Beyond Flesh and Blood (2016)

The full version of Episode 1 is now available in Early Access! Download it today and step into the world of a cutting-edge third-person mech shooter, set in a dystopian version of Earth. "Beyond Flesh and Blood" invites players to become the ultimate combat pilot, controlling advanced mechs in a brutal, futuristic setting.

Game Overview

"Beyond Flesh and Blood" thrusts players into a violent, fast-paced shooter experience where every moment counts. Set in the year 2281, the Earth has been ravaged by a global war, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction. The last survivors of the human race live in the UGR Astralis space colony, floating safely above Earth's atmosphere. However, the story of humanity's struggle is far from over. An engineer named Ethan, part of the United Global Remnant (UGR), must pilot a variety of Tactical Frames (combat mechs) to defend humanity’s last stand. The path ahead is filled with dangers, including aliens, rogue machines, and deadly enemies.

Gameplay Features

This action-packed title presents a challenging, skill-driven experience that is designed to test your reflexes and strategic thinking. The gameplay is all about combat, progression, and uncovering the dark secrets of Earth’s future:

• Intense Combat: Experience brutal battles where weapons, explosions, and violent takedowns reign supreme. The game features detailed gore, with enemies being torn apart by powerful weapons, lasers, and industrial-grade explosives. The violence is high and unrelenting, providing players with a raw, visceral thrill.
• No Easy Mode: This is not a game for casual players. There are no cover-based mechanics or hand-holding. To succeed, you must rely on your skills and adaptability. The game pushes you to face increasingly difficult challenges without shortcuts.
• Innovative Mech Combat: Take control of a wide range of combat mechs, including enemy mechs you capture during battle. These "Tactical Frames" are equipped with powerful weapons, and players can switch between different models as the game progresses. Once a mech is destroyed, another is dropped in from orbit, allowing players to get straight back into the action without losing progress.
• Guns, Explosives, and More: The arsenal includes a wide range of futuristic weapons, from guns to industrial lasers. Players can also collect enemy weapons as temporary upgrades to enhance their firepower. The variety ensures that no two battles are the same.
• Environmental Detail: The game takes place in a re-imagined, dystopian version of Manchester, UK, offering intricate and detailed environments. Powered by the Unreal Engine, the setting feels alive and immersive, making full use of modern graphical technology to enhance the atmosphere.
• Story-Driven Progression: The first episode offers over two hours of story-driven gameplay, spread across 12 exciting levels. As you advance, you’ll uncover the mystery behind humanity’s exile from Earth and explore the disturbing truth about the 23rd-century world that has gone rogue.

Story and Setting

In the year 2281, Earth has become a hostile and uninhabitable place after a devastating global war fought over dwindling resources. The human race is now scattered in space, living aboard the UGR Astralis, the last known colony of survivors. The people of the UGR cling to hope, but rumors of alien forces, terrorist attacks, and even a catastrophic meteorite impact stir fear throughout the colony.

Players assume the role of Ethan, an engineer enlisted by the UGR to pilot advanced military mechs, known as Tactical Frames. These frames are the only remaining hope for humanity’s return to Earth. Ethan must engage in intense battles on the surface of the now-dead planet, fighting not just human enemies, but machines and alien entities as well. The true threat, however, lies in the secrets he must uncover, pushing the boundaries of humanity’s survival.

Core Mechanics

The game's core mechanics center around intense mech combat and a unique health system. Unlike traditional shooters, there is no healing or respawning through conventional means. Instead, players must absorb energy from fallen foes to recover health and power up their mechs. This creates a fast-paced, unforgiving environment where every encounter is a life-or-death situation.

The mind-control feature adds another layer to the gameplay. With this technology, players can control their mechs remotely. However, there are limitations. Communication between the pilot’s mind and the mech is hindered by the unstable power systems, requiring players to install signal towers and hack into the power grids in order to maintain control. These mechanics drive players to think strategically, as they must constantly balance combat with environmental manipulation to stay alive.

The Truth Beyond Flesh and Blood

As Ethan delves deeper into his mission, he begins to uncover horrifying truths about humanity’s past and the dark forces at work within the UGR. The game encourages players to break free from the traditional norms and venture into the unknown. To uncover the secrets of Earth’s exile, Ethan must be willing to go beyond what is considered human, pushing the limits of both his mind and his body.

Conclusion

"Beyond Flesh and Blood" is a brutally challenging, immersive mech shooter that blends fast-paced action with deep storytelling. Set in a dystopian future where humanity is on the brink of extinction, players must fight through intense combat scenarios and uncover the hidden truths behind the collapse of Earth’s civilization. With its detailed environments, intense gore, and no-compromise difficulty, this game is designed for hardcore gamers who crave a raw, unfiltered experience. Whether you’re piloting mechs or hacking power grids, "Beyond Flesh and Blood" promises to push your skills to the limit and take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of humanity’s darkest future.

Beyond Flesh and Blood fails to live up to its ambitious promises. While it offers a gritty, action-packed experience with mechs and a dystopian world, the gameplay quickly becomes repetitive and lacks depth. The constant gore and violence might appeal to some, but the overall experience feels shallow, especially with the limited story progression and lack of significant innovation.

The game’s controls and mechanics feel outdated, and the lack of meaningful strategy or cover-based shooting makes it feel more like a grind than a challenging shooter. Though the detailed environments and concept of mind-controlled mechs are intriguing, they aren't enough to elevate this title beyond its initial promises. If you're looking for a compelling, deep shooter, you're better off looking elsewhere.