Geekscape Games Previews: ‘Insurgency’
Beta Phase is Go!
New World Interactive’s (NWI) first person shooter, Insurgency, has just entered its Beta phase after a lengthy Alpha on Steam.
Insurgency is the sequel to the free-to-play Source mod Insurgency: Modern Infantry Combat, and the game stays fairly close to its prequel’s hardcore, realistic sensibilities, which should delight the dedicated fans of the original game mod, while its power-to-the-players development cycle is intriguing and should help build a large player base.
NWI set out wanting to create a game that was responsive to the comments and suggestions from the players, and to further that goal, they kept the development phases open to those interested. The Alpha phase has been available on Steam since April 2103, and now the Beta phase has been released. The Beta gives players full access to the current maps, a fairly varied weapon inventory, and the opportunity to not only give suggestions and critiques, but to play with the developers themselves.
The Nitty Gritty
The game allows players to choose which server, modes (four MMO or two Co-Op), maps (eight different ones with different objectives), team (Security, a private military company, or Insurgents, which is, yeah, what it sounds like), type of squad/function on team (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta squads all have slightly different builds and perform varied functions; Alpha and Bravo are assault, with Charlie and Delta providing cover and heavy artillery) and character build. No gender choice—it’s a man’s’ world out there.
The gameplay is unforgiving, gritty and realistic; there are no friendly HUDs or cross-hairs; aiming is done either through the true-to-life iron sights, or by just holding down the trigger and pray-and-spray-ing. Teams survive—and eventually win—by taking and holding strongholds and objectives on the Map. The gameplay can go from prolonged tug-of-wars for dominance to minute-long lightening strikes, depending upon the map and mode chosen. How teams work together obtaining and retaining objectives effects the upgrades available and has a long-term impact on the team’s ultimate victory, which reinforces team play and coordination.
Weapons are realistic (AKs, M-16s) and are upgradeable in-game (hints of Counter-Strike here). Upgrades are gained at a pre-determined rate based upon mode and type of gameplay—forcing players to choose the upgrade best for the fight at hand, not necessarily for the long term. These sort of get-me-out-of-this-situation-alive-and-I’ll-deal-with-tomorrow-later decisions are part of what make the game feel so visceral.
And…Then…There’s Just One Thing
NWI tries to strike a balance between one-life gameplay and prolonged action. For seasoned players, they succeed. However, for players new to FPS co-op play, this may not be the best game to start with. With no single-player option, tutorial mode or even a ‘noob’ server, players are thrust right into the action with more experienced players. FPS co-op play is not where you want to cause other people to wipe—its players aren’t known for their cuddly, loving, supportive, hug-it-out approach to people not playing well. That being said, the game is in Beta and if the changes made since Alpha release are any indication, we’re excited to see what the final product is.
The game’s Beta is currently open to all via an early access pass on Steam for $19.99. The full game is expected to be released in 2014.
Already playing Insurgency? Be sure to let us know your thoughts below!
