We’ve seen a plethora of streamers get involved with game development in recent years. From Dr. Disrespect to PewDiePie, there’s a trend of gaming influencers who have tried to turn their big fanbases into big business. Not many of them have succeeded mind you, and, unfortunately, it appears Mike “shroud” Grzesiek is the latest to take an unfortunate plunge. The saddest part about it all is that developer Mountaintop’s Spectre Divide is a really solid game.
I feel as though I waited years for another game to rival CS:GO, and now they’re arriving suddenly. Well, they’re not really trying to rival Counter-Strike if we’re honest — they’re looking to fast follow Valorant to become the latest tac-shooter/hero-shooter hybrid to explode in similar popularity. The studios behind the likes of Fragpunk, and ALARA Prime are surely hoping to cash in on an audience of players gripped by Riot Games’ superb FPS. The problem is that they’re not Riot Games.
The sheer muscle required to displace a giant like Counter-Strike can’t be understated. The R&D, development know-how, and marketing budget to not only push the game but build a world-beating esports ecosystem requires expertise and a pretty penny. And, of course, the pie only has so many slices. With Valorant more or less engraining itself in pop-culture –across gaming, streaming, and, er, e-dating–, the chances of another upstart coming along to cut its lunch are next to none.
Spectre Divide might not have set its sights quite that high, but even sharing the spotlight doesn’t look likely. And it had a decent shot. Back by shroud, played by dozens of popular streamers from the Valorant scene, and by all accounts looking and playing very well in the process, it should be getting attention. But it’s just not.
Again, the worst part about it all is that I’ve been really enjoying Spectre Divide over the past couple of weeks. Its gameplay has been a real surprise—one that kept me coming back for more. From its distinctive cel-shaded art style to the innovative spectre mechanic, the game takes familiar elements from tactical shooters but offers a twist that adds complexity and strategy.
It’s big unique sell point is the aforementioned Spectre mechanic, which means there’s always a second layer to think about during each round. You’re controlling two bodies, essentially giving you a second chance if things go sideways. It took me a bit of practice to get comfortable with swapping between characters and using the puck to move my Spectre into position, but once it clicked, it opens up a lot of strategic possibilities. Whether you’re setting up ambushes, getting a height advantage, or simply outmaneuvering opponents, the mechanic adds a satisfying depth.
Elsewhere, what also impressed me was the game’s movement and shooting. The weight of movement feels very similar to Valorant, which I gelled with as a long-time player of Riot’s FPS. The shooting, meanwhile, incorporates more ADS which I didn’t think I would like but actually does work well added to the CS-like formula. There’s a little more accuracy when moving than CS and Valorant, but not overly so to the point of ruining the skill-ceiling. Accuracy and burst control is still just as key, with the added precision needed for doming enemies with single shots in ADS.
The customization options were another pleasant surprise. The ability to personalize both your character and Spectre with different Sponsors—who offer unique abilities and gear—gives the game a unique identity. While the weapons aren’t exactly groundbreaking (more or less a clone of what you’d find in CS and Val), the way they integrate with the Spectre mechanic keeps things interesting. For example, I found myself enjoying setups where I could heal or enhance my Spectre’s abilities mid-combat. It’s a system that encourages experimentation and creativity, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves with updates.
That said, Spectre Divide isn’t without its issues. The maps sometimes feel too samey from a visual perspective. Not to mention, losing a player early can make rounds feel uneven, especially with the slow pacing at times. There were moments where the tactical nature of the game worked against itself, dragging out rounds longer than necessary.
Overall, though, the core gameplay of Spectre Divide has kept me hooked. It’s a tactical shooter that challenges your reflexes and strategy, but it’s also accessible enough that you’re not overwhelmed by its mechanics. It’s a shame that it hasn’t found a larger audience yet because it truly has plenty to like. Recent layoffs to the company following its launch don’t fill me with confidence that the team can turn around its dwindling playerbase, though. And if Spectre Divide can’t achieve success backed by a big streamer and boasting solid gameplay, it feels as though only Valorant will ever challenge Counter-Strike for tac-shooter supremacy.
