We all know extraction shooters, but this time Cathedral Studios sets out to give the genre a twist with The Bornless. As I’ve mentioned before, what makes a game stand out from similar titles is often the combination of different elements it integrates, provided that mix is executed functionally and effectively. That being said, The Bornless will offer you a shooter with survival and horror elements, which by the end of each match will evolve into an asymmetric extraction shooter where you’ll have to face the worst evil of all, The Bornless!
The impressive graphics and impeccable design create a unique setting, as you’ll see in the video below. The Bornless is an action-horror FPS with Lovecraftian tones and survival elements, whose mechanics will evolve throughout the match, eventually turning into an asymmetric extraction shooter that effectively blends PvPvE mechanics. Can you imagine? Well, don’t! Just take a look at the Official Playtest Trailer for The Bornless, right here, courtesy of IGN:
Welcome to Farmouth Island
It’s the 1960s. You’ve arrived at this vast and fearsome stretch of untamed land off the coast of Massachusetts. They call it Farmouth Island, but for you, it’s merely the heart of this thrilling and unsettling story. The Bornless is a first-person action-horror game where the veil between reality and the abyss is dangerously thin. You will have to protect yourself from demons and even from other players, unless… you are a demon! You’ll wield a vast arsenal of weapons while also harnessing dark magic in your battle for survival and dominance.
To fully understand why and how this genre shift happens and how its various mechanics evolve, here’s a breakdown of the different phases of each match:
- Phase 1: The first phase will always be about Exploration and Loot, starting in a secluded cabin alongside your partner, armed with standard gear or whatever loot remains from previous missions. You will venture through eerie environments, fighting to earn Sigils. You must battle against Cultists and Demons to complete missions and collect valuable items.
- Phase 2: The second phase is The Ritual. In this phase, you must use Incense to activate ancient ritual sites known as Gates. Here, summoning events will take place, rewarding you with rare Sigils needed for the final confrontation. However, each completed summoning event will expose you to new dangers, revealing your location to rival players.
- Phase 3: This is the match’s climax, where you become the hunter or the prey. The ritual will be completed, and the demon, The Bornless, will be summoned to hunt down the remaining players. They, in turn, will be forced to find an extraction point before time runs out if they want to escape the island!
In The Bornless, you will dive headfirst into chaos as part of a unique mix of PvP and PvE elements. Whether playing solo or with friends, you will eventually find yourself battling both demons and other players alike. You will have to decipher ancient totems, survive deadly rituals, and use everything from powerful dark magic spells to fierce weapons to overcome both human and supernatural adversaries.
During your nightmare on Farmouth Island, every victory will help you advance. You will be able to upgrade your character with stronger weapons and abilities throughout each match, a strategically vital aspect for survival. Every successful extraction will increase your power and grant you invaluable resources and collectibles in a rarity-based loot system.
Your shelters will be more than just bases! You will start with a humble cabin that you will be able to expand into a sprawling mansion while making use of Farmouth Island’s resources. Your strategic power will depend on your decisions, as you can either join existing factions or create your own to band together with allies and enemies alike, improving your chances of survival. You will rise through the ranks in seasonal tournaments and will prepare to face new missions and challenges with each update, ensuring your journey through The Bornless is constantly evolving and full of opportunities for growth and prestige.
The Bornless, whose release date will be announced soon, is entering its testing phase very soon, and you can already request access to its Playtest through its Steam page, which you’ll obviously find at the end of this article. And while we wait, why not drop by the comments and let us know what you think about this exciting concept? You know, gamer, we’ll be reading you! 😉
If you’re ready, speak the words: I summon you… The Bornless One.
Images Source: IGN Official YouTube Channel, The Bornless on Steam, The Bornless Official Website
