Spectre Divide is a tactical shooter where two heads are better than one

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Spectre Divide is a tactical shooter where two heads are better than one

As a seasoned gamer with decades of tactical shooter experience under my belt, I must say that Spectre Divide has piqued my interest like no other game in recent memory. The duality gimmick is not just a novelty, but a genuine game-changer that adds layers of strategy and depth to the classic CS formula.

As a dedicated fan of Counter-Strike, I can confidently say that for decades, it has reigned supreme as the epitome of multiplayer shooters, whether it’s the original mod, Global Offensive in 2013, or the latest iteration, Counter-Strike 2. Frankly, it’s been tough to envision enhancing this classic recipe, but Mountaintop Studios is undeniably going to give it a shot. Having had a sneak peek at their unique duality concept, they’re certainly making significant strides towards refining and elevating the gameplay experience.

In simpler terms, Spectre Divide is a tactical shooting game similar to Valve’s classic style. The goal is for one team to place an item called Zeus, while the other team must either eliminate the opposition or disarm the Zeus. Unlike Counter-Strike, matches are 3 vs 3, and each round gives players two attempts, with access to both a primary character and a Spectre duplicate.

Spectre Divide is a tactical shooter where two heads are better than one

Spectres are a game-changer. Players can switch back-and-forth between their two bodies at any time, as long as the other one is in their direct line of sight. This can be used in a multitude of ways. Spectres can detect nearby movement, so leaving one in a certain place on the map can be good for gathering intel on the opposition. They can also be deployed anywhere on the map with a Puck. Tossing a Puck to a high ledge or to a potential sniper nest is totally possible, as long as the Spectre is within sight for a quick switch. Setting up ambushes with Spectres can lead to some big victories, but just be aware that both bodies are vulnerable, so it’s best not to leave one out in the open.

As a diehard fan, I can tell you that the Spectre serves as a lifeline when your primary character meets its untimely end. Imagine, if you will, a close-range ambush from a sneaky sniper’s shot. In such a scenario, having the Spectre at the ready grants you a second lease on life. This second chance comes equipped with valuable intelligence about where the enemy sniper is lurking. However, it’s important to note that once you’ve used up your last life, toggling between your two characters will no longer be an option.

Mountaintop Studios understands the importance of sticking to the classic formula for tactical shooter games, and they’ve introduced some unique features to keep things interesting. For instance, there is a shopping phase between matches where players can choose weapons provided by different sponsors. These weapon sets are categorized based on playing style, such as using shotguns for close-quarters combat or sniper rifles for long-range engagements. To help players familiarize themselves with the game’s weapons and shooting mechanics, there is a Practice Range available. Additionally, Spectre Divide primarily focuses on Aim Down Sights (ADS), emphasizing this in a tutorial, as hipfire is only effective at close range.

Mountaintop Studios hasn’t quite finished polishing Spectre Divide yet, but testing chances are approaching swiftly, specifically a stress test on August 3rd. The skilled team led by CEO Nate Mitchell, Game Director Lee Horn, Art Director Richard Lyons, and popular Twitch streamer Michael ‘Shroud’ Grzesiek is eager to fine-tune the game as it progresses. So far, it seems like an invigorating spin on a genre often dominated by games such as Counter-Strike and Valorant. We’re excited to witness its evolution when it makes its debut, which will be free-to-play on PC in the not-too-distant future.

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2024-08-02 01:27