The gaming industry witnessed the latest addition to its growing roster of mobile titles with the public beta release of Project Cerberus on August 21, 2024. Developed by VOX, this mobile game has been long anticipated, with its developers promising an experience that blends innovation with immersive gameplay. Now, with the beta available on both iOS and Android platforms, players can finally get a taste of what Project Cerberus has to offer.
Project Cerberus Gameplay Overview
In Project Cerberus, players are given a unique “Frontier,” a piece of land where they can gather resources essential for progression. Each player is also assigned a ProtoVOX, a character responsible for collecting these resources on the Frontier. If a player owns NFT VOX land, either received as a prize or purchased on the secondary market, these pieces of land can also be used as Frontiers within their account.
Initially, in the V0 version of the game, players can activate up to five Frontiers at a time, though this limit is expected to increase as the game evolves. All VOX characters that players own can be utilized as resource-collecting workers on these Frontiers, enhancing the gathering process.
For players who participated in the earlier VOX Idle game, VOX Odyssey, their VOX characters will carry over their levels and collected resources into Project Cerberus. This continuity allows these characters to continue leveling up and gaining experience points (XP) through resource collection. Future updates will expand the ways VOX can earn XP, introducing new actions and challenges.
The core gameplay revolves around managing your Frontiers, strategically deploying your VOX characters, and efficiently gathering resources to advance in the game. As you progress, your VOX will become stronger, unlocking new opportunities and gameplay features that will further enrich the Project Cerberus experience.
An Unconventional Development Approach
The road to Version 1 of Project Cerberus has been anything but traditional. Typically, game development involves building core gameplay mechanics first and then layering on additional features. However, VOX opted for a different strategy, focusing on overcoming technical challenges upfront before delving into the more appealing aspects of the game.
This approach, while necessary, has led to a somewhat backwards development process. As a result, players accessing the public beta will experience the foundational systems of Project Cerberus, with many of the anticipated features still in development.
Key Features in Version 1
Although the beta release of Project Cerberus is limited in scope, it includes several key features designed to give players an understanding of the game’s direction. Here’s a closer look at what’s currently available:
Crafting System
One of the central features of Version 1 is the crafting system. This mechanic allows players to gather resources and create various items, an essential part of the gameplay loop. The process is straightforward: players access the crafting room, select a crafting station, assign a worker (either VOX or protovox), and choose a recipe to craft. Once the necessary materials are gathered, players can produce the desired item.
While crafting is a common feature in many games, it’s clear that VOX intends for it to play a major role in Project Cerberus.
The Store: Limited Functionality for Now
In its current state, the store within Project Cerberus allows players to sell items, but the ability to purchase goods is not yet available. Future updates are expected to introduce a more dynamic marketplace, where players can buy crafting materials, exclusive decorations, and other in-game items. Additionally, a Gala Games store is planned, where items will be purchasable using the in-game currency, $GALA.
For now, the store’s limited functionality may leave some players wanting more, but it offers a glimpse into what could become a crucial part of the game’s economy.
Account Advancement
The beta also introduces an account advancement system, allowing players to level up by completing tasks. This progression unlocks new options and skills, adding an element of growth to the game. While the system is relatively simple at this stage, it provides a foundation for more complex progression mechanics in future updates.
Land Merging
Another intriguing feature of Project Cerberus is the ability to merge land. The concept involves combining three lands of the same type to create a single piece of land with greater rarity. However, this feature is currently disabled in the beta, likely due to concerns about potential data issues before the official launch.
The merging of land could add a strategic layer to the game, especially for players who invest in land-based assets. Still, without the ability to test this feature in the beta, its impact remains speculative.
Account Log-In: A Feature on Hold
For now, account log-ins are disabled, limiting players’ ability to personalize their experience by accessing their own VOX, lands, and skins. This feature is expected to be enabled in future updates, allowing players to see and interact with their assets in-game. For now, VOX characters appear as wandering NPCs within the crafting area, offering a preview of what’s to come.
The Road Ahead
The beta release of Project Cerberus is a significant milestone, but it’s clear that the game is still in its early stages. VOX has plans for numerous updates and new features, including expanded crafting options, a more comprehensive store, and social systems that will allow players to interact and collaborate.
A notable upcoming feature is the ability for players to express themselves by building and decorating their spaces. This could add a layer of personalization and creativity, making the game more engaging for those who enjoy customization.
The success of Project Cerberus will depend on how well VOX can address the issues and refine the game’s systems. The development team’s willingness to engage with the player community is a positive sign, but it also highlights the game’s unfinished state.
