Get ready to suit up and step into a city where the “punk” is very much alive in the cyberpunk aesthetic. We’re talking about DEFECT, the upcoming squad-based, immersive objective shooter from emptyvessel, a new studio backed by veterans from franchises like DOOM and Call of Duty. If the gritty atmosphere and brutal close-quarters combat shown in the recent gameplay reveal haven’t got you hooked yet, here’s why this game should be topping your wishlist.

The System vs. The Streets

DEFECT throws you into the last city of mankind, a dystopian nightmare ruled with an iron fist by THE SYSTEM, an authoritarian AI. But this isn’t a simple ‘police vs. criminals’ scenario. You’ll choose your allegiance from a collection of dangerous factions:

• The System’s Police Force: Upholding the inhuman logic of the AI.
• Rogue Police Elements: Disgruntled law enforcement fighting their own war.
• Vicious Gangs: Vying for power in the city’s underbelly.

This is a world of constant, brutal conflict, and your squad is right in the middle of it.

Tactical Chaos: The 4x4x4x4 Objective Shooter

Forget standard deathmatches. DEFECT’s core is an intense, tactical multiplayer experience featuring 4v4v4v4 matches. It’s a multi-objective, multi-finale system, meaning every match is dynamic and unpredictable.

Your squad won’t just be shooting; you’ll be competing to achieve specific, high-stakes goals like:

• Smuggling high-value assets.
• Assassinating key targets.
• Arresting suspects (or stopping them from being arrested).

The action looks visceral and tactical, leaning heavily into close-quarters combat with advanced futuristic weaponry and tech. You’ll need to coordinate with your squad, gear up in your hideout, and keep an eye out for pickups that could completely swing the match in your favour.

The “Judge Dredd” Vibe with a DOOM Soundtrack

Visually, DEFECT is pure, dark cyberpunk—a blend that immediately evokes comparisons to classics like Judge Dredd and RoboCop. The world is stunningly realised in Unreal Engine 5, promising a high level of fidelity and atmosphere.

But what’s a brutal shooter without a killer soundtrack? Adding to the excitement, Mick Gordon, the legendary composer behind the DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal soundtracks, is contributing to DEFECT’s score. Expect a visceral, face-scrunching audio experience that perfectly matches the on-screen anarchy.

More Than Just Multiplayer

While the initial focus is on the intense PvP and Co-op objective-based multiplayer, emptyvessel has heard the community! They have recently announced that a single-player campaign is also in the pipeline, which is fantastic news for those who want to deep-dive into the lore and world without the constant pressure of a multi-squad battle.

Gear Up and Wishlist Now!

With veteran talent at the helm, a captivating dystopian setting, and a promise of dynamic, objective-focused gameplay, DEFECT is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated immersive shooters on the horizon.

There’s no official release date just yet, but the team is dedicated to pushing combat depth and immersion. Do yourself a favour, check out the trailers, and add DEFECT to your Steam Wishlist to follow the development and be ready for the moment The System finally opens its gates.

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What are your thoughts on DEFECT? Which faction would you join? Let us know in the comments below!

DEFECT https://defect.firstlook.gg/

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