After a long while since our very first video game review, we at the Geeky Juans now have another game in store. We take a look at Splitgate, one of 2021’s most interesting FPS games that has been a lot of fun to play and reminds people of 2000s arena/deathmatch shooters like Halo, Quake, and Unreal Tournament.
Guns and Portals
If Halo and Portal had a baby, this would be the result, with gunplay feeling so much like the former. At a glance, Splitgate is a game with a simple premise and gameplay loop. However, like every other 2000s arena shooter, it takes a lot of time to master, especially with portals adding a new mechanic that supplements gunplay and movement.
While Splitgate recently gained a lot of attention from players across the world, it’s a game that has been around in beta form since 2019. While much has changed since then, the core gameplay experience remains the same and just as addictive.
Visuals – 4
The game’s visual style feels like a cross between Halo, Quake, and a dash of Rocket League. This gives Splitgate an atmosphere that reminds you of classic arena shooters, but with a sporty feel.
Maps are brightly lit, with each location providing some interesting designs that give them character. The character models and guns also look bright and neat, although some designs and skins leave much to be desired. Visually, the game looks smooth and clean, ideal for the fast-paced action it offers.
Mechanics – 5
Undoubtedly Splitgate’s biggest strength, gunplay and movement feels responsive and smooth. Shooting feels chunky and satisfying, while movement is responsive and allows you to perform a couple of aerial tricks.
The portals add a new dimension to the gameplay as well, providing you with many ways to go around the maps and take down enemies. Opening and closing them feel snappy and precise, which is great for creating those crazy flanks and exciting escapes that make the game fun.
Replay Value – 4.5
What makes Splitgate so engaging is that the game is very easy to pick up and play, yet it takes a lot of time to master. Add that and a wide variety of standard and custom game modes, and you are set for hours of portal shooting action.
The game modes are your standard arena shooter variety, but they keep the action fresh, making you adjust to each new mechanic game after game. If you’re looking for a multiplayer FPS that provides good variety and fun action, Splitgate provides a great amount of it.
Sound – 3.5
While the visuals and gunplay are pretty neat, the sound is something that might need work. The gun sounds feel like you’ve heard them across dozens of past FPS games, and the in-game announcer can sound a but too repetitive. If the sounds match the colorful style of the game a bit more, this would make the experience even better.
Heart – 4.5
While most multiplayer FPS games come in forms such as tactical shooters, battle royales, and hero shooters, Splitgate is a wonderful throwback to arena shooters of old, and this gives it a certain kind of charm and character that other shooters don’t. Add the replay value and addictive gameplay, and you have hours worth of fun with you and your friends.
Verdict – 4.3 out of 5
Overall, Splitgate is a fun arena shooter that offers fast-paced action with crafty portals that give a lot of variety to the gameplay. It’s pick-up-and-play design allows you to jump in and out of games, and the selection of game modes keep things interesting for hours on end. Apart from that, it’s a free-to-play game that you and your friends can have a great time with.
About the Author
A former teacher and guitarist, Jude (Twitter, Instagram) is currently a writer that covers video games and is one of the co-hosts of The Geeky Juans. Apart from hosting the podcast, you can also catch him streaming at Dude It’s Jude on Facebook.
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