Sprawl Zero, a new first-person shooter now available on PC and consoles, aims to recapture the essence of early 2000s shooters like Halo, Killzone, Black, and F.E.A.R. The game is set in the same universe as the developer's previous title, Sprawl, and offers a fast-paced experience that eschews modern trends such as crafting and extensive skill trees in favor of focused combat and exploration.
The game casts players as Five, a genetically enhanced super-soldier tasked with eliminating a militant cult in a dystopian city. This premise sets the stage for a shooter that heavily leans into the aesthetics and gameplay loops of its inspirations. Visually, Sprawl Zero features chunky weapon designs, predominantly linear levels, and a color palette dominated by browns, beiges, grays, and blacks, all complemented by an electronic soundtrack. Enemies are also designed to be vocal, adding to the immersive atmosphere reminiscent of games from the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox era.
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While Sprawl Zero aims for a nostalgic feel, it introduces several key mechanics that differentiate it from its predecessors. Chief among these is the inability to reload any weapon. Players can only carry one firearm at a time and must constantly scavenge for new guns as their current one runs out of ammunition. This design choice forces players to adapt their combat strategies on the fly, frequently switching weapons to maintain an advantage in firefights.
Adding to the dynamic combat are Five's Gravity Gloves. These gloves allow players to remotely grab new weapons from fallen enemies, making the act of weapon acquisition during intense combat feel fluid and satisfying. The gloves can also be used to pick up and throw environmental objects, such as explosive barrels, offering a gameplay element similar to the Gravity Gun in Half-Life 2. Furthermore, players have the option to throw their current weapon directly at an enemy, potentially stunning or eliminating them.
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Beyond the Gravity Gloves, Sprawl Zero equips players with additional abilities unlocked throughout the game. These include a bullet-time mechanic for slowing down action during chaotic encounters, a Gravity Shield that can absorb and redirect enemy projectiles, and a powerful melee punch capable of shattering enemy defenses. These tools become essential as the game progresses and enemy encounters escalate, with later levels featuring waves of multiple opponents.
By combining the familiar aesthetics of early 2000s shooters with its unique mechanics, Sprawl Zero distinguishes itself as more than just a retro throwback. The game offers a fresh yet familiar experience that has positioned it as a standout title for the year.