Frozen Synapse 2 debuts gameplay in new trailer
Details new procedurally-generated overworld, factions and more.
Recently announced strategy sequel Frozen Synapse 2 has revealed its first gameplay in the following trailer.
This sequel to Mode 7's 2011 acclaimed turn-based tactics game is set in a procedurally-generated city where players can infiltrate any building they desire. Inspired by X-COM: Apocalypse, Frozen Synapse 2 will kick off with the player investigating "a series of incursions by a powerful force." Along the way, they'll encounter various factions vying for dominance, and each will have its own unique approach to incursions.
"Everything in the game is 'on the map', from money and supplies to VIP's, hostages and even the player's own in-game avatar," Mode 7 explained. "If a faction is transporting their ill-gotten gains back from a raid, the player can set up an ambush and try to snaffle the bounty themselves. If the player's base is raided and they are killed, the game will end."
Beyond this new map system, Mode 7's sequel will add plenty of other tweaks to the formula like new unit classes, individual perks, and AI. For example, guards will ring an alarm for backup should they spot your squad.
There's also more curved geometry like trees, rocks and cars, opting for a more realistic design in lieu of the genre's typical grid-based layouts.
Frozen Synapse 2 will also feature new multiplayer modes with the new "Advanced Tactics" option. "This will be optional for high-level players and will allow the creation of elaborate conditional plans," Mode 7 teased.
If things go well with Early Access, the developer would like to also add competitive 3v3 and 4v4 modes along with co-op.
Frozen Synapse 2 is still a ways off, but Mode 7 noted that its most ambitious features have already been implemented and are working well with the current pre-alpha build. "While these plans might sound ambitious, our current pre-alpha version has levels generating across the entire city map, faction activity and stealth gameplay already working and being iterated," the developer said. "This isn't a technological pipe-dream: it's a real game built on a proven tactical system. It's fun right now, and it isn't even close to working properly yet."
Frozen Synapse 2 will enter beta later this year on PC with the possibility of more platforms to come.