In an industry fixated on sequels, it’s surprising that a sequel to the outstanding Alien: Isolation from Creative Assembly never materialized. However, with Level Zero: Extraction (LZE), things take a fresh turn. A new development team, altered player dynamics, and revised win conditions mark notable differences. Yet, the essence of the original, including its intense atmosphere and predator-versus-prey gameplay, remains palpable, drawing inspiration from the iconic sci-fi horror franchise. This forthcoming multiplayer horror endeavor appears to take a confident stride into an increasingly expanding genre.
Level Zero: Extraction (LZE) amalgamates two prevailing trends in multiplayer gaming: extraction shooters exemplified by titles like Escape from Tarkov and asymmetrical horror akin to Dead By Daylight. While these games reign as titans in their respective domains, LZE aims to carve its niche by melding them together with innovative multiplayer mechanics. It’s a bold venture where in the vast expanse of space, the cries of your companions echo ominously.
Set against a backdrop of a futuristic space station plagued by the repercussions of misguided genetic experimentation, LZE thrusts multiple squads of human soldiers against one another amidst the looming threat of monstrous alien entities. DogHowl Games teases multiple beta tests and an ensuing early access phase, with details like team compositions still under consideration. Presently, the envisioned format entails three teams of three soldiers each, alongside a pair of collaborating monsters, fostering a dynamic 3v3v3v2 encounter.
For aficionados of extraction shooters, the objective remains familiar: infiltrate, scavenge, and evacuate before peril strikes. This demands not only repelling rival soldiers but also navigating the perils posed by lurking monstrosities. These creatures can only be vanquished by light, and the game introduces various light sources—flares, room lighting, and flashlights—each with its strategic utility. Moreover, monsters possess the ability to extinguish potential sources of illumination through attacks like acid spit, intensifying the tension.
An ingenious twist in gameplay allows eliminated players to persist as aerial drones with limited functionalities. This innovative feature ensures continued engagement, enabling former combatants to support allies by identifying resources or tampering with lighting conditions for rival teams. DogHowl Games continues to experiment with the capabilities of these drones, yet it promises a toolset that will enhance the posthumous involvement of players in the rounds.
Death is inevitable in LZE’s unforgiving realm, with scarce resources and intense firearms and melee confrontations reminiscent of games like Hunt: Showdown. Resource scarcity fosters conflict among humans even in the absence of monstrous adversaries. However, fleeting alliances may form as players unite against the common Xenomorph-like threat, albeit temporarily, before succumbing to paranoia and turning on each other near the escape routes.
While my impressions stem from a hands-off demonstration, anticipation mounts for firsthand experiences as a closed beta for Level Zero: Extraction commences on March 15, followed by an open beta later in the year preceding the game’s launch into Steam Early Access. The showcased gameplay exudes tension and atmosphere, reminiscent of the Alien franchise’s hallmark. With meticulous attention to aspects such as team balance, combat mechanics, and progression, Level Zero: Extraction holds promise as a convergence point for enthusiasts of extraction shooters and horror games alike.
