Out of Action: An Action-Packed Multiplayer Shooter with a Unique Spin

In an era where indie developers have increasingly dominated the single-player shooter landscape with titles such as Dusk, Amid Evil, Prodeus, and Ultrakill, the multiplayer arena has also seen a surge of creativity from smaller studios. While major franchises like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 have stumbled and Battlefield 6 has struggled to retain its initial enthusiasm, I have found myself drawn to nostalgic deathmatches like Straftat and the cooperative chaos of Echo Point Nova, set for release in 2024.

Now, a new contender from Doku Games, Out of Action, is making waves as a player-versus-player first-person shooter aiming to capture the hearts of movement enthusiasts everywhere. Although the game’s visuals may appear unremarkable at first glance, featuring generic cyborg ninjas clashing in drab arenas, it truly comes alive with fluid, acrobatic gameplay.

Players can execute remarkable maneuvers, including shoot-dodging, sliding across surfaces, wall-running, ricocheting off walls, and performing somersaults—all in the first-person perspective. This level of action could leave even the most seasoned Max Payne fans feeling a bit dizzy.

Advanced Bullet-Time Mechanics

Speaking of Max Payne, Doku Games has introduced the concept of “advanced multiplayer bullet-time,” although details about its functionality remain vague on the Steam page. However, during a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2024, the studio revealed that this mechanic would affect only players visible to one another, leaving combat in less visible areas unaffected. This innovative approach promises to add layers of strategy to gameplay.

Furthermore, charging the bullet-time feature can be achieved through stylish combat and effective fighting, encouraging players to showcase their skills with impressive moves. Choices regarding loadouts will also influence how this system operates.

Combat Dynamics and Player Tactics

Doku Games has provided insights into the tactical options available within the game. Beyond the myriad movement abilities, players can employ various strategies, such as throwing weapons at adversaries, intercepting midair rockets, attaching turrets to teammates, and deflecting enemy bullets with a katana.

Currently, Out of Action enjoys a ‘Mostly Positive’ rating on Steam, with many players praising its core mechanics while also expressing a desire for further development. Doku Games anticipates that the game will remain in early access for approximately 12 to 18 months, with plans for a variety of updates that will introduce new weapons, loadout configurations, additional game modes, enhanced graphics and sound, as well as more intricate maps.

Looking Ahead in the FPS Genre

As for the future of first-person shooters in 2026, the imminent launch of Highguard is just around the corner. Despite a wave of skepticism surrounding its potential, the game deserves a fair chance, as it brings some fresh and intriguing concepts to the table, including the ability to ride into battle on animals.

Looking further ahead, February will see the release of High on Life 2, which I hope surpasses the lackluster experience of its predecessor. March will introduce a slew of titles, including the animated shooter Mouse: PI for Hire, the Left4Dead-esque John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando—which I believe could emerge as a surprise hit in 2026—and the highly anticipated Marathon. It remains to be seen how Bungie’s latest endeavor will unfold, but I sincerely hope it achieves success for the studio’s sake.

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