Dark, Tactical Squad-Based Epsilon Moves Out onto Steam's Early Access

A while ago, we mentioned a game that's rather unique in terms of style and story--this game is Epsilon, the stealth-action tactical shooter. Serellan, LLC., the studio that features the developer veterans of SOCOM, Ghost Recon, Halo, and Killzone, has announced that their self-funded, first-person squad-based tactical shooter Epsilon is now available on Steam's Early Access program.

As mentioned previously, this shooter places an emphasis on pre-planning, tactical engagement, and gadgetry but will also boast a cinematic, linear experience that delves into the darker side--much darker--of conflict.

The backstory is thus:

Epsilon is inspired by today's headlines of rampant human sex trafficking via Eastern European militias controlled by nefarious puppet masters. The players are in the members of Unipol's Team Epsilon's shoes, who must stop this growing issue. This FPS features both male and female characters with diverse and atypical backgrounds and abilities.

Interesting note, by the by:

Dr. Stacy Cecchet, author of "The Psychological Experience of Child and Adolescent Sex Trafficking in the United States," which approaches the topic of human sex trafficking for the American Psychological Association, actually advised the studio during the creative planning process.

A bit more on the gameplay:

Your team will be relying on cover tactics and surveillance technology. Pre-planning will be essential to tackling missions appropriately--players will be given interactive digital maps for squad coordination, where they can survey their targets, locate enemy positions, and plan the perfect mission approach. However, planning won't always go smoothly (or ever), so you need to adapt for whenever missions become a little messy.

Of course, to help you on particular missions are your gadgets--cameras capable of viewing underneath doors and monitor enemies, non-lethal tools (a la Metal Gear Style) to incapacitate targets, remote suppression, and more. And like Metal Gear, players are often rewarded for stealthy, non-lethal actions. You can't forget about customization either, which allows players to fully choose their load-out, weapons, and gear. Early Access will offer several single-player missions, a core set of weapons, and "elimination mode." Of course, content will expand the further Epsilon will be in Early Access.

For now, Epsilon is priced at $7.99 on the Early Access Program, but will gradually increase in price until it reaches the full price of $39.99, planned for early next year.