Space FPS Boundary puts Sir Isaac Newton in the gunnery chair

An unusual outer space FPS is initially only available in a short window at Steam Next Fest. BoundaryAvailable now as Steam Early Access title. The game will be available on Steam between April 20 and 24, at $22.49, which is normal for $24.99.

This is the story of Boundary is virtually nonexistent, but essentially, you’ve got a bunch of astronauts armed to the teeth, shooting each other in low earth orbit. The second season of To All Mankind you’ll immediately get the gist.

The UI and overall gunplay will feel familiar to anyone that’s played a Call of Duty title like Black Ops 2, however, BoundaryUnique mechanics force you to get to grips in order to succeed. If you forget for one second that you’re in space, the game will quickly remind you that your standard rules of engagement don’t apply here.

Boundary’s differences are immediately apparent, as you can move in any direction, and there’s no up or down in space, which gives you and your adversaries far more traversal options. You can’t move fast enough floating about, so it is best to get around. BoundaryThis is done via huge jetpacks which resemble the MMU (Manned Moneuvering Unit), used by NASA in the 1980s. However, these look more like power armor with additional armaments and gadgets.

To eliminate inertia from thrusting through space you can land on a firm surface, but moving on hard ground limits your options for tactical maneuvers and makes it easier to spot you.

All maps are centered around an orbital facility with debris as cover. The default strategy is to just float in space, and then pop up in order to take out the opposition. However, some clever gadgets such as a grappling hook or EMP devices can add tactical twists.

The armory Boundary feels far more realistic than something you’d find in your usual sci-fi shooter. Practicality is the main focus of this weaponry, which avoids lasers and direct energy weapons. The guns are easily recognizable because they have been designed to work in zero gravity.

The world of BoundaryMany little details that are specific to the location ensure it feels grounded. Because a weapon that is matte black would melt under direct sunlight, most of them are white. These touches aren’t just aesthetic, either; the way sound travels (or doesn’t travel) in space forces you to stay vigilant of your surroundings, and makes it much easier to sneak up on opponents.

Developer Surgical Scalpels hasn’t released a roadmap outlining when we can expect new features and other content for BoundaryIt is not recommended for use in the current condition.