That's No Moon, a studio founded by industry veterans in 2021, has revealed its debut project, Crossfire. This single-player, story-driven title reimagines the concept of the multiplayer shooter developed by South Korean company Smilegate, focusing on tactical stealth and an innovative cover mechanic rather than direct action. The game is built using Unreal Engine 5 and is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, though a release window has not yet been announced.
Story and Characters
The plot of Crossfire centers on two protagonists, soldiers with conflicting ideologies. Players will control Layla Qassam, voiced by Claudia Doumit, who embodies a belief in progress at all costs. Her AI-controlled partner, Delroy Cross, voiced by Ricky Whittle, is dedicated to maintaining the status quo. While their differing philosophies drive the narrative, the game is not about them finding common ground, but rather learning to respect each other's viewpoints.
Adaptive Cover System
Crossfire distinguishes itself with its Adaptive Cover feature. This mechanic moves away from traditional cover shooter elements like boxes and crates, instead allowing players to interact with natural terrain such as rocks and boulders for concealment and maneuverability. The developers at That's No Moon aimed to create a system where nearly any environmental element can serve as cover, depending on the player's tactical needs and assessment of its concealment potential.
Game director Jacob Minkoff stated that the goal was to "do something that has never been done before" and to bring "a level of detail and grounded realism that is unlike anything else." This system is designed to require tactical thinking and removes limitations for designers, aiming to connect realism in design with the narrative for a cinematic thriller experience.
Gameplay Focus
The emphasis in Crossfire is on tactical stealth and realistic lethality, meaning player characters can be quickly incapacitated. Success will hinge on carefully navigating environments, sneaking past enemies, and strategically flanking opponents to neutralize them before they can react. This approach promotes a more deliberate pace over rapid firefights. The game incorporates conventional weaponry alongside advanced technology, such as Delroy's ability to cloak himself and become invisible.