| Played on a custom-built PC by CLX Gaming |
Boundary is an exciting new entry into the competitive FPS genre, developed by Studio Surgical Scalpels. As an early access title, it’s clear that the developers have put a lot of work into ensuring the game’s stability and performance. During my time playing on a CLX Gaming custom-built PC, I was blown away by how smoothly the game ran, with no noticeable lag or framerate drops even during the most intense firefights. Boundary is not perfect however, with early access facing minor cheating problems and disconnecting issues – but what it is offering at this moment is a promise that relit my desire dive into a unique and exciting competitive shooter.
Breaking Barriers on all Sides
One of the most unique aspects of Boundary is its 3-dimensional battlefield. Being able to engage in combat in zero gravity environments completely redefines the way players engage with each other. The physics-based gameplay is also impressive, with weapons actually feeling like they have weight and heft to them. The game does an excellent job of making players feel like they’re really floating in space, and the sound design and visual effects add to this immersive experience. I can’t stress enough how awesome it is to propel through a field of debris that’s been dynamically shattered due to fire fights; golden solar shielding whiffing by as I grapple to the next cover point and adjusting my position to correct my aim is a feeling I can’t get enough of – and what’s great is you will never lose your footing because your player will latch on to surfaces to prevent from accidentally slipping. I especially like the way map orientation works in Boundary; you’ll be alerted when an enemy is within your proximity, you will learn that there is a meter that determines at what altitude they’re placed. Play long enough and you will be snapping to players in no time. It works really well and doesn’t feel cheap considering the 3D space awareness.
Boundary currently features a total of five maps, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a closer look at each of the maps:
- Orbital Rig: This map takes place on an industrial rig in space. It’s a relatively small map that encourages close-quarters combat, with lots of corridors and tight spaces. The map’s layout can make it difficult to navigate, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for players to use cover to their advantage.
- Space Station: The Space Station map takes place in a large, cylindrical space station that offers plenty of open spaces for long-range combat. However, the map is also filled with narrow corridors and tight spaces that provide cover for players who prefer close-quarters combat. Overall, this map is well-balanced and offers plenty of opportunities for players with different playstyles.
- Cargo Bay: Cargo Bay takes place in a large, open cargo bay filled with shipping containers and other obstacles. This map is ideal for players who prefer long-range combat, as there are plenty of spots where players can set up sniper positions. However, the map’s large size can also make it difficult to navigate, and players who prefer close-quarters combat may find themselves at a disadvantage.
- Moonbase: Moonbase takes place on the surface of the moon, with plenty of craters and rocks providing cover for players. This map encourages players to use the terrain to their advantage, with plenty of opportunities for flanking and surprise attacks. However, the map’s low gravity can also make movement feel sluggish and unresponsive.
- Frostbite: Frostbite takes place on an icy asteroid, with plenty of tunnels and narrow passages for players to explore. The map’s small size makes it ideal for close-quarters combat, and the icy terrain can make movement feel slippery and unpredictable. However, the map’s layout can also make it difficult to navigate, and players who prefer long-range combat may find themselves at a disadvantage.
The maps in Boundary are well-designed and offer plenty of opportunities for players to use different strategies and tactics. However, some players may find certain maps more challenging than others, depending on their preferred playstyle. Additionally, the game’s focus on zero gravity combat can take some time to get used to, and players who are used to more traditional FPS gameplay may find themselves struggling at first.
Shooting in zero gravity is an incredibly effective tactic in Boundary, and mastering it is key to success. Players can use the environment to their advantage, using cover to hide from enemy fire and flanking opponents from unexpected angles. The game rewards players who are willing to take risks and try new approaches, and the freedom of movement adds an entirely new dimension to the competitive FPS experience.
The Class Approach
Boundary features 5 distinct classes: Assault, Medic, Flanker, Recon, and Support. Each class has a unique set of weapons, abilities, and playstyle, allowing players to choose the class that best fits their preferred approach to combat.
The Assault class is a well-rounded class that excels at close to mid-range combat. They are equipped with an assault rifle that can be effective in a variety of situations. They also have access to a shotgun for close-quarters combat and a grenade launcher for dealing with groups of enemies. In addition to their weapons, the Assault class has an ability called “Rush,” which allows them to quickly close the distance to enemies and deal significant damage.
The Medic class is focused on supporting their teammates by healing them and providing cover fire. They are equipped with a submachine gun that is effective at close range. They also have access to a shotgun for close-quarters combat and a grenade launcher for dealing with groups of enemies. The Medic class has an ability called “Heal,” which allows them to heal themselves and nearby teammates. They also have an ability called “Smoke,” which creates a smoke screen that can obscure enemy vision and allow them to escape.
The Flanker class is a specialist class that is focused on mobility and speed. They are equipped with a submachine gun that is effective at close range. They also have access to a shotgun for close-quarters combat and a grenade launcher for dealing with groups of enemies. The Flanker class has an ability called “Dash,” which allows them to quickly move around the battlefield and flank enemy positions. They also have an ability called “Smoke,” which creates a smoke screen that can obscure enemy vision and allow them to escape.
The Recon class is a long-range class that excels at taking out targets from a distance. They are equipped with a sniper rifle that can one-shot kill enemies with a well-placed shot. They also have access to a pistol for close-quarters combat and a remote drone that can be used to scout ahead and mark enemy positions. The Recon class has an ability called “Stealth,” which makes them invisible for a short period, allowing them to move around undetected.
The Support class is a versatile class that can heal and resupply teammates. They are equipped with a submachine gun that is effective at close range. They also have access to a shotgun for close quarters combat and a grenade launcher for dealing with groups of enemies. The Support class has an ability called “Heal,” which allows them to heal themselves and nearby teammates. They also have an ability called “Resupply,” which allows them to resupply nearby teammates with ammunition and grenades.
The main focus of the game is to help each other out on the battlefield and play your role. Each class is designed to complement each other, and playing as a team is crucial to victory. Whether it’s providing cover fire, healing teammates, or flanking enemy positions, each player has an important role to play.
Click, Click, Float
The gunsmithing system in Boundary is reminiscent of Modern Warfare 2’s, but it’s not as game-breaking or robust. Players can customize their weapons based on their preferred play style, giving them a slight edge in combat. It’s a nice touch that adds some depth to the game, without overwhelming players with too many options. The customization options for avatars in Boundary are decent. Players can choose from a variety of different cosmetic items to personalize their character, including helmets, suits, and gloves. It’s not the most extensive customization system out there, but it’s enough to let players feel like they have some control over their in-game appearance.
Unfortunately, like many other online competitive games, Boundary is not immune to cheaters. There have been reports of players using hacks and cheats to gain an unfair advantage in the game. These cheats can range from aimbots and wallhacks to speed hacks and other forms of cheating. It’s worth noting that the developers at Studio Surgical Scalpels have been actively working to combat cheating in the game. They have implemented various anti-cheat measures and have taken action against players caught using cheats. However, as with any online game, it can be difficult to completely eradicate cheating. There’s also lobby balancing issues that’s far too consistent – there were far too many lobbies I would join that were at the neck end of the game. I’m sure they’ll work on fixing it, but it continues to plague the game. Additionally, I understand enemy are highlighted to be seen better in the midst of space debris, but sometimes it blends too well with lighting within the environment which often than not caused me to die mid firefight. I guess that’s a skill issue.
REVIEW SCORE: 8.5/10
I’ve been incredibly impressed with Boundary so far. The game’s unique zero gravity mechanics and 3-dimensional battlefield make for an exciting and immersive experience. The gunsmithing system and class options add some depth to the game without overwhelming players with too many options, and the performance and stability of the early access build have been impeccable. If you’re a fan of competitive FPS games, I highly recommend giving Boundary a try.
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