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It doesn’t take much to convert an average smartphone user into a mobile gaming addict. All you need is an affordable mobile data pack, a smartphone with decent specs and a big screen (at least 5.8-inches) and also the latest sensation in the mobile gaming world – PUBG (PlayerUnknown’sBattlegrounds).
Ever since its launch, PUBG has become a rage among smartphone users across the globe.
For a hardcore console gamer like me who prefers a physical controller and a big screen to play a multiplayer shooter game, it was quite befuddling as to why people were going gaga over this game.
So to find out, I downloaded the mobile version of the game and had a crack at it.
On mobile, PUBG is like any other multiplayer role playing game. If you’ve ever played GTA Vice City on mobile, you’d be familiar with the controls of PUBG. If not, then better download Vice City for a little practice.
Since a round of PUBG lasts only half an hour, and there’s a restriction of only 100 players per round, one can look forward to an exciting 30-minutes of survival, dominance and sheer fun.
I started the game with my avatar in just a pair of underwear (boxer briefs) as it was parachuted to an island where a battle for survival began.
Playing on a OnePlus 5T is a visual treat. I had no trouble with either the graphics (which can be changed) nor the gameplay (thanks to the 6-inch display).
If you really want to enjoy the game, I’d recommend a phone with at least a 6-inch screen, an octa-core high end processor like the Snapdragon 835 and also minimum 4GB of RAM. OnePlus, Honor, Samsung and many other brands which have high-spec phones will work.
I’ll always recommend playing with your headphones on as there is a lot of movement and ambient noise that helps you detect movement.
My PUBG gaming experience was seamless and a joy all because of the uninterrupted and hi-speed WiFi internet at my office. (Yes, I was playing at work! Because for me, this is work.)
One thing I learned from this is that one will need a good internet connection to play the game. I also tried playing on my phone’s 4G network, but there was a lot of lag, something that just kills the mood.
Okay, so I am not making this up. In my first ever round of PUBG, I managed to survive almost till the end when I was shot down by the last surviving player. Rank 2!
The round after that, I was the king of the hill, finishing first as the lone survivor.
This could be because my past experiences with RPG shooter games on gaming consoles has been good. Or it just could be that the other players online sucked.
Also, one of the reasons could be that you might be tackling AI bots which are easy to kill. There have been speculations about PUBG deploying bots into the game just to ease beginners into the game and keep them interested. Good work Tencent (the makers of the game).
From multiple guns to cars to speed bogeys, there are plenty of ‘accessories’ you can use to kill your opponent! And the game’s most effective melee weapon? A frying pan.
I was hooked on to the game and wanted to keep playing, not only because I wanted to earn more coins and upgrades, but also to improve my overall ranking. It’s just addictive!
I have yet to try the team battle mode, so lot’s more to look forward to.
In multiplayer, you’ll be able to connect with your Facebook friends who are also playing the game. Later, you can choose to play as a group, or just murder your own buddies online.
What I have learned is that the gameplay isn’t that different in Team Battle Mode, only that you’ll have a chance to communicate with your teammates and also plan more strategically.
PUBG might not be as fatal as Pokemon Go as we have seen in the past, but it sure can take a toll on your eyes if played for long hours. Also, the World Health Organisation has recognised addiction to video games as a mental health disorder!
So listen to the smart folks and keep a check on how much you are playing.
Three rounds of the game and my eyes were all watery. Spotting little avatars and objects on a 6-inch screen can be a pain and I definitely wouldn’t recommend long gaming hours of PUBG on mobile for people with vision problems.
The game eats up a lot a battery, therefore be sure you have enough battery juice or are packing a heavy power bank. I started my almost 30-minute gaming session with 90 percent battery and finished with 71 percent.
There is a battery indicator in the game’s HUD so it’s a good thing you can keep a track of how much battery is being drained.
Remember, this is a great game to KILL TIME, just don’t get addicted to it.
There are plenty of other games on the Google Playstore that hosts games similar to PUBG like Rules of Survival and Free Fire, but if you want to experience a seamless online multiplayer game, then you too should definitely try PUBG.
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