A new debut title is coming from Bitfire Games, and it’s reminiscent of Helldivers without Democracy. DarkSwarm is approaching, and closed alpha sign-ups are now open.
It’s not news that Helldivers 2 is immensely popular. With high-octane spectacles reminiscent of being an action hero, Arrowhead unleashed a well-received live service extraction shooting experience last year, and with its port to Xbox arriving this month, it will reach a larger audience than ever before. However, what Bitfire Games is creating with DarkSwarm is similar to the original Helldivers in design, featuring a top-down aesthetic tied to gory visuals and the all-too-familiar brothers-in-arms feeling.
DarkSwarm brings everything fans enjoyed about the original Helldivers, except it brings a tense atmosphere, horrifying visuals, and operators who are only out for cash and not democracy. The latest recruitment trailer for DarkSwarm can be seen below.
Upon announcement of the closed alpha test, Bitfire Games CEO Hans Oxmond said, “We’re so thankful to our amazing playtesters who’ve already helped shape the game into what it is today,” adding, “and we’re looking forward to continuing to build the game alongside our community as we push towards our launch in the future” regarding the potential of the closed alpha test, and how it can tailor the title to players expectations.
DarkSwarm puts you behind the visor of an elite mercenary squad, and groups of four can face off against the alien threat. With class-based options, Bitfire Games pushes a class system onto the Helldivers formula, and allows mercs to upgrade their loadouts mid-mission (which drives further human cooperation). For the vain mercenaries, players will be able to use cosmetic skins to show off their personality and separate themselves from the pack, and players can also choose their mercenary’s loadout however they deem best for business. Fans will notice the similarities in gameplay between the frenetic close-quarters, sweaty combat of Helldivers and DarkSwarm, and Bitfire Games wants to deliver more of that. What fans loved about the original Helldivers.
DarkSwarm‘s closed alpha period is open for sign-ups, and fans can enlist by heading to the official DarkSwarm Steam page and hitting “request access.” Fans should note that requesting access doesn’t guarantee admission to the closed alpha, but it will tell developers you’re interested, and selected players will be able to dive in and help out with feedback before the game moves forward in development. Fans can check out the official Bitfire Games site for more info.
