The last time we covered Shattered Horizon, we were introduced to a game that has awesome potential to redesign how we think in FPS and multiplayer encounters. The zero-g element of this title offers so much freedom of movement to the player you literally do have to think outside the box when trying to predict where your adversaries may be gathering. The past 12 months of progress on this title is visually noticeable and the Futuremark team were kind enough to allow me to get some hands-on time with this highly anticipated game.
Essentially what was shown at the Futuremark booth will feature in the beta client of the game, and for those successful applicants, you are in for one hell of a treat. To begin with don't assume that you will need some god-like super computer to run this just because you associate Futuremark with system-breaking benchmark software. The team have gone to great lengths to ensure that the lower end of today's gaming rigs will be able to enjoy it.
Visually the game has come on leaps and bounds since our previous visit last year and certainly looks even more atmospheric and awe inspiring than before. Each of the three maps displayed were all varied while in keeping with the cold harsh space theme.
While the sound of traversing the expanse of space may seem initially daunting, the way Futuremark have created the control system is intuitive and keeps your movement within the standard FPS control layout. This makes the title accessible for players and in no time at all you will find yourself flying around performing complex manoeuvres to out-think the enemy.
Even though your superman antics though space would make you a difficult moving target, you will have to keep in mind that your weapon accuracy will be greatly reduced, so a balance between sure footing and aerobatics is key to your kills.
There will be three game modes which feature within the beta, firstly we have Battle which is a capture and control style of gameplay. In Battle two teams compete to capture control points and dominate the map. Teams must defend their own control points while attacking the enemy’s. Secondly we have a team deathmatch affair named Skirmish which is pretty self explanatory, finally an attack and defend scenario named Assault whichis a turn-based control point capture game. Teams take turns attacking and defending. Control points cannot be recaptured by the defending team once lost. The attacking team must capture all control points in order to win the round. All of the game modes will support a maximum of 32 players, 16 per side, and will offer some really intense firefights and interesting tactical decisions on how to accomplish the map objectives.
Entry level requirements were hinted at dual core CPU's with Nvidia 8800GT or equivalent graphics card, however Direct X 10 will be required for Shattered Horizon so those still on Windows XP would have to start looking at upgrading in the near future. As for the distribution side of the game, this will be digital download only with no physical retail copy available. With this being a multiplayer only title, it will be priced sensibly on the various content providers. So keep an eye on your favourite digital distribution website for this corking game appearing later on this year.
