The gaming world has seen another entry in the movement shooter genre, this time with a 6v6 format that draws inspiration from Titanfall and Call of Duty Black Ops 3. EMPULSE, developed by the studio behind Splitgate, has quietly surfaced on Steam without a confirmed launch date or window. The game’s development suggests a strategic shift for the team, aiming to diversify its portfolio beyond their previous titles.
EMPULSE is designed around fluid movement and vertical combat, featuring player-controllable mechs that spawn randomly across maps. These mechs come equipped with heavy weapons, unique abilities, and substantial health pools, allowing players to dominate firefights or rally teammates for strategic advantages. The game introduces Holojumps—scattered map elements that extend jump flight time—and parkour routes, while grappling hooks and P.A.I.N.T. bombs enable surface manipulation, adding layers of tactical depth.
System requirements for EMPULSE are notably forgiving, suggesting broad compatibility with mid-range hardware. Minimum specifications include an Intel Core i3-6100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and either an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470 GPU. Recommended specs bump this up to a Core i5-6600K or Ryzen 5 1400, 12 GB of RAM, and a GTX 1060 or RX 580. This positions the game as accessible for both PC and console players, though performance on lower-end systems may vary.
Despite its promising mechanics, EMPULSE remains shrouded in mystery. No official launch date has been announced, and while the Steam page provides a glimpse into its gameplay, key details—such as how P.A.I.N.T. bombs alter surfaces or how mechs interact with the environment—are left unexplained. The game’s focus on mobility and verticality suggests it could carve out a niche in the competitive shooter landscape, but its long-term viability hinges on execution and player engagement.
For now, EMPULSE stands as an intriguing but uncertain prospect. Its development reflects a broader trend of studios experimenting with movement mechanics to differentiate their titles, yet without concrete timelines or deeper insights, its impact remains speculative. Players eager for fast-paced, ability-driven shooters will watch closely, though skepticism lingers until more is revealed.
