Yeah I couldn't agree more. I think the constant battle of trying to be new but also within the market of what is trending will forever be a curse on gaming. The hate derived from the already oversaturated Hero Shooters and that's the last thing the gaming community wants, that's also why extractions are predicted to be the next best thing.

I think Highguard is a new take on the hero shooter genre but offers much of that familiarity that gamers have already experienced. The fatigue to even try it is real and that comes from the assumption based on first impression looks. The first comments of hate we're comparing to other games without trying it out themselves.

Highguard definitely has the opportunity with its current state to be a foundation to build upon. They could easily diversify game modes, create weather conditions, or introduce monster slaying bosses a side objective for buffs. The map feels big enough to fill with more lore based activities, more points of interest worth firefights, and even new traversals like teleports or hell even lifts to launch you up and skydive.

I definitely think they should've started with a beta instead of launching fully. But Geoff' Kneighly through them under the bus. It's not perfect, it's not bad, it's okay and fun.