When Insurgency: Sandstorm released in 2018 it was universally praised for its no-nonsense approach to gritty realism and spectacular gunplay. Widely lauded as one of the best indie titles in years, the game has finally made its way to consoles three years later. But does it translate? And how does it fair in 2021? Lace up your boots and make sure to double check your magazine, this is one hell of a ride!
You would be forgiven for thinking Insurgency: Sandstorm is another romp to the middle-east a-la Call of Duty or Battlefield. On the surface, it smacks of a generic shooter, but under the hood there’s a lot more going on and this is where it deviates wildly.
First and foremost, Sandstorm features no campaign whatsoever, it is a purely tactical co-op and multiplayer affair. Team-based objectives are the name of the game whether you're playing in co-op vs AI or in multiplayer. Each mode features unique objectives which are diverse enough to keep players entertained for hour on end. One of these modes, Checkpoint, casts a particularly addictive spell. As a team, your goal is to move across large and diverse maps from one objective to another, capturing, holding, or destroying key assets on the way. If you fall in battle the only way to respawn is by waiting for your team to capture the next objective.
Should you fail in the hailstorm of bullets, you will all reset right at the start and must try again. This isn’t a run and gun affair either; you’ll need to be extremely strategic, particularly in PVP, to win the day. Caution and observation are the name of the game. Everything needs to be checked and communicated. A fantastic in-game VOIP system can and should be used if you’re to operate successfully as a unit.
This isn’t a run and gun affair either; you’ll need to be extremely strategic, particularly in PVP, to win the day.
Beyond the gunfire, the bleats and moans of downed enemies choking on their blood is quite jarring.
One tablespoon Star Wars, a dollop of motorsport, a splash of Metal Gear. And a pinch of space magic. Mix and blend. Smashing! Is also running for congress.
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Overview
New World Interactive
Focus Home Interactive
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
29 September 2021
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