Empulse, a new 6v6 competitive first-person shooter, has launched on Steam Early Access, aiming to capture the essence of classic arena shooters with an emphasis on player movement and streamlined mechanics. Developed by 1047 Games, the studio behind Splitgate, Empulse offers a more focused experience compared to its predecessor.
The game is priced at $20 during its early access period, with plans to increase the cost upon full release. Empulse notably avoids free-to-play models and heavy microtransactions. While cosmetic items such as weapon and character skins can be acquired, they are purchased using in-game currency earned solely through gameplay. The current battle pass-style events are free and reward players exclusively with cosmetic items, ensuring no pay-to-win advantages.
Empulse draws heavy inspiration from Titanfall 2, particularly in its focus on rapid player traversal and the occasional inclusion of mechs. The core movement mechanics include wall-running, double-jumping, and knee-sliding, which can be chained together for a satisfying sense of momentum. The developer aims for an approachable gameplay loop that allows players to jump in and out without the demands of a live-service title. While the moment-to-moment action is engaging, some aspects, like the sprinting speed, have been noted as areas for improvement.
Map design is one area where Empulse faces criticism. Some maps are described as bland and adhere to a predictable three-lane structure. A lack of verticality in certain environments hinders the effective use of the game's traversal abilities, leading to situations where open sightlines encourage long-range engagements over dynamic movement. When the map design complements the player's movement toolkit, the game offers an enjoyable experience.
The mechs in Empulse, while reminiscent of Titanfall, are described as less integral to the core gameplay. They spawn periodically near the center of the map and can be piloted by the first player to reach them. However, they are noted for being somewhat unwieldy, with an inaccurate primary weapon and regenerating shields that make them difficult to combat without also being in a mech. The developer acknowledges these aspects and plans to refine them as development progresses.
As an early access title, 1047 Games has committed to transparency regarding its development roadmap and is actively seeking player feedback to balance the game and tune its systems. The studio aims to foster a community-driven development process, incorporating player input to shape Empulse's future. Despite mixed feelings in its current state, Empulse shows promise as a stripped-down shooter where skillful play and moment-to-moment action are paramount.