Blue Dot Games has just unveiled the latest in their Developer Tapes series showcasing different aspects of ‘83, their upcoming 40v40 squad-based tactical first-person shooter set in an alternate 1983 where the Cold War escalated into an all-out warzone. This latest video highlights the two factions in this conflict: The United States Army and the Soviet Ground Forces.
‘83 Developer Tapes #2 – Factions
Each faction is based on years of research, utilising military archives, historical photographs, re-enactment groups, Cold War museums, and direct consultation with military history forums.
The US Army is built for structure, coordination, and precision. Utilising period appropriate weapons like M16A1, The M60 LMG, and the MP5SD, this army is designed for accurate fire and tactical versatility. US Special Forces bring even more specialisation, like shotguns tuned for close quarters combat. Their uniforms are standardised, with machined components, and plastics and polymers commonly utilised in weapons and gear; equipment that can be efficiently mass produced to adapt to the everturning tide of war. Adopt the strategies of fire discipline, coordination, and role-based tactics to emerge victorious.
Soviet forces are designed for relentless forward pressure, implementing iconic weaponry like the AK074, RPK-74, and the RPG-7. Deploy Soviet tactics in ‘83 using movement in numbers, with waves of infantry supported by armored vehicles, and overwhelming firepower. Donning repurposed uniforms of canvas and leather, the soviet battle fatigues reflects the resourcefulness of the Eastern Bloc and their reliance on repurposed stock from earlier decades. Blitz through your opponents’ defenses with offensive pressure and volume of fire.
‘83 was built on the idea of “accessible realism”, with an aim to make everything as realistic as possible, until the point where it stops being fun, then it gets ratcheted back one notch. Taking you to the action fast, matches average around 30-40 minutes, and whilst dying only takes you out of the match for a short while, before allowing you to respawn, don’t underestimate this seemingly low-stakes penalty, as that time-out is enough to turn the tide of battle since ‘83 requires thorough communication and teamwork, with Team Commanders guiding their faction through strategic organisation and nail-biting calls.
Players can choose from a variety of roles: from frontline riflemen to vehicle operators and support units – each with their own loadouts and strategic value. ‘83 features era-authentic weapons and equipment with realistic handling and lethality, with each armament meticulously designed and animated according to its real life counterpart. Every weapon behaves in a realistic way, with barrels and suppressors overheating when rapid firing, machineguns require a stable surface for accuracy, and bullets don’t magically teleport in between magazines when you reload a half-empty one. ‘83’s focus on realism, coordination and large-scale immersion offers players a gritty, boots-on-the-ground experience in a world teetering on the edge of nuclear war!
’83 is coming to Steam Early Access later this year.
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