First Impressive Gameplay Reveal for DEFECT: An Immersive Squad-Based Cyberpunk Shooter

First Look at DEFECT: An Innovative Cyberpunk Shooter

At the recent Galaxies Gaming Showcase, independent developer emptyvessel showcased captivating gameplay footage from their highly anticipated debut title, DEFECT. This squad-based first-person shooter is set against a cyberpunk backdrop that promises to immerse players in a chaotic, futuristic world.

A Divided City Under Control of ‘THE SYSTEM’

In DEFECT, players navigate a fragmented city dominated by a mysterious artificial intelligence known as ‘THE SYSTEM’. This environment is rife with danger, where players must contend with ruthless gangs and corrupt law enforcement that vie for dominance. Gamers can align themselves with several treacherous factions, including the very policing force of THE SYSTEM, rogue police, and aspiring criminal organizations. Missions range from smuggling illicit weapons to assassinating targets or apprehending suspects, including other players.

Dynamic Gameplay Experience

What sets DEFECT apart is its mission design, which ensures that each quest feels unique. Players can experience the game through different lenses—whether enforcing the law, existing in lawlessness, or navigating the gray areas in between. Choices made during gameplay influence how players interact in single-player, PvP, or cooperative modes. Teams of four engage in various open-ended objectives, collecting items and upgrades that can shift the balance of any encounter.

Health System and Environmental Interaction

Differentiating itself from contemporary shooters, DEFECT has removed automatic health regeneration, challenging players to seek out health stations to recharge their health, each offering three uses. The gameplay trailer also revealed impressive environmental destructibility. Players can obliterate walls and objects, creating layers of destruction that influence combat. Dust clouds fill spaces, which can be tactically beneficial for reducing enemy visibility, especially for players equipped with tactical goggles. Additionally, players have the ability to manipulate their environment by flipping tables for cover or blocking enemy pathways.

Our entire emptyvessel team is incredibly excited to show off this first look at gameplay in DEFECT as we’ve poured a ton of passion and time into crafting the game’s tone, atmosphere, and underlying systems. DEFECT is a HUD-less immersive shooter where any wall can be destroyed, gadgets and tools completely redefine how you approach combat, and every weapon or ammo type affects the world, interactables, and enemies in unique ways. The world is filled with emergent moments and dynamic branching narratives that react to player actions in real time.

– Emanuel Palalic, Founder and Game Director of emptyvessel

Funding and Availability

Earlier in the year, emptyvessel raised $11 million in Series A funding from notable investors including NCSOFT, 1AM Gaming, and Black Phoenix Games to finalize development, including adding a single-player mode and planning for console releases. Currently, DEFECT is available for wishlisting on various platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. These listings provide additional details, including system requirements and confirmation of features like a level editor and support for LAN multiplayer modes. As of now, no release date has been announced.

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