The alpha version of Recruits, a Cannon Foddery squad shooter, is available to play through Desura for people pre-ordering the full game. It’s a UDK-powered game, with simple objectives, tight maps and a sometimes infuriating fixed viewpoint. Enemy soldiers have a habit of being obscured by trees, meaning I’ve often been finding by following my squadmates’ lead. I shoot where they shoot, knowing that something must be there. It’s early days though and there’s promise in the explodey barrels, destructible scenery, and the simple joy of shooting guns and lobbing grenades. Enemy soldiers are vulnerable, spurting blood as they crumple after a single shot, while the player’s own squad are a little more robust. Less tension, more gung-ho charges. Trailer and more details below.

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