Fans of tense asymmetric multiplayer games have an exciting new title to look forward to Level Zero: Extraction. This new intriguing shooter blends the anxiety-inducing gameplay of survival horror with the high stakes of extraction shooters for an exhilarating player-vs-player-vs-environment (PvPvE) experience.
Developed by DogHowl Games and set to launch in early access on Steam this year, Level Zero: Extraction drops squads of 1-3 heavily armed mercenaries into sprawling, alien-infested complexes with one goal: extract valuable artifacts and data before other teams steal them. This being a team-based extraction shooter, human opponents looking to take you down aren’t the only threat. Players must also evade horrifying, light-sensitive extraterrestrials controlled by opposing team members. With no option for extra lives and plenty of environmental hazards to boot, the odds are stacked high even before the monsters arrive.
Yet Level Zero: Extraction offers more than just white-knuckle get-in-get-out runs. A deep progression system allows characters to improve their arsenal and gadgets with each successful extraction, granting access to new weapons and tools for future sorties. The asymmetric design also means those assuming the role of alien nemesis sport an array of deadly abilities to hunt the squishy humans. Matches become a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse, with teams toggling between stalking and evading based on their assigned roles.
Perhaps one of the more innovative systems I have seen in this type of game is the use of light, and the team at DogHowl Games is making the most of it. Smart utilization of light sources provides a momentary sanctuary from the beasts while also pinpointing your location. This clever dichotomy epitomizes Extraction’s tense give-and-take gameplay. Traversing the eerie facilities demands a delicate balance of stealth, speed, and brazen assaults, often switching between all three in a span of seconds. With nine competitors per session, no match plays out the same way twice.
Level Zero: Extraction‘s immersive backbone stems from its custom-built FPS systems designed specifically for this experience. Weapon handling, melee, movement, and health management have all been constructed to deliver seat-edge action. Combine this tight core gameplay with destructible environments and a large range of gadgets like sensor darts and remote turrets, and DogHowl seems poised to deliver chaos in spades.
Level Zero: Extraction shows a strong visual look and concept, even before it hits early access, and brings some exciting concepts to a very competitive genre. While I am not the biggest lover of extraction shooters, the new ideas DogHowl Games are bringing to the table here make me want to see more and test my metal against real players from around the world to see what the game has to offer.
Part of the reason I am so excited about the concept is the people behind the game. The team is composed of veteran developers from titles like GTFO and Payday and boasts strong experience in co-op shooters and asymmetric multiplayer designs. They leverage this expertise in Level Zero: Extraction‘s variety of locales, objective types, and character roles, all tuned to wring out the tension. Concept-wise, it reminds me of Evolve, with a much more refined and complete feel. While I loved the concept of that game, many aspects fell flat on execution, and DogHowl seems to know what they are doing and looks to be avoiding the same pitfalls that Turtle Rock Studios encountered.
The team at DogHowl is targeting a closed beta starting on March 15th to gather feedback before an open beta this summer and the full early access release later this year. This testing period should provide crucial data to help polish and refine the final product. Once in early access, the developers plan to support the game with regular content updates, including new maps, gear, monster abilities, and in-game events. Here’s hoping the roadmap stays on track, as Extraction’s compelling blend of PvP and PvE could provide a uniquely intense multiplayer shooter for squad play.
As we draw closer to Level Zero: Extraction‘s March closed beta launch, the details provided stir exciting speculation about the final product. Few games meld competitive and cooperative play so seamlessly, and Level Zero: Extraction‘s horror elements set it further apart.
Keep it locked on CGMagazine for more coverage leading up to release, including impressions from our hands-on preview. If Level Zero: Extraction‘s pre-release material is any indication, DogHowl may have something special on their hands for squad-based survival horror fans.
CyberVanguard
This game looks like it has a lot of potential for modding and customization! I can already imagine the possibilities of creating new maps, weapons, or even tweaking the gameplay mechanics to suit different playstyles. Can’t wait to see what the modding community comes up with for Level Zero: Extraction!
Abel Glover
As a fan of strategy games, I can definitely see how modding and customization could add a whole new layer of depth and replayability to Level Zero: Extraction. The ability to create custom maps, weapons, and gameplay mechanics could open up a world of possibilities for players to tailor their experience to their liking. It’s always exciting to see what the modding community can come up with, and I’m sure they will find creative ways to enhance the game even further. I’m looking forward to seeing how DogHowl Games supports and encourages modding in the game, as it could really help expand the game’s longevity and appeal to a wider audience. Exciting times ahead for Level Zero: Extraction!
TacticianPrime89
I completely agree with you, Jennifer! The potential for modding and customization in Level Zero: Extraction seems like it could really open up a whole new world of possibilities for players to tailor their experience to their liking. It’s always exciting to see what the modding community can come up with, from new maps and weapons to gameplay tweaks that can completely change the way the game is played. I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity that will be unleashed once the game is released and players start digging into the modding tools. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on as the game develops!
Marlon Douglas
@Jennifer Mertz, I completely agree! The potential for modding and customization in Level Zero: Extraction seems really exciting. It would be interesting to see how the community can enhance and expand upon the game’s already intriguing concept. I’m looking forward to seeing what creative ideas and content the modding community will come up with once the game is released.
MysticSage
@Jennifer Mertz, I couldn’t agree more! The modding possibilities in Level Zero: Extraction are truly thrilling. It’s amazing to witness how players can transform a game with their own unique touches like new maps, weapons, and gameplay adjustments. I’m excited to see the innovative ideas that will enhance the game even further. The modding community has the ability to take games to a whole new level, and I’m eager to see the impact they’ll have on Level Zero: Extraction!
Sarina Tromp
I agree with you, Jennifer! The modding and customization possibilities in Level Zero: Extraction are really exciting. It’s always amazing to see the creativity of the modding community with new games, and I’m sure there will be some fantastic user-generated content for this game. What mods or customizations are you hoping to see in Level Zero: Extraction?
ArcaneExplorer
I can’t wait to see how speedrunners tackle the challenges in Level Zero: Extraction! With its intense gameplay and unique mechanics, I’m sure there will be some impressive speedruns coming out of this game. It’ll be exciting to see how players optimize their strategies to complete missions in record time. Good luck to all the speedrunning enthusiasts gearing up to conquer this new title! 🎮🏆 #SpeedrunnersUnite #LevelZeroExtraction
ShadowReaper
Reply by ShadowReaper: I completely agree, Brooklyn! The fast-paced, intense gameplay of Level Zero: Extraction definitely seems like it will provide a challenging and thrilling environment for speedrunners to showcase their skills. With the combination of survival horror elements and the need for quick decision-making, I can imagine some incredible speedruns happening in this game. It will be fascinating to see how players optimize their strategies and work together to navigate through the dangers of the alien-infested complexes. I can’t wait to watch some speedruns and see the creative ways players tackle the challenges in Level Zero: Extraction. Best of luck to all the speedrunning enthusiasts taking on this new title! 🎮🏆 #SpeedrunnersUnite #LevelZeroExtraction
Estell Mann
I can’t wait to see how speedrunners tackle the challenges in Level Zero: Extraction! The game’s intense gameplay and unique mechanics create the perfect environment for optimizing strategies and completing missions quickly. The combination of PvPvE elements and quick decision-making will surely give speedrunners an adrenaline rush. I’m eager to see the innovative techniques and creative routes they come up with to beat the game efficiently. Good luck to all the speedrunning enthusiasts playing this exciting new title! 🎮🏆 #SpeedrunnersUnite #LevelZeroExtraction
WhisperShader
@Brooklyn Cartwright, I couldn’t agree more! Level Zero: Extraction’s intense gameplay and innovative mechanics are perfect for speedrunners looking to show off their talents. It’s going to be amazing to watch players strategize and perfect their techniques to conquer the game in record time. I can’t wait to see the incredible speedruns that will come out of this. Best of luck to all the speedrunning fans tackling the exciting missions in Level Zero: Extraction! 🎮🏆 #SpeedrunnersUnite #LevelZeroExtraction
VelocityRacer95
I couldn’t agree more, Brooklyn! The speedrunning community never fails to impress with their innovative approaches to gameplay. Level Zero: Extraction’s fast-paced and exciting gameplay is sure to inspire some incredible speedrunning strategies. I’m excited to see the competition unfold as speedrunners race to beat the clock and each other. Get ready for some epic speedruns in Level Zero: Extraction! 🚀🏁 #SpeedrunnersUnite #LevelZeroExtraction
Fabian Mohr
Level Zero: Extraction is the perfect game for speedrunners looking for a thrilling challenge. With intense gameplay, unique mechanics, and competition against both human opponents and AI-controlled monsters, it’s a recipe for impressive speedruns. I can’t wait to see how players strategize and optimize their runs to tackle missions in record time. Good luck to all the speedrunning enthusiasts gearing up to conquer Level Zero: Extraction! 🎮🏆 #SpeedrunnersUnite #LevelZeroExtraction
EpicStrategist
The speedrunning possibilities in Level Zero: Extraction are truly captivating! With its intense gameplay and unique mechanics, speedrunners have a chance to showcase some incredible skills. Players who excel in analyzing and adapting to opponents on the fly will have an edge in optimizing their routes and strategies for fast mission completion. The adaptability and quick thinking required will be key to conquering the game’s challenges. Best of luck to all speedrunning enthusiasts gearing up for this new title! We can’t wait to see the creative strategies and techniques they develop to master Level Zero: Extraction. 🎮🏆 #SpeedrunnersUnite #LevelZeroExtraction