Cruelty Squad is a unique first-person shooter that combines elements of immersive sim gameplay with an avant-garde aesthetic and satirical commentary on capitalism and corporate culture. Set in a dystopian future characterized by a garish and surreal visual style, players assume the role of a member of a private mercenary organization tasked with carrying out various assassination missions. The game is known for its unconventional graphics, which feature strikingly low-fidelity visuals akin to early 3D computer graphics, creating a jarring yet compelling environment that enhances its themes of disconnection and moral ambiguity.
Gameplay in Cruelty Squad emphasizes player choice, allowing for a variety of approaches to missions ranging from stealthy, methodical tactics to all-out chaos and destruction. Players can utilize a plethora of unique weapons, upgrading their abilities and even altering their own physiology through bizarre, grotesque enhancements that affect gameplay mechanics. The levels are non-linear, offering multiple pathways and hidden secrets for players to discover, encouraging exploration and experimentation. With its distinct art style, dark humor, and complex systems that challenge conventional shooter conventions, Cruelty Squad stands out as a bold statement within the indie game scene, inviting players to engage with its critical themes while mastering its unique mechanics.
