Stray Bombay, the independent studio behindThe Anacrusis, is building its own niche in the co-op shooter genre. Under the leadership of former Valve writer Chet Faliszek, this new game echoes many of the cooperative squad dynamics that were first pioneered in theLeft 4 Deadseries. However, longtime fans will still notice severaldifferences betweenThe AnacrusisandLeft 4 Dead, as this early access title’s theme is brimming with retrofuturistic charm and sci-fi trappings.
Stranded in deep space, four survivors unite against an alien threat which is tearing through one of humanity’s grandest starships. The selection of playable characters is diverse, each having a recognizable personality with quips reflective of the group’s situation during the game’s missions. This was one of the strengths of the originalLeft 4 Dead, as much of the gameplay provided context for how its characters were outwardly portrayed.The Anacrusis, unfortunately, could struggle to live up to this standard of social characterization, but there is potential for narrative improvements before the project’s full release.
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Characters in The Anacrusis
The Anacrusisoffers four characters which players can select from, including Nessa, Guion, Liu, and Lance. Similar to thebest zombie games, these stylish stars are forced to confront disaster by themselves and are not the most eager fighters. Despite the scale and flair of this disco-infused premise, there is a sense of desperation and isolation which accompanies these characters as they walk alone against an endless army of alien beasts. On the other hand, some players might believe the game’s approach to storytelling might be too relaxed in communicating this atmosphere.
One of the possible concerns with the cast, in relation to the game’s interpersonal storytelling, is that it can lack the same beats and substance that broughtLeft 4 Deadto the next level. Players' mileage may vary, although it is apparent there is an intention behind each protagonist that has not yet been completely realized. The final release should work towards emphasizing these distinct personalities, showing the growth between these survivors as they work their way past the extraterrestrial horde.The Anacrusismay take hints from games that have bubbly protagonists with a subtle edge, or it might create other relatable archetypes which are more consistent with the tone of the setting.
Stray Bombay should put its fiction in the forefront through the lens of these four personalities. Character development can act as a vehicle for players to discover a story, andThe Anacrusisshould build upon its unique aesthetic by utilizing organic dialogue that elaborates on the details of its world. Turtle Rock’sBack 4 Bloodincluded many charactersto fill out its roster and this variety equipped players with more options in picking abilities and passives. Conversely, Stray Bombay could utilize its limited selection of heroes as a point of quality over quantity.
The Anacrusis Story Needs To Shine
Throughout the currently available levels inThe Anacrusis, an invading alien force can be seen in all shapes and sizes. One alien type can propagate mobile alien turrets, while others charge players with brute force. These behaviors work to bring greaterenemy variety to the shooter game, and it also provokes interesting questions regarding the nature of this unidentified, hostile species. Special encounters are usually one opportunity for the characters to strategize by verbally notifying other team members of the dangers lurking ahead.
Stray Bombay’s sci-fi take on the genre could prioritize the narrative depth of its protagonists, offering greater flavor through call-outs, commentary, and cinematic moments that demonstrate the group’s progression as a unit.The Anacrusishas a stark visual presentation which should be complemented by strong worldbuilding, as the game does take a few creative risks in stepping outside thedangers of a zombie apocalypse.
Following in the footsteps ofthe classicLeft 4 Deadgamesmight prove a tough hill to climb for the developer, but it should also serve as an existing blueprint for success. Technically,The Anacrusisstill has a way to go before it has a firm presentation as it is still a game in Early Access. The project’s overarching scenario has potential, but it could use a portion of its remaining development time to explore mysteries that are yet to be uncovered by its leading cast of unlikely heroes.
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TheLeft 4 Deadgames present charactersthat players can latch onto, and much of this is a result of strong writing and pacing. For instance, the protagonists often come from different parts of the United States, and playable characters such as Bill and Coach belong to different age groups from their respective allies. These clashing personalities and traits lead to entertaining bits of chatter between members of the group, and it makes every character feel different as well. Personal idiosyncrasies are also scripted into hotkey requests and commands which makes the experience all the more customizable.
The fashionable lineup inThe Anacrusiscould benefit from additional exchanges being further inspired byLeft 4 Dead’s small talk. If it can establish a greater emphasis on its characters' traits, the game might offer a more immersive approach to render meaningful in-game interactions. With these influences, this fictional squad has the chance to catch the attention of those controlling them, and fans should be invested in the experience as much asother great games set on spaceships. Whilst having a smaller scope in comparison with its horde-based competitors, Stray Bombay may have a recipe for a tight experience that brings a fresh theme to the gaming scene.
The Anacrusisis available in Early Access on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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