Heat Signature

Mechanics

Gameplay mechanics are relatively simple – as a space thief, a player chooses consecutive assignments in which they have to retrieve a given item from a procedurally generated space station, eliminate a VIP, etc. Even though the action is set in space, Heat Signature has nothing in common with popular simulators, in which one can do whatever he sees fit. In the game developed by Suspicious Developments, a player cannot land on planets, extract resources, build new machines, and recruit crewmembers. Instead, one gets a small ship at their disposal, which can be used to get onto a selected space station.

The game is an interesting combination of arcade mechanics (featured in e.g. Hotline Miami), SUPERHOT, and the active pause system. Space stations are composed of a given number of modules. One has to fight their way through and reach the target object or person. Of course, on their way, a player has to fight numerous enemies – in combat, one can use the slow motion system and take their aiming. Nonetheless, if there are more foes to defeat, one has to employ proper strategies. For example, one can jump into a room with several bad guys, eliminate one of them, launch the active pause, pick up the weapon dropped by the first enemy, turn off the pause and kill other two – one with the new gun, and the other with the previous one. Then, a player can dodge a bullet shot by a yet another opponent, reload, and kill him in the end.

This is only the beginning, as the game offers huge opportunities especially that as one progresses, they gain access to numerous gadgets allowing e.g. hacking defensive turrets, which start shooting at the enemies. Another interesting device is the Swapper, which allows a player to switch places with a chosen enemy. This means that after a guardian shoots at the main protagonist, a player can enter the active pause, use Swapper, exit the pause menu and see how the bullet hits the person who shot it. Moreover, it is even possible to destroy entire modules of a station using special grenades or by shooting at exploding barrels.

Game modes

Even though Heat Signature for PC does not feature a regular multiplayer mode, it offers an interesting activity – should one's friend get caught on his mission, a player can attempt rescuing him. If successful, a player receives a new avatar. Moreover, the game offers a training mode, in which one can test new items and gadgets with no consequences.

Technical aspects

In Heat Signature for PC, players observe the action from the top-down perspective. One can zoom in and zoom out depending on their preferences. The game delivers relatively simplistic visuals, thus the game does not look stunning, but it fulfils its promise – 100%.