For its latest release, Raven Squad: Operation Hidden Dagger, South Peak has merged a different strain of gaming with first-person shooting to create a far more tactical title. While the gameplay still focuses on intense shootouts, players can zoom out and get an overview of the battlefield at the tap of the button, transforming the game into a real time strategy experience.
From this perspective, the viewpoint of a military satellite, they can direct teammates and bomb certain locations, either to take out enemy forces or to clear out a new path forward. A tap of the button will then put players back in the boots of their selected soldier, drawing them instantly into the thick of the action.
“The defining feature is definitely the seamless combination of action-packed first-person combat and tactical real-time strategy,” says Rob Burman, South Peak’s European PR manager.
“At any time you can switch between the two modes at the touch of a button, which helps give you the advantage when going up against tough opponents in the Amazon jungle. This is the first time this combination of gameplay styles has come together and it offers players a totally different experience, compared to your average shooter.”
The inclusion of a unique selling point like this has instilled South Peak with the confidence that Raven Squad can stand out from the wealth of FPS games available today. Burman also believes the timing of the release will work to the game’s advantage.
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“We’re expecting Raven Squad to become a huge cult hit,” he says. “It’s coming out during a quiet sales period, when there aren’t many other shooters hitting the market, which will definitely generate a buzz among gamers.
“What’s more, it’s got a story that’s just like an awesome ‘80s action film – think Commando or Missing In Action – so we’re sure that gamers who have grown up watching Chuck Norris basically kick people to death will love the script of Raven Squad.”
Set in 2011, a squad of elite mercenaries is sent to the Amazon to rescue a kidnapped VIP from guerrilla forces. When their plane crash-lands in the jungle, they must work together to find their way to safety and rescue the hostage along the way.
“We believe we’re hitting the shop shelves at the right price and the right time, so retailers should expect to see a great deal of interest among customers,” says Burman.
“Plus, Raven Squad merges two very different genres with fantastic results. The blend of RTS and FPS should ensure that it attracts a wider audience that your typical shooter or strategy game.”
Of course, South Peak is not about to depend on good timing and word of mouth alone. The company has pulled out all the stops to market the game, focusing on triggering fond memories of action films rather than relating Raven Squad to other games. It’s an interesting take on raising awareness, and one that should stand to communicate well with the game’s target audience.
“We’re going for a wide-reaching PR campaign to promote the hell out of Raven Squad,” Burman explains. “We’ll be leaning heavily on its ‘80s action heritage by sending out classic DVDs to editors of specialist and lifestyle magazines in the run up to release. Just to make sure they’re mentally prepared when Raven Squad punches them in the face with its gritty storyline.
“Alongside this, we’re preparing a large scale competition plan in national newspapers and magazines, including a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to the Amazon jungle – sadly, guns, grenades and drug-fuelled mercenaries won’t be included.”
