Riot Forge, the publishing arm of Riot Games, continues to expand the League of Legends universe with unique standalone titles. Convergence: A League of Legends Story stands out as a compelling Metroidvania experience, offering engaging gameplay that even non-League players will appreciate. This review explores what makes Convergence a worthwhile addition to the genre.
Convergence follows Ekko, the time-manipulating inventor from Zaun, a region familiar to fans of the animated series Arcane. The narrative explores the present and future consequences of a conflict unfolding in Zaun, forcing Ekko to confront both external threats and his own internal struggles. While a relatively straightforward premise for a Metroidvania, the story offers surprising depth and explores Ekko’s motivations with nuance.
Ekko’s Expanding Arsenal and Streamlined Exploration
As a Metroidvania, Convergence adheres to familiar genre conventions. Initially, Ekko’s abilities are limited, but as the game progresses, he unlocks a wide range of time-bending powers directly inspired by his League of Legends counterpart. These abilities are cleverly integrated into combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving, adding a satisfying layer of progression. For example, Ekko’s “Parallel Convergence” not only slows down enemies, creating combat opportunities, but also freezes platforms and objects, enabling access to new areas.
convergence-warwick.pngA notable departure from traditional Metroidvanias is Convergence‘s streamlined approach to exploration. While collectibles and optional items exist, the game cleverly places them along the main path, minimizing the need for extensive backtracking. This design choice streamlines the experience without sacrificing the sense of discovery, a welcome change for players who prefer a more linear progression.
Engaging Boss Battles and a Vibrant Graphic Novel Aesthetic
Convergence shines in its boss battles, which effectively combine combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving elements. While not all encounters are equally memorable, the standout battles present engaging challenges that require strategic use of Ekko’s abilities. Players must decipher attack patterns, utilize environmental elements, and leverage their time-bending powers to overcome these formidable foes.
The game’s visual style is another highlight, resembling a dynamic graphic novel. Developer Double Stallion employs a vibrant color palette and distinctive character designs to bring the world of Zaun to life. While this aesthetic deviates from the traditional League of Legends art style, it perfectly complements the game’s tone and atmosphere.
convergence-ekko.pngOne minor drawback is the limited expressiveness of the character models. While visually appealing, their lack of emotional range occasionally undermines the impact of certain narrative moments. However, this minor flaw doesn’t significantly detract from the overall presentation.
A Worthy Addition to the League of Legends Universe
Convergence: A League of Legends Story delivers a satisfying and enjoyable Metroidvania experience. While it may not be a genre-defining masterpiece, its engaging gameplay, streamlined exploration, and vibrant art style make it a worthwhile adventure. The game successfully expands the League of Legends universe, offering a fresh perspective on familiar characters and locations. For players seeking a compelling action-platformer, Convergence is well worth exploring.
Final Verdict
Rating: 4 out of 5
Convergence: A League of Legends Story is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. This review was conducted on a PS5 using a review copy provided by the publisher.
