For someone who loves co-op and PvP shooters, it feels like an avalanche of great news lately! With ongoing content for Space Marine 2, Battlefield 6 returning to its roots, and anticipated titles like Arc Raiders and Black Ops 7 on the horizon, my wishlist is already overflowing with games like Hell Let Loose Vietnam and ’83. But hold onto your hats, because another incredibly promising FPS just elbowed its way in. Feast your eyes on Defect, a gritty cyberpunk experience with a bone-shaking score from none other than Doom’s Mick Gordon. Its latest gameplay trailer has undeniably captured my attention.
Even before diving deep into its mechanics, Defect had a certain ‘vibe’ that hinted at a fantastic shooter. Its initial reveal trailer last year offered tantalizing glimpses of intense gunfights, but I always prefer to wait for more concrete gameplay footage before getting too hyped. Now, after its impressive showing at the Galaxies Showcase, I’m officially ready to jump aboard the hype train!
At its heart, Defect is a dynamic, squad-based shooter featuring an intense 4v4v4v4 game mode. The setting is a grim cyberpunk metropolis, ostensibly humanity’s final sanctuary under the iron grip of a menacing AI. However, ‘safe’ is hardly the term that springs to mind! Players team up as one of several warring factions, tasked with completing objectives and wiping out rival squads. A particularly intriguing moment in the new trailer suggests that extracting the consciousnesses of defeated players might be a key objective or perhaps a unique, faction-specific finisher.
Level design in Defect appears to emphasize claustrophobic interior spaces, promising plenty of heart-pounding close-quarters combat. While not on the scale of a Battlefield game, there are clear instances of environmental destruction, allowing players to dynamically reshape the battlefield and open up new lines of sight. Each faction comes equipped with powerful, satisfying weaponry and handy gadgets, such as a scanner, to gain a tactical edge. While I’m eager for a deeper dive into the full gameplay loop and match progression, the action shown so far is absolutely something I’m excited for.
Watch the electrifying gameplay trailer for Defect to get a taste of its intense action and Mick Gordon’s iconic soundtrack!
My only minor letdown is the lack of a firm release date or window for Defect, but that’s a small detail I can overlook for now, especially with so many other exciting games on the horizon. If you’re as intrigued as I am, you can join me in adding Defect to your Steam wishlist!
In the meantime, don’t forget to explore our comprehensive lists of the best multiplayer games and best co-op games, both packed with truly exceptional shooters to keep you busy.
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