In 2021, Splitgate caught me by surprise. Although it had been around for a couple of years, I didn’t dive into it until its re-launch. Once I did, I was captivated. It was a tightly designed shooter that evoked memories of Halo’s glory days, but with an innovative portal mechanic that added a cerebral element to the action. Developer 1047 Games didn’t anticipate the overwhelming positive response it received. After a year of immense popularity, the studio decided to end support for the original game and focus on building a stronger foundation for a sequel.
The result of this decision is Splitgate 2, entering alpha just two years after the first game’s support ended. Clearly, 1047 Games was hard at work during that time. While the sequel retains the core portal-shooter concept, it introduces a character class system that revolutionizes the shooter genre once again.
After spending over two hours playing the alpha version, I can already see the impact these changes will have. The matches I played expanded on the strategic gameplay I loved in the first game, taking it to new heights that go beyond a simple gimmick. In the current landscape of multiplayer shooters, Splitgate 2 has the potential to be a standout title upon its release.
Halo Reach Meets Portal
The essence of Splitgate 2 remains unchanged. It’s a fast-paced shooter with quick time-to-kill mechanics. The signature portal feature allows players to teleport around the arena, adding a unique dimension to gameplay. In my initial matches, I already felt like a strategic mastermind, outmaneuvering enemies by using portals to flank them and gain the upper hand.
Instead of overhauling the core mechanics, 1047 Games focused on enhancing the overall experience. Walls suitable for portal placement now have more consistent heights, eliminating awkward jumping scenarios. It’s also easier to place multiple portals on one surface, with an improved one-button system for portal selection. These small changes make gameplay smoother and more intuitive, resulting in fewer errors and more seamless movement.
While the alpha version has a limited selection of maps, preventing me from fully exploring the potential of portals, the introduction of a character class system in Splitgate 2 adds a new strategic layer to battles. Three distinct classes offer unique abilities, passive perks, and weapon loadouts, akin to Halo Reach. This diversity enriches combat scenarios, allowing for different tactical approaches while maintaining the game’s solid gunplay mechanics.
The interaction between classes can significantly impact battles. For example, the speed-focused Aeros class can synergize with the support-oriented Meridian class to create strategic opportunities. The ability to mix and match classes adds depth to gameplay, though some fine-tuning is required for items and weapons to ensure balance.
One noteworthy addition is the new multiplayer mode, Hotzone, alongside standard Team Deathmatch. Hotzone features a unique King of the Hill variant where capture progression is shared between both teams. This dynamic twist encourages teamwork and strategic planning, elevating the intensity of matches.
What sets Hotzone apart is its innovative respawn timer mechanic. As matches progress, respawn times increase, adding pressure on living team members to secure kills and reduce their fallen teammates’ timers. This strategic element adds a psychological aspect to decision-making, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Splitgate 2 carries on the legacy of its predecessor as a thinking person’s shooter, emphasizing spatial puzzles and on-the-fly decision-making over pure accuracy. The alpha version serves as a glimpse into the game’s potential, showcasing new ideas while maintaining strong gunplay mechanics. Through this approach, 1047 Games has the opportunity to refine and perfect the game prior to its release, ensuring a polished and engaging experience.
Splitgate 2‘s closed alpha will run from August 21 to 25, with the game scheduled for release in 2025.
