This is a main game released in 2011, available on Xbox 360, PC (Microsoft Windows), and PlayStation 3. It plunges players into a futuristic shooter experience where the core mechanic revolves around "skillshots" – creative and often brutal ways to dispatch enemies. The narrative follows Grayson Hunt and Ishi Sato, former elite mercenaries who discover they've been working for the wrong side. Betrayed and exiled to a distant, mutated paradise, their primary objectives become survival and revenge against their former commander.

The game's setting is a visually striking, abandoned resort planet teeming with mutated inhabitants and dangerous flora. The atmosphere blends sci-fi action with a gritty, survivalist undertone. Players step into the role of Grayson Hunt, equipped with an over-the-top arsenal and a unique "skillshot" system that rewards inventive kills. The more outlandish the method of elimination, the more points players earn, which can then be used to upgrade weapons and character abilities, enabling even more elaborate and satisfying takedowns.

What is the core gameplay loop?

The central gameplay loop of this title centers on engaging waves of enemies in fast-paced first-person combat. Players are encouraged to move beyond simple shooting and utilize environmental hazards, enemy-to-enemy attacks, and a variety of unique abilities to achieve "skillshots." These skillshots are specific, often elaborate, kill maneuvers that are rewarded with in-game currency. This currency is then used to unlock new weapons, ammunition, and upgrades, allowing for more complex and devastating combat encounters.

The "Skillshot" System

The defining feature of this game is its innovative "skillshot" system. Instead of just focusing on accuracy or headshots, players are incentivized to get creative with their kills. This can involve using a leash to pull enemies into environmental hazards, kicking them into the air for a mid-air shotgun blast, or using specialized weaponry to create spectacular chain reactions. The system is designed to encourage experimentation and rewards players for their ingenuity, leading to a highly dynamic and often humorous combat experience.

Unlocking New Abilities and Weapons

Points earned from executing skillshots are crucial for progression. These points are used to purchase upgrades for Grayson's arsenal, unlock new weapons, and enhance his abilities. This creates a satisfying feedback loop where successful and creative combat directly leads to greater power and more options for future encounters.

Story and Setting

A Tale of Betrayal and Revenge

Set in the 26th century, the game's narrative follows Grayson Hunt and his partner Ishi Sato, members of an elite mercenary group called Dead Echo. After a mission goes awry and they uncover a conspiracy, they are betrayed by their commander and forced to become fugitives. Their journey leads them to the planet Stygia, a once-idyllic resort now overrun by mutated creatures and dangerous gangs. Their primary goals are to survive, escape the planet, and exact retribution on the man who wronged them.

Atmosphere and Environment

The game presents a visually distinct world, contrasting the remnants of a luxurious tropical paradise with the grim reality of a mutated and hostile environment. The atmosphere is a blend of high-octane action and a sense of desperate survival, amplified by the alien and dangerous inhabitants of Stygia.

Additional Content

This is the main game release. There are no officially released DLCs or expansions for this title.