward HoYeon, calling instead for a "Blade & Soul Classic" release with Steam Deck support.

Players are also busy comparing the title to others, labelling it a 'knock-off.' Steam user Rena*** claimed it was a "Genshin knock-off," while A.KS*** suggested it looked more like "Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds." User ihaz*** pointed out that the mobile UI feels like a mash-up of Honkai: Star Rail and Genshin, while Hop*** argued it wasn't quite like those, but bore a striking resemblance to Summoners War: Chronicles.

While the negativity is overwhelming, there is a tiny minority looking at the game with optimism. One user, Bud***, shared that they had clocked 1,000 hours on the Korean server, claiming, "You can get every hero you want without spending a dime." This user expressed excitement for the global version's supposed F2P-friendly adjustments and even offered to start a community for the game. Alas, such positive voices are few and far between.

The barrage of scathing reviews and restless user sentiment before the official launch are flashing red warning signs for HoYeon's global prospects. All eyes are now on NCSoft to see if they can somehow turn this sinking ship around.