1047 Games’ sequel to the Halo-meets-Portal shooter, titled Splitgate 2, aspires to be more grandiose, polished, and captivating than its predecessor. However, one may wonder if the increased budget has truly unlocked the full potential of the original game. While this new version is undeniably a blast to play and technically superior to its forerunner, it seems to lack the electrifying “next big thing” vibe that was present in the first release.
For those not familiar, the game Splitgate made a big impact in the shooter genre last year (2021). It was like a breath of fresh air in a crowded and somewhat tired category, providing the arena-style shooting that many seemed to be seeking, with a unique twist involving portals. Yet, it’s important to note that 1047 Games is not on the same level as industry giants like Infinity Ward or Respawn Entertainment, and this lack of resources was noticeable. However, with evident enthusiasm and fresh funding, 1047 opted to channel their efforts towards a follow-up game instead.
Four years have passed since the original launch, and what emerged from those dedicated efforts is now Splitgate 2. Upon first glance, you’ll see it has discarded its previous gritty style for a more vibrant color palette and crisp visuals. However, the most significant improvement lies in its enhanced first-person gameplay, which boasts faster speed, sleeker mechanics, and is on par with any contemporary AAA shooter.
Since our initial encounter with Splitgate 2, one aspect that’s captured our attention is how, while its control scheme resembles Halo Infinite, its portal mechanics demand some learning curve. At first glance, this could seem challenging, but it’s precisely this element that adds a rich layer of complexity to the gameplay experience.
In Splitgate 2, a quick press of R1 lets you link a portal to specific walls within its compact arena-like stages. By repeating this action on another wall, you create a passageway to traverse. At first, portals are mainly employed for swift travel between locations, but as you familiarize yourself with the maps and their structures, they can be utilized for a wide range of creative purposes.
For instance, you can position portals to outmaneuver opponents, securing advantageous positions for precise attacks, or use them to traverse the map quickly with momentum. Although these strategies may appear straightforward, mastering them can be challenging – and that’s what makes the learning process exciting. As we struggled to incorporate portal movement into our reflexes, the moment we successfully executed a perfect flank or escape through a portal was exhilarating.
Many of the abilities associated with portals heavily rely on the size and layout of the maps, ranging from small to extensive ones. Regardless, understanding map layouts is crucial because the placement of portal walls is strategic, meaning you can’t suddenly teleport behind your opponents without careful planning. Knowing where these portal walls are located and how to maneuver through them significantly affects your performance in the game.
While I appreciate the map designs, I find them a bit lackluster in terms of visual appeal. In our beta testing, we shared this sentiment, and it seems that the maps may not be fully utilizing the potential of portals compared to the original game. There appear to be fewer areas for exploration and interaction with the game’s physics.
While the streamlined gameplay offers a more compact feel, it seems to lack some of the enchanting allure that the initial game possessed. After numerous gaming sessions, we couldn’t pick a single map as our favorite among the rest. For us, the game’s main disappointment lies in its indifference-inducing nature, which unfortunately stands out as its most significant shortcoming.
As a dedicated Splitgate 2 enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the diverse gameplay modes that keep my gaming sessions fresh and exciting. Even when the maps might leave me yearning for more, there’s an abundance of modes to explore, ensuring a constant blend of experiences. From the classic team deathmatch and domination, to capture the point and search and destroy, there’s something here for everyone. These modes are brimming with action and sheer enjoyment – perfect for those quick, half-hour gaming sprees when I need a break from the world!
In addition to standard gameplay, Splitgate offers some exclusive modes such as Splitball, where moving balls through enemy portals into your own deposit is crucial. Another distinctive mode is 24-player Onslaught, which combines the feel of large-scale combat with the instant teleportation feature that makes the map seem both expansive and compact.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found myself in a unique battle royale experience, boasting four expansive arena maps. These maps progressively squeeze you from one to the next, all while engaging in intense team battles. Being regular battle royale enthusiasts here at Push Square, this fresh take is intriguing, but it feels more like an additional feature rather than a substantial investment of my gaming time.
Furthermore, let me mention a map creation tool and servers where you can play user-generated content. Initially, these platforms were populated with remakes of Nuke Town from Call of Duty, but they could also accommodate maps that embody the whimsical, chaotic essence of the original game.
To put it plainly, Splitgate offers plenty of action and fun. But what’s your motivation behind playing? It turns out that the game has a basic leveling system associated with its hero classes. Initially, there are three classes available, and they all operate similarly, equipped with the same assortment of weapons. However, each class possesses unique abilities, such as scanning the map to reveal enemies or setting up a wall to block incoming bullets. These abilities don’t significantly alter the gameplay compared to other hero shooters.
As you progress in the game, your weapons and character classes will improve, granting access to additional gun accessories, healing items such as a health stimulator, and advantages like quicker reloading. It’s unlikely that you’ll take long to work through all the upgrades, but there’s an enjoyable boost in XP and levels to ensure the game feels engaging.
Regrettably, the live features in this game don’t seem to meet expectations entirely. Battle passes are quite common in multiplayer titles such as this one, requiring players to spend real money for a chance to acquire new visual items. After purchasing a battle pass, you’re required to complete tasks to earn tokens and subsequently unlock rewards from it. In principle, that sounds reasonable, but the battle pass in Splitgate 2 feels incredibly bland – especially when contrasted with games like Fortnite or The Finals.
Beyond the point, microtransactions in Splitgate 2 appear overpriced, a move made after a price reduction due to fan backlash. They offer paid packs, premium currency, and an additional upgrade currency. We’re not implying that Splitgate 2 is being criticized for having microtransactions, as they are optional purchases. However, it seems as though 1047 hastily assembled its paid content, offering nothing particularly enticing.
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2025-06-10 20:37