"Splitgate": Video Game Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
There's only a few free-to-play video games that currently exist on console that are worth storing on your hard drive. The free-to-play battle Royale game, "Call Of Duty: Warzone" is a favorite of mine, but the "Call Of Duty" formula can get somewhat stale over time. Developer 1047's new free game (currently in beta) called "Splitgate" might be that new addicting online multiplayer shooter to stick around for years to come. What's incredibly impressive about this debut is that it hasn't technically launched as a full game yet, making the content to come that much more exciting to ponder. While there are some weak character designs and map layouts that aren't esthetically pleasing, I think there's a lot of excitement for what the future holds.
Between its robust number of modes, 20 maps and satisfying progression system, one can only imagine what additional possibilities lie in the ensuing years. Every player has access to all the same weapons and ability to shoot portals in any of the blue walls that are scattered throughout the varied maps. This adds a fascinating dynamic to the game that showcases the intelligent gameplay that most shooters don't possess. It forces you to think before jumping, shooting or capturing an objective, therefore eliminating the "don't think and just shoot" mentality we have come so accustomed to. And to have successfully pulled it off early in their development is a high achievement.
Unfortunately, questionable level design, character appearances and a few weapon imbalances might discourage new players to put additional hours into the game. The developers have advertised "Splitgate" as "Halo meets Portal" and that's spot on, yet with "Halo: Infinite" right around the corner shaping up to be one of the biggest hits of the year, this slogan might come back to haunt them as they look to expand their player base. None of the gameplay design comes close to "Halo" at its peak, nor does it touch the ingenuity of the "Portal" titles, and that is troubling as to how the developers will slowly separate themselves from their inspirations.
I definitely have my suspicions that "Splitgate" might never reach its true potential, and that reality would be disappointing. Competition in the free-to-play space is growing at a rapid pace and the options available in these games often out does what "Splitgate" offers. However, I remain hopeful that its surprisingly successful launch on consoles plus the ability to have cross play amongst multiple systems will attract new players over the coming years. There's something inevitably irresistible about the game, and that definitely counts for something.
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