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Crossfire is Coming to the World of VR

One of the highlights of the 2023 Game Developers Conference was the festivities at the Epic Games booth. Their transformation of the expo floor into a festival in its own right has been a staple of the event. Guests could enjoy some drinks and snacks while demoing upcoming titles built using the Unreal 5 engine. 

One game that I got to try out was Crossfire: Sierra Squad for the PlayStation VR2. During the 2023 Game Developers Conference I got the chance to learn more about the game and the series from the Smilegate Entertainment team. At the same time, I got to try out the game for myself. 

An Introduction to Crossfire 

Crossfire is a series of tactical first-person shooters that have been developed and published by Smilegate Entertainment. The game has a solid fan base in China, South Korea, and most of Asia. With over 1 billion players worldwide, it’s one of the most popular multiplayer shooters in the world. Crossfire: Sierra Squad will be the series’ second attempt to enter other markets while being its first forte into the realm of VR. 

Chatting With the Smilegate Entertainment Team

Smilegate Entertainment had their team at the Epic Games booth ready to answer any questions and provide any information about the game. During my visit, they first made sure to give me a quick history of the series (as I was not that familiar with it).  

Next, they went into a brief but detailed summary of the game. Crossfire: Sierra Squad will bring the fast-paced action of a first-person shooter to the VR medium. While going for a more arcade style, it will also capture the realistic and tactical elements that have defined the series. The game will feature a single-player campaign and co-op missions. 

They also highlighted that players will have access to a massive arsenal while also having the option to customize their weapons based on their preferred style of combat and tactics. When on the battlefield, players are encouraged to use the environment to their advantage along with being smart with the gear they have.  

Playthrough of Crossfire: Sierra Squad

My playthrough of Crossfire: Sierra Squad began with an introduction to the controls and gameplay. This was done at a shoot range stage that allowed for an immersive lesson while also allowing me to try out some of the game’s many firearms. Here I was introduced to the control functions, how to use the weapons and the gear (like health stims and grenades). I also learned that I need to actually use both my hands when using the gun or the recoil makes me lose control (so much for looking badass – LOL). 

During the demo mission, I navigate through a war-torn city while battling enemy forces. I’m equipped with an M4, a sniper rifle, grenades, and health stims. As I move through the ruins, I encounter minor ambushes and take out enemy troops. Eventually, I reach the town square where I face an ambush of enemy troops and snipers. With the help of my AI partner, I manage to hold out and successfully complete the mission.

Final Thoughts on Crossfire: Sierra Squad

When it comes to a VR military shooter, this is basically what I would expect in all the right ways. Players get to experience fast-paced combat on a stunning battlefield. This is definitely a title shooter fans should look out for, especially if you are into VR games. Crossfire: Sierra Squad is expected to launch sometime in 2023 for the PlayStation VR2. 

This preview is part of our coverage of the 2023 Game Developers Conference. If you attended the event, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Disclaimer: FortySeven Communications provided 8Bit/Digi with press passes for GDC 2023.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.