“Ready or Not” is a tactical first-person shooter game that aims to deliver an authentic and uncompromising experience of tactical room clearing and hostage extraction. With its slow-paced gameplay, realistic consequences, and emphasis on non-lethal approaches, the game offers a nostalgic throwback to classic tactical FPS games like SWAT 3 and Rainbow Six.
“Ready or Not” is a tactical first-person shooter game that harkens back to the glory days of games like SWAT 3 and the original Rainbow Six. It is an indie game that aims to deliver the pure and unashamed experience of tactical room clearing and hostage extraction that big publishers have failed to replicate. The game has been in Early Access on Steam for nearly 2 years and has now reached version 1.0 and full release.
The defining features of a tactical FPS are pace, consequences, and objectives. In terms of pace, “Ready or Not” does not have a sprint key and movement speed is relatively slow. Consequences are realistic, with no instant health top-ups and the possibility of being killed by enemy fire. Objectives require careful and precise use of weapons, as the game features unarmed civilian innocents that must be protected and restrained. It emphasizes non-lethal approaches and the importance of gathering intel.
In single player, the player’s unit consists of a team of five individuals, including the player themselves, a team commander, and two twan elements. The NPC team members are impressively realistic, checking angles, breaching doors, and shouting for compliance. The game does not feature traditional progression or leveling up, with all equipment available from the start and unlocks being purely cosmetic.
“Ready or Not” is uncompromising in its realism and gritty depiction of SWAT team operations. It may not be suitable for those sensitive to realistic violence. The game can be found on Steam for £45 and has system requirements that can be found on the screen. Overall, if you are a fan of old-school tactical FPS games and are looking for a pure and uncompromising experience, “Ready or Not” is a fine example of the genre.