Tactical games like Rainbow Six Siege have proved extremely popular, eschewing instant thrills for a more considered approach to combat that mimics real-life situations. VOID Interactive’s Ready or Not might be the most realistic version of the tactical FPS we’ve seen yet, placing the player in intense life-or-death scenarios where planning and coordination are key to making it out alive – both physically and mentally.
In Ready or Not, you’re put in control of an elite SWAT team, tasked with bringing peace to the crime-stricken city of Los Sueños, California. Citizens have been advised to remain indoors while violence sweeps through the city, and your squad has been assigned to keep them safe. Your LSPD unit must enter high-risk scenarios including hostage situations, active bomb threats, barricaded suspects, and more, diffusing them with minimal casualties.
Real police work does not reward plays that shoot first and think second. SWAT officers are expected to follow the rules of engagement, finding solutions that deescalate conflicts. Non-lethal combat methods are a must – although you are equipped with plenty of lethal weapons, it’s always best to resolve conflicts without bloodshed, if possible.
Keeping it real
Ready or Not is firmly grounded in realism, aiming to be the most true-to-life experience possible. This means if you fail or die, the mission is over. Plan each encounter and pay attention to every detail of the engagement to resolve conflicts as efficiently as possible. Civilians will almost always be in the firing line, and your actions will determine if they make it out of the encounter alive. Shout commands in-game, instructing your enemies to surrender or asking civilians to comply. Apprehend civilians to ensure their safety and always stay vigilant for enemies that pose as innocents.
You’ll have a huge arsenal of tools – high-powered weaponry, tactical equipment such as flashbangs and stun grenades, and tech tools such as covert cameras. Your equipment won’t last forever and neither will your teammates. Send them into the firing line and you may have to continue with a man down. Make use of breaching shotguns, battering rams, mirror guns, and several grenade types to gain the upper hand on your enemies.
Run out of flashbangs, and you’ll have to breach and clear completely exposed. Ammo conservation is an important concern too, as you can’t take ammo from fallen enemies. Pick every shot wisely and make your ammo count if you want to succeed. All weapons and gadgets are grounded in realism, reflecting real equipment used by SWAT teams in the field.
As you head into each mission, you’ll be able to pick your loadout, starting with armor, which ranges from maximum protection to no armor at all. More equipment equals more weight and slower movement. The additional sound it makes may help enemies detect you, so carefully consider how much kit you want to take into each mission.
Complex enemy AI will mean that you’re never safe from danger during Ready or Not’s missions. Enemies will try to outsmart you, setting traps and ambushes with the intention of catching you out, so proceed with extreme caution. Gadgets will often help you prepare for the dangers ahead so come prepared with countermeasures and don’t be afraid to deploy them.
Squad up
You can choose to tackle Ready or Not’s missions solo, or with a squad in online co-op with up to four friends. In solo play, you’ll need to issue commands to your squad, testing your planning skills and reaction times to complete your objectives. Co-op requires constant communication with your squadmates, as you work together to clear each room, checking every corner for combatants lurking in the shadows. Losing one of your squadmates will be a major disadvantage as there are no revives or respawns, so make sure you’re watching each other’s backs at all times.
There’s a rich story to discover in Ready or Not, delving into some of the darkest aspects of society. As protectors of the peace, you’ll uncover chilling stories of crime and violence that pull no punches. Stories are conveyed through environmental storytelling, with clues strewn throughout the many locations you and your squad will explore. Piece together the evidence and discover how Los Sueños became swallowed up by darkness.
Boots on the ground
Ready or Not is still in Early Access, and the full launch is coming very soon, on December 17. New maps, missions, characters, weapons, and more are being added, ensuring that the experience is constantly evolving. Ready Or Not is certainly not for the faint of heart, but if you can handle the challenges that its unforgiving world throws at you, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding shooter.
If you’re looking for a tactical first-person shooter that will test your reflexes and adaptability, Ready or Not could be your new favorite game. Gear up and head into the breach, if you dare. Ready or Not is available on Steam Early Access now for $39.99 / £30.99, and at launch for $49.99 / £44.99.