Fate Trigger is a 3D cel-shaded hero shooter currently in development by Tencent-backed Saroasis Studios, powered by Unreal Engine 5. Players command characters known as 'Awakeners,' each equipped with unique abilities. Success demands not just the steady aim of a traditional shooter, but the tactical nous to deploy those skills exactly when the situation calls for it.

I managed to get my hands on the game during a media showcase held on the 12th. The early access version is set to feature modes like capture-the-point and survival; I spent my brief time with the latter, which functions as a battle royale.

The battle royale mode follows the familiar template of a shrinking play zone forcing teams together. The gameplay feels like a hybrid of PUBG and Apex Legends. That said, the gunplay is satisfyingly punchy, proving the developers have the fundamentals of the shooter genre firmly in their grasp.

The loop is standard fare: drop in, roam the map, and scavenge for gear. You'll be ducking into buildings to loot weapons, heals, shields, and backpacks before inevitably being pushed toward the shrinking 'circle.' Movement and map scale lean heavily into the PUBG vibe, making vehicle navigation and positioning absolutely vital.

Visually, the game is bright and vibrant, leaning into an anime-inspired aesthetic. The landscapes look particularly striking while you're tearing across the map in a vehicle. Interestingly, the characters don't have heavy outlines, yet they manage to stand out against the background without feeling disjointed.

Quality-of-life features are top-tier. Movement automatically triggers item pick-ups, and the game manages attachment installation for you. There's even a handy respawn mechanic early in the match, which encourages you to take risks and engage the enemy without the constant fear of an instant game over.

Fate Trigger sets itself apart with its diverse roster. The demo featured five Assaults, two Supports, one Recon, and two Defenders. I played as Mindy, a 'Treasure Scanner' support character. Unlike traditional supports focused on healing and buffs, Mindy is all about resource management and logistics.

Mindy can teleport over short distances, and her passive highlights nearby loot with a distinct outline. Her ultimate, however, is a game-changer: she calls in an airdrop supply crate. Since ultimates charge automatically over time, the optimal strategy for Mindy is to spam this as often as possible to keep your team well-stocked.

While the skill set is unique, it isn't exactly combat-oriented. The teleport, while useful in theory for flanking, has a noticeable wind-up and makes you quite visible, making it risky to use during an active firefight. Diving into the fray with a character lacking direct combat skills is rarely a wise move.

However, being able to gear up your squad with high-tier weaponry via her ultimate is a massive advantage. You can use her mobility to hit loot spots others can't reach, then funnel those resources into your Assault players. It’s a solid tactical choice.

Beyond Mindy, the roster is packed with potential. You have Camille, who can revive teammates safely from a distance; Soarwinner, who can leap to high ground and carry allies during a flight-based ultimate; Ilhi, who transforms into a werewolf for a massive speed boost; and Sieric, who can dash to an ally and deploy an indestructible barrier dome.

That said, the design raises some questions. Some characters, like Soarwinner with his mobility or Ilhi with her tracking, could prove completely broken once the player base reaches a high skill ceiling. Conversely, some skills are so visually loud that they act as a neon sign for enemies, doing more harm than good. The developers have some balancing work to do before early access kicks off in earnest.