During the first few hours spent engaging in the four on four combat that defines Ninja Theory's Bleeding Edge, there's a conflicting sense of both refreshing uniqueness and dull familiarity. The longer one plays Bleeding Edge however, the more the latter takes hold. And the worst thing about it is that there's so much potential here. That aforementioned refreshing uniqueness doesn't just disappear, but it does get nearly buried beneath everything that Bleeding Edge completely bungles. Perhaps the most egregious of these faults is the game's bare bones amount of content, a problem that seems to be all too common among online multiplayer games upon launch (think Anthem).

Bleeding Edge posits a simple enough premise: eight players compete in two four-person teams in a third person setting to win by accruing points. These points can be gained in either of Bleeding Edge's two available game modes: Objective Control (which is basically just Domination from any other multiplayer game) and Power Collection, which tasks players with collecting orbs and delivering them to a designated spot on the map. Power Collection is probably the more successful mode, more because it's actually unique and actually sort of challenging. But the fact that the game only launches with two game modes is the first big sign that there's a depressing lack of content within.

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The combat in Bleeding Edge is one of the areas where the game shines brightest. Instead of a focus on shooting mechanics like Overwatch, which this will likely be most heavily compared to, Bleeding Edge is decidedly more melee-based in nature. There are still shooter characters, but the melee weapon characters feel much more natural. And combat encounters can be truly intense and failure to utilize both the game's roll mechanic and proper strategic use of a character's abilities will guarantee being slaughtered by the enemy team.

Speaking of teams, Bleeding Edge makes a big deal about communication between team and for good reason. While using a microphone and teaming with people you can trust is obviously the best method for success, even random groupings can thrive together. This is mostly thanks to Bleeding Edge's ping system, which is an awesome way to promote strategy when used correctly. Obviously there will be some match ups where things just don't click because one or two are ignoring pings or lack microphones, but that's just the chaotic nature of a multiplayer game like this. But despite all of this, the game isn't really all that complicated to learn thanks to an in-depth tutorial mode.

Unfortunately, due in large part to its lack of game modes and variety, Bleeding Edge eventually succumbs to that age-old game-killer: monotony. Though its chaotic nature keeps it fresh way longer than it should be, eventually there's only so many times and ways a player can tackle the same mode or the same map without a sense of boredom seeping in. A third game mode probably could have gone a long way in temporarily preventing this, but even then it wouldn't have been quite enough. There's only so many mods or hoverboard designs that can be unlocked or levels that can be gained before it all just starts to be a chore.

Progression in Bleeding Edge is fairly standard and simple for an online multiplayer game. Participating in matches awards experience points which go toward gaining levels. You'll also be able to unlock mods and cosmetics with Mod Parts and Credits. At the time of launch, neither of these can be purchased with real money. Earning Credits is preposterously slow, as only a small amount is awarded at the end of every match, so naturally, grinding is the way to go. Again, though, with a lack of game modes, this isn't exactly a fun grind after a time.

Character variety in the game is another area where Bleeding Edge really knocks it out of the park. Every character has a unique look and skill set, from Daemon's ninja-like sword and invisibility ability to Zero Cool's ability to get himself and teammates out of danger by building an instant wall in the middle of combat. It's truly spectacular how different and, perhaps most importantly, useful each character feels. Bleeding Edge separates these characters into three classifications: Damage, and Tank. Having a good combination of the three is another sure-fire way to increase your team's chances of success. It's just a shame that there aren't more and Tank characters available at launch.

While it's a shame that Bleeding Edge launched with somewhat of a whimper as opposed to a bang, there truly is a lot of potential here. There needs to be more game modes, tweaks to progression and characters added. On top of this, some tweaks to combat can't hurt. While it's an overall fun system, the rolling mechanic can feel clunky and parrying is eless. In fact, it's a mechanic that's rarely encountered when engaging with other players. The first and last time most players will use it will likely be in the tutorial. It's little things like this combined with a bare bones launch that make Bleeding Edge so ultimately frustrating.

Luckily, those with Microsoft's Game will be able to try the game without spending any money, save what they already spend for the service. In a way, Bleeding Edge almost feels like the perfect title for service and will likely make the game's faults feel less frustrating for some. But hopefully Bleeding Edge improves in time, like so many other multiplayer games of its kind have after rocky launches, because there's a lot to like here. It's just a shame that so many games have to become good eventually, rather than actually launching that way initially.

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Bleeding Edge is available now in Xbox One and PC. Screen Rant played the Xbox One version, available on Game , for the purposes of this review.