If you've been living under a rock (Or like me, playing way too much Pokemon Go) recently the English version Azure Lane is now available for beta play on the App Store of your preferred Smartphone.
Unfortunately it seems that it's only "North America" currently. (Some people I know in Mexico are Geo-Locked out of downloading so take North America with a grain of salt). With a South East Asia server/downloads from the 30th Aug. Which sucks for mwe in Australia.
But with a VPN, and a APK installer on my Android, I've managed to get into the game and start playing.
What is Azure Lane? At it's core the gameplay is a Bullet Hell side scrolling shooter. With elements of Base Building/Room Decorating, and NPC Management/Grooming on the side.
But with cute girls who just happen to be the anthropomorphised versions of WW2 warships.
Fleets currently available are: Iron Blood = German Eagle Union = USA Royal Navy = British Sakura = Japan
I'm not sure how long to progress before you can switch to Sakura/Japan. Or if it's not available during the Beta. As the only'Starter' fleets you can choose are Germany, USA, or Britain.
There is the usual Gatcha for the random chance to get Rare/Unique ships and Upgrades from Mission Crates, along with 'Premium Account' and In Game 'Gold' currency to buy more Crates. Which seems to be standard industry practice these days. But as long as you're disciplined into not spending money you can't afford to spend. There shouldn't be any reason why it should be a decent way to spend an hour or so each day.
I think I've only spent about $20 on Pokemon Go since it was released. So i think I can control my tendencies to spend money on Ship Waifu Simulator 2018.. maybe.
I want HMS Belfast so bad... And HMS Hood... and Exeter... and Glowworm... and Ark Royal..
