This Game Aims to Revolutionize Cover Shooter Mechanics

Crossfire was unveiled during the Summer Game Fest, introducing a fresh take on third-person narrative-driven shooters that aims to redefine the cover-based gameplay experience. After getting a glimpse of the game earlier this month, I believe it has the potential to stand out. The challenge, however, may lie in drawing attention to its unique approach.

This title marks the debut of That’s No Moon, a studio founded in 2021 by a team of industry veterans with experience on major franchises like God of War, Call of Duty, and The Last of Us. While the name Crossfire might ring a bell due to its connection to the long-standing free-to-play FPS from Korea, this new iteration is a distinct experience, as showcased in the trailer released during the event.

The newly announced Crossfire is a third-person military shooter that incorporates survival elements and intense combat. The narrative revolves around two characters from rival factions who must collaborate to navigate a perilous situation neither can handle alone.

While I can’t divulge specifics about this scenario, I can share that players will need to tread carefully, as enemies pack a punch and death can come swiftly. Gunfights in Crossfire are intense, and staying in cover is crucial to avoid stray bullets and potential bleed-out.

The cover mechanics in Crossfire are a significant focus for the developers. They’ve critiqued traditional cover systems that have remained unchanged for decades, where players simply press against walls or objects and pop out to shoot. This approach, they argue, restricts level design and player surprise, as combat arenas often feature predictable chest-high walls. More importantly, it doesn’t accurately reflect real-life combat, where soldiers instinctively use any available cover, adapting their movements to stay hidden while engaging the enemy.

That’s No Moon aims to replicate this more organic and tactical style of combat in Crossfire. Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, the team has developed a system with hundreds of animations to create a highly realistic cover experience. In a demo I witnessed, the character navigated over rocks and around natural obstacles, mimicking a real person’s instinct to shield themselves from enemy fire.

The fluidity with which the character maneuvered, keeping low and hidden while tracking an enemy, was so impressive it felt like a scripted animation, yet it was happening in real time. This approach sets Crossfire apart from traditional cover shooters like Gears of War and The Division.

“Everything in the environment is cover,” a developer explained while demonstrating the technology. They also confirmed that this system would function in urban settings, but it truly excels in natural landscapes, which are often lacking in conventional cover shooters that rely on crates and walls.

Despite the tactical depth and innovative cover system, I’m skeptical about how easily Crossfire will be marketed. At first glance, it may appear to be just another military shooter. In an age dominated by quick clips and trailers, this could hinder its visibility, even with its groundbreaking mechanics. It took a detailed demonstration for me to fully appreciate its uniqueness.

I asked the developers how they plan to promote Crossfire in 2026. Game director Jacob Minkoff emphasized a grassroots approach, highlighting the importance of player discussions and shared experiences. He noted that some games have mechanics that feel distinct only when played, which might not be evident in short promotional content.

He believes that as players experience the game and share their excitement with others, it will spark curiosity and draw more players into the fold.

I also inquired about the single-player CrossfireX developed by another studio in 2022. Taylor Kurosaki, the chief creative officer, clarified that their version of Crossfire is a standalone project, offering a fresh interpretation of the IP. He expressed enthusiasm for how established franchises can be reimagined over time, likening it to the evolution of Batman.

Kurosaki stated, “This is our interpolation of Crossfire. It’s a fantastic opportunity to tell a story we’ve wanted to share for a long time—one about two sides that are equally right and wrong.”

It remains to be seen if That’s No Moon can effectively convey how their third-person shooter diverges from previous titles while establishing its own identity. I’m eager to experience Crossfire and explore its adaptive cover system and survival-driven military action when it launches on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in the future.