Akella Brings FPS Fragfest to the PC with Scorpion (a.k.a. Showdown: Scorpion)

I really like the folks over at Akella. They produce decent games and they are a great bunch of people with a solid work ethic who absolutely love making video games. However, I have to disagree with their choice of soundtrack for the trailer they sent us this week. Originally titled Showdown: Scorpion, the trailer shows off what can only be described as a fragfest with good graphics and frightening surprises around each corner. With that said, the scariest thing about the trailer has to be the woman singing – if she is not Yoko Ono, she sure as hell is related to her. Take my suggestion, and listen to it about 1/3 of the way through the trailer just so you will have an idea of what I am talking about – then turn your sound off lest your ears start to bleed.

Coming to the PC this Spring, the basic premise for Scorpion’s backstory is that the world in 2028 has become a place without mercy, compassion, or sympathy. Drastic changes that followed a sudden crisis split society into several parts – all of them opposing each other. You are offered to wear the shoes of a special agent who has to penetrate the Umbrella Corporation Zenith Corporation that breeds monsters, initiates killings and, actually, rules the world. Full of monsters, zombies, and dangerous dungeons Scorpion seems like it will be a mix between your basic FPS with a bit of survival horror thrown into the recipe. For gaming features and a more in depth look at the backstory, continue on after the break. In the mean time, please take my advice above to heart regarding the dying cat they recorded as background music. Dear God it is hideous. Sorry Akella.

Suffer the agonies and
Catch a trouble but still
Oppose the rotten government’s control,
React to what they do to your life now that
Peace’s been forgotten.
Initiate the resistance,
Outfox those who’s stronger and
Nothing can stop you since you’re Scorpion, the special agent whose destiny is to fight the evil.

After several major economical and political crises the world as we know it ceased to exist. Only few major states survived 2020s, while the lesser authorities have collapsed, leaving behind anarchy and pollution. The power vacuum was filled by key international companies which acquired control over derelict territories, forming Free Commerce Areas (FCAs).

In early 2030s ruins of unknown origin were discovered in Sudan. Several artifacts possibly of alien nature were quickly revealed and soon major dig has started. But few months of work as well as the bulk of the dig team were lost to the underground explosion followed by contamination of the region. To prevent diseases from spreading a series of nuclear strikes were made to completely annihilate the site. These events have caused major resonance and soon a treaty limiting the usage of dangerous technologies and weapon systems was signed between the FCAs and UNO. As a result the International Committee of Technology and Warfare Supervision (ICTS) with its own military and intelligence units, was created.

Same time few survivors of Sudan Incident emerged as founders of newly formed Zenith Corporation. This institution with HQ in Zagreb FCA quickly established itself as a notorious player on weapon, pharmaceutics and IT markets. But in 2028 several instances of Zenith weapon systems together with samples of unidentified biological weapons were discovered during the liquidation of the extremists’ Albanian group in Kosovo.

ICTS immediately started investigation. It was planned to infiltrate Zenith as a customer with clear ties to one of the terrorists’ organization and get a proof of its illegal activity. One of the best ICTS field agents, codename Scorpion, has been assigned to this mission…

• Intense action in cyber-punk styled Earth 2028
• Futuristic storyline supported by multiple cut-scene
• Combination of first-person combat and stealth action elements provides unique gaming experience
• Impressive arsenal of upgradeable weapons
• Characters can gain access to several paranormal psychic powers including the ability to subdue the will of enemies for a short period of time
• Advanced squad-oriented combat AI creates a strong challenging opposition
• Elite opponents possess supernatural powers similar to those of the player’s character
• Cutting-edge game engine produces a detailed realistic picture