PvPvE strikes again. Having talked about this mode in other games, PvPvE seems to be having an uprising in online games. Because of it’s unique format and high-intensity gameplay, it requires fast thinking, and faster actions. However, unlike in previous iterations of the mode, there hasn’t been a game that’s entirely PvPvE. That is until developers Spotted Kiwi Interactive said: Why not take that PvPvE game mechanics, and mix it with those robot from Boston Dynamics, and throw some guns in there? What could possibly go wrong? Well, the AI took over, so that’s an issue. But that’s the premise of their new “looter-shooter” multiplayer game XERA: Survival:
In XERA: Survival, the year is 2022 (not too far away), and the age of AI is upon on. A prototype combat robot has become self-aware after it had been banned by the government and in line for destruction from the Xera corporation. Well, it escaped, and it has been mass producing itself on an industrial scale. But because of the failed attempts to shut it down remotely, the robot army got mad and started up a war between the humans and the AI.
The goal of XERA: Survival is, well, survival. Take on the role of a human who is trying to stay alive. But, you’re not the only one. When starting a match, there are 40 other players who are in this ‘raid’ to go out into the forests, collect supplies, and store them up to do it all over again. During this raid, there are three options, die by another human who wants your things, die by an onslaught of robots who just want to watch you burn, or kill everything else to try and live. Well, more than just there. Communication is key, and part of this communication is being friendly. There are options to tell other people that you mean no harm, that you’re friendly, and you can team up for the time being. PvP can be avoided, but the PvE can’t.
The best way to avoid PVP, is by using XERA’s day and night cycle. Similar to how PUBG: Mobile had with their Resident Evil 2 crossover. Where at night, there’s not as much sightlines, so dodging PvP is easier, but the robots can still see you. So PvE is a little more common come night time. But it’s all for the sake of collecting loot to bring back to your base.
XERA: Survival is officially in Early Access and there’s a lot more to learn about it on its Steam page. It’s currently up for PC only for $19.99. Fight against humans, fight against AI, fight against both, just make sure you’re still surviving.