Over the years, many tactical shooters have tried to dethrone Counter-Strike, with Valorant coming close by building its own dedicated fanbase and standing the test of time. However, most of the others, about 99% fail to offer anything better or more compelling. The game we’re diving into today is no different.

That game is Spectre Divide, developed by an indie studio that includes veteran developers from Respawn, Epic, Riot, Bungie, and more. They’ve also enlisted Shroud as the lead gameplay advisor to help steer the game's direction.

At its core, Spectre Divide follows the familiar tactical shooter formula: it’s a 3v3 format with two bomb sites, where one team attacks and the other defends. You switch sides at halftime, and there’s an economy system with items like flashbangs and healing. The first team to win eight rounds takes the match—simple and straightforward.

But what sets Spectre Divide apart is its unique twist: each player has a Spectre they can position using a deployable device. If the Spectre remains alive, you can switch to it, essentially giving you two lives per round. This mechanic might seem confusing at first, but once you grasp it, the tactical depth becomes clear, and the possibilities for creative plays start to unfold.

But this part isn’t even that original. Remember Driver San Francisco? Ubisoft's 2011 Action-Adventure driving game, that had a similar ability called

“Shift” where you could leave your body and instantly take over the body of anybody else driving in San Francisco.

Combat in Spectre Divide offers a more methodical and deliberate experience compared to the fast-paced, team-based engagements of Valorant. While the gunplay is slower, it allows players to take a more strategic approach to encounters. The weapons have a distinct feel, encouraging careful aim and positioning. This approach may appeal to those who prefer a more measured pace rather than the quick reflexes required in games like Valorant.

And that brings us to the uninspired remains of the game. The game’s reliance on a two-world mechanic, where players navigate between the two spectres seems like a bid to differentiate itself from Valorant.

One of the most obvious similarities between Spectre Divide and Valorant is in the game’s combat and character abilities. Much like Valorant, the game features characters with unique equipment and skills that are meant to give players tactical advantages during encounters. However, where Valorant offers a balanced and dynamic system, Spectre Divide struggles to replicate that excitement. They lack the precision and strategic depth that makes Valorant's abilities feel rewarding and game-defining.

The sound design further adds to the mediocrity. The music is forgettable, doing little to elevate the tension or mood, and the voice acting is serviceable at best, with wooden performances that fail to inject life into the already dull characters.

In the end, Spectre Divide comes across as a by-the-numbers game that lacks creativity needed to stand out in a crowded genre. It borrows ideas from better games but executes them poorly, leaving players with an experience that feels like a shallow imitation rather than a meaningful addition to the tactical shooter landscape.

Sami is a contributor at The Daily Esports.