It seems like there’s always a new breakout hit video games popping up out of nowhere, with the likes ofFortnite, Among Us,and other games seemingly becoming overnight successes thanks to their presence on streaming platforms. Now,Splitgate, anarena shooter from developer 1047 Games, is seeing its own rise in popularity, opening the game up to an entirely new audience. For those anxiously awaitingHalo Infinite, Splitgateis the perfect game to check out in the meantime.
Splitgateisn’t necessarily as polished as what fans will be getting out ofHalo Inifnite, as the arena shooter is still in early access. However, it’s impossible to deny the parallels between howSplitgatefeels compared toclassicHalogameplay, just sped up a bit. Meanwhile, Halo Infinite is a balancing act of modernity and tradition which puts the two in the same league.
RELATED:Halo Infinite Battle Pass Progression Challenge Based, Not Per-Match XP
And despite the fact that it’s a bit rougher around the edges than whatHalo Infinitefans, hopefully, will be getting at launch,Splitgateis still a quality FPS game, with a unique twist thanks to its iconic portal gun mechanics. Coupled together, it makes for a delectable shooter experience, and one that can be used to get players up to speed for whenHalo Infinitelaunches.
Splitgate’s Shooting Parallels Halo Infinite
What’s particularly astonishing aboutSplitgateis how much it manages to feel likeHalowithout directly beingHalo. TheHalo Infinitetechnical alpha is the perfect example of how closelySplitgatefeels totheHalofranchise, specifically where the gunplay is concerned. It isn’t identical, but mastering the fundamentals will translate nicely toHalo Infinite, it seems. At least, if the wayHalo Infinite’s gunplay felt during the technical alpha translates to the final game.
The Assault Rifle is perhaps the closest proxy for each game, as they feel relatively similar to each other. Fans will notice immediately thatSplitgateputs a larger emphasis on zooming in than theHalogames do, but they have a similarly satisfying firing pattern driving them, with punchy, rapid-fire mechanics that make them feel solid to use.
But the similarities extend beyond just the Assault Rifles.Splitgate’s Battle Rifleis a near carbon copy ofHalo’s BR, but in a good way. It’s satisfying to down an enemy with controlled bursts, just as it is inHalo. The same core concepts apply with the weapon, too, so those that have experience inHalowill likely find themselves doing well inSplitgate, and vice versa.
Splitgate Captures Classic Halo Level Design
But beyond the combat mechanics, there’s something to be said about howSplitgateapproaches level design.Halomaps have long had a certain look and tone to them, fluctuating between far-future industrial and sleeker, more alien designs.Splitgatestrikes a balance somewhere between the two but manages to capture what makesHalomaps so memorable. It’s a certain combination of visual flair and easily traversable pathways, all coupled with a verticality that other games fail to replicate.
Plus,Splitgateintroduces portal mechanics that shake up how the entire game is made, the defining mechanic separating it from the sea of other FPS games out there. Those portal designs are integrated into the maps in a way that feels natural, offering new layers of strategy for players to use to make better strategies.
That’s an important factor when drawing comparisons to theHalogames. Much like other shooters out there, it’s important to find new sightlines to get the upper hand against opponents.Halohas always introduced those sightlines directly through the map design, butSplitgatetakes it a step further by letting players create their own new sightlines, with a broad range of possibilities for placement. Coordinate portals with a team, and it can practically ensure victory.
What Halo Infinite Players Can learn From Splitgate
Those portal mechanics can even be used toimprove theHaloformula. While it isn’t realistic to expect real portals to make their way intoHalo Infinite, the game is bringing some new innovations that help speed up gameplay and movement, like the grappling hook.
The portal mechanics and grappling hook serve the same purpose in vastly different ways, but those looking to hone theirHalo Infiniteskills before launch should pay close attention to them. Fundamentally, the portals and grappling hook are about out-maneuvering the other team and quickly traversing the map. Use those effectively, and it’s a recipe for a swift and decisive victory.
Again,Splitgate’sHaloinspirations are clear, and those inspirations lead to players being put into similar situations between both games. Learning how to handle conflict in one will translate to being able to handle conflict in the other, and that’s key for those that want to perform competitively in an arena shooter. Players are essentially trying to learn what the best play is in each possible scenario, and with the similarities,Splitgatecan be seen as a sort ofHalo Infinitescenario boot camp.
Luckily,Halo Infiniteitself isn’t too far away, and with the game including bot modes, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for fans to hone their skills before diving into any competitive scenes. So far, the game’s emphasis on classicHalogameplay melded together with just some of the refinements from newer entries seems to be a happy middle ground. It just so happens that the happy middle ground has a lot in common withSplitgate.
Splitgateis impressive, especially for a free-to-play game, so it’s worth checking out for those that need a new shooter to fill the void. It’s one of the best FPS games on the market right now, and it may even manage to maintain its presence whenCall of Duty: VanguardandBattlefield 2042release later this year. It’s certainly deserving of success.
Splitgateis available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
MORE:Halo Infinite Xbox Series X Consoles and Controllers Are Being Scalped for Insane Prices
