Level Zero: Extraction is a multiplayer extraction shooter that combines asymmetric horror with elements of PvPvPvE (Player vs Player vs Environment). Set in a dark, high-risk environment, players are tasked with gathering resources and completing objectives while fending off hostile forces.

Mercenary Showdowns Amidst an Alien Invasion

The game takes place in a sci-fi universe where 3 teams of mercenaries (Mercs) fight against each other while also trying to survive the aliens’ threat. The story is minimal and merely used as a background, depicting a world ravaged by an extraterrestrial outbreak where humans embark on scavenging expeditions through abandoned facilities. The plot is nothing new unfortunately, but most players won’t play this game for the story and they probably won’t care much about the audio recordings that can be discovered throughout the map.

Aliens vs Mercs in Level Zero: Extraction

Each match can last up to 20 minutes and players can choose to play as Mercs or Aliens, with clear differences in the gameplay and objectives. As Mercenaries, up to 9 players can team-up or play solo, exploring abandoned locations, gathering loot, completing objectives and reaching the extraction points safely.

They must avoid environmental hazards as well the attacks of two aliens who are controlled by other players. Mercenaries have several customization options and they can unlock better items and weapons by leveling up their reputation with traders. They are equipped with two types of weapons: firearms, which are the most common ones used against other mercs and light equipment (flares, flashlight) which is the only way to kill aliens.

Aliens must hunt Mercs and prevent their escape, but they must move in the shadows and avoid light sources. They also have their own set of unique abilities, such as heartbeat scans that help them locate Mercenaries.

Level Zero: Extraction Has Zero Balance

The gameplay offers some very fun and strategic moments, where players can choose to cooperate with other teams of mercenaries to face the alien threat, but it comes with the risk of being betrayed at the last second and losing the loot. The most common and abused tactic though is gearing-up and camping at the extraction point, waiting for the players or the aliens to arrive. The game includes a proximity chat that facilitates the communication with other players but it’s often used for jokes and stuff not related to the game. There isn’t much to discuss either because no one can be trusted in this game except for our own teammates.

While the gameplay is very enjoyable, it also suffers from some visible balancing issues that favors the Alien team. The team of mercs need to be careful because they are against each other, but the Aliens can cooperate to complete their objective or they can simply camp at the extraction location. They are also more prone to take risks because they can respawn after dying. Those who choose to play as mercs will inevitably have a harder and less enjoyable experience.

Terrifying horror atmosphere

Visually, the game is impressive, blending sci-fi and horror elements effectively. It offers a unique mix reminiscent of Alien: Isolation and Marauders, creating an immersive and terrifying atmosphere that keep players on the edge. The soundtrack is great and the sound design provides useful audio cues such as ambient noises that can reveal the aliens’ position.

However, the characters models don’t look so good and there are still some performance issues that sometimes can ruin the experience; these issues are fixable, considering that the game has been launched in early access, but at the current state they can annoy streamers and their audience.

Level Zero: Extraction can be a fun game to stream if played with friends or other streamers, but the experience alone won’t get your audience particularly interested. While the gameplay is solid and the environments are terrifying, the game doesn’t do much to differentiate itself from other FPS asymmetrical horror titles such as Hunt: Showdown or GTFO.

STREAMER SCORE

Level Zero: Extraction (PC) - 2024

Overall

3.3

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User Review

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Summary

Level Zero: Extraction shows potential but is still in its early stages. While the gameplay is fun and solid, it is currently plagued by significant performance and balance issues that favor the Alien team. Despite its impressive visuals and sound design, these flaws are hard to overlook. With some more patching and polishing it might overcome these challenges in the future, but for now it remains an unevenly balanced asymmetrical extraction shooter.