In the recent State Of Play showcase, the absence of Bungie’s much-anticipated reboot of the classic FPS series Marathon was palpable. The game has faced scrutiny due to allegations of aesthetic plagiarism, leaving fans yearning for a more authentic experience reminiscent of the original trilogy. For those seeking a fresh alternative, the early access title Supplice, which translates to ‘Torture’ in French, has emerged as a standout option on Steam, recently unveiling its exciting fourth episode.
Exploring Supplice
For those unfamiliar with Supplice, it proudly embraces its Marathon inspirations. This fast-paced, retro FPS features a robust shotgun and intricately designed labyrinthine levels that often require players to consult their map screens. The game is enriched with exposition-filled terminals, delivering well-crafted prose that adds depth to the gameplay experience.
Accompanying the action is an absolutely fantastic progressive metal soundtrack, characterized by self-indulgent guitar solos and even some soulful saxophone interludes. This unique musical backdrop provides a refreshing alternative to the djent-heavy soundscapes prevalent in many contemporary titles.
The latest episode, intriguingly titled ‘An Anthem of Hammers’, immerses players in an overheated industrial aesthetic, featuring vibrant reds, oranges, and pools of molten metal. Players can test out the new heat-proof Lava Suit while encountering five new enemy types, a formidable new boss, and the Fission Dynamo weapon. Additionally, players can look forward to new pickups and an expanded narrative delivered through terminal screens.
As Supplice continues to evolve, it promises a diverse roster of monsters and texture sets for mappers, thanks to its foundation on the GZDoom engine. This familiarity should ease the transition for those experienced in Doom level creation. With a bit of luck, the game is poised for growth in the coming years.
Developer Mekworx, a small team of veteran Doom modders, has ambitious plans for Supplice, aiming for a total of six episodes. Even with just the first four episodes available, players are getting significant value, especially with the current discount price of (£8) on Steam.
For enthusiasts craving more FPS action, Supplice is also available in a discounted bundle with another notable title, Incision, which is set to graduate from early access in August. Together, these two games are priced at £13, making them an excellent investment before their prices increase.
