Spacelords (2017)

**Spacelords (2017)** Spacelords (2017) is an epic sci-fi, free-to-play adventure that offers a unique take on the shooter genre. Its distinguishing feature is a 4 vs 1 asymmetrical campaign, where players can experience both sides of the conflict on the legendary Broken Planet. You can either join the Raiders in their fight for freedom or switch allegiances to play as the Antagonist, thwarting their missions alongside invading hordes. The game emphasizes deep character customization, allowing players to mod weapons and select from hundreds of character cards to create unique builds. Critically, Spacelords is entirely free-to-play, ensuring full progression through its narrative-driven campaign, which is enriched by over 80 cinematic scenes. With 17 diverse characters and over 70 unlockable weapons, further customized by hundreds of character cards, the game offers a rich, tactical experience. Spacelords, originally launched as Raiders of the Broken Planet before its free-to-play rebrand, stands as a testament to MercurySteam's distinct development philosophy, earning it a spot among their best. While it may not have achieved the commercial renown of their *Castlevania: Lords of Shadow* series or the widespread critical acclaim of *Metroid Dread*, it showcases many of the studio's hallmarks: signature over-the-shoulder action combat, detailed character and creature design, and a commitment to cinematic storytelling, evidenced by the game's numerous cutscenes. Its ambitious 4 vs 1 asymmetrical multiplayer-campaign structure was a bold design choice, distinguishing it from other shooters and demonstrating MercurySteam's willingness to innovate within established genres. The underlying game offers a deep, action-packed experience rich in lore and challenging gameplay, making it a valuable and often overlooked entry in MercurySteam's diverse portfolio of high-quality action titles.