Cruelty Squad

Cruelty Squad — is what happens when you gut Rainbow Six and Hitman, flip their corpses and write cryptic funny messages on the floor with their guts. The basic idea is simple. You are a depressed, budget-minded underdog killer. Kill targets, don’t die or do whatever get paid, buy gruesome body modifications that make you a more literal corporate tool and an even bigger loser. Heck, it’s now cyberpunk, a sickening, cynical entertainment product that actively resists the game. But if you like to cheer a little and enjoy it, it’s still worth a try. The Cruelty Squad is weird enough to turn a blind eye. On Steam Early Access, Cruelty Squad now fits firmly into the nascent sensory violence video game genre, where analyzing chaotic textures, quirky UI elements, and how to even play the damn thing is part of the appeal.

About This Game

Despite its harsh presentation, Cruelty Squad is actually quite a fun throwback to early tactical shooters. It’s nowhere near as smooth or full-featured, but really like the simplicity. You choose your kit from a variety of assault or stealth weapons, then enter a huge open level and find a way to kill designated targets. The challenge is to stay away from the guards by putting them to sleep with tranquilizers, looking for vents or hidden paths to sneak in and out. Or it is due to conserving ammo, peeking into a corner to effectively and carefully pull out the guards without kicking the hive. You cannot withstand strong continuous fire, even if you quickly gobble up the corpses of your enemies to gain some health.

Once you’ve discovered them all, you still have the incentive to come back. Successful kills give you money for body modifications, from basic items like body armor to tight legs that allow you to jump higher. And everything that you find on the level and complete the mission will replenish your arsenal, now it is available for any mission. It’s an enjoyable track that allows you to turn your suppressed killer maniac into a more aggressive or hidden tragedy, gradually mastering each level with repeated attempts. Everything becomes simpler, more convenient and more efficient, and it is pleasant, even if it feels good in such a frail game as Cruelty Squad is sinful and grotesque.