Written by Dante Uzel on 26 August 2024 18:56
In a low-key revelation that has sparked considerable excitement, Valve's newest game, Deadlock, has made waves even before its official announcement. The highly anticipated title, known for its creator’s pedigree including Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Portal, and Team Fortress 2, attracted over 44,000 concurrent players during a not-so-secretive invite-only playtest. The game's presence on SteamDB, which monitors all activity on Steam, provided early clues about its development.
Although Valve has yet to make an official announcement, several details about Deadlock have emerged. A minimalist store page, a newly created Twitch category, and recent posts on Valve’s official Discord have unveiled enough to pique player interest.
Deadlock features two teams of six engaging in strategic battles across map lanes. The objective involves destroying enemy guardians stationed at key points on the map. Players advance through lanes with the support of their teammates and AI-controlled creeps, ultimately aiming to breach the enemy base. Once inside, teams face a Patron, akin to a multi-stage boss battle, all while defending against a barrage of enemy attacks.
One of the game's standout features is its flexible movement system. Players are not confined to a single lane; instead, they can traverse the map freely using an innovative rail system. This mechanic allows players to quickly move across the battlefield, with speed boosts and cooldowns adding strategic depth. Additionally, the rail system only functions within a team's territory, expanding as players push past enemy guardians.
The game’s fast-paced combat is further enhanced by a dynamic movement system, including dashing, double-jumping, mantling, and sliding. This mobility adds a thrilling layer to player interactions, especially during intense combat sequences.
Tags: Valve