Spacelords

Spacelords (formerly titled Raiders of the Broken Planet) is a third-person tactical shooter with a noticeable twist, it pushes you to lean on stealth and melee as much as your firearms. Set on a harsh alien world, the game revolves around dangerous missions in search of the fabled Aleph, playable either solo or in co-op, with an additional asymmetrical PvP option for players who want something more unpredictable.

Publisher: MercurySteam
Playerbase: Low
Type: Shooter
Release Date: September 22, 2017
Pros: +Campaign supports solo and co-op play. +Distinctive 4v1 multiplayer concept. +Combat blends tactical shooting with stealth and melee choices.
Cons: -Very small active community. -Controls can feel awkward and unrefined. -Progression leans heavily into grinding.

Overview

Spacelords Overview

Spacelords drops players into a ruthless scavenger war for Aleph, a mysterious resource that drives every job and firefight. Although it is presented as a tactical third-person shooter, the game consistently rewards restraint and smart positioning over spraying bullets. Ammunition scarcity is a core pressure point, so you are encouraged to stalk patrols, pick your fights, and close gaps for melee takedowns when it makes sense. If you play carefully, you can even use stealthy approaches to loot enemies for precious rounds and keep moving without being forced into loud engagements.

Character choice matters as much as aim. The roster is built around distinct kits, weapons, and ability sets, which changes how you approach objectives and how you contribute in a group. The campaign can be played straight through alone or with friends, keeping the experience focused on the mission flow rather than constant interruptions.

Beyond the PvE content, Spacelords also includes an asymmetrical 4v1 mode. Four players take on a powerful opposing player who is supported by AI, creating a push and pull between coordinated teamwork and opportunistic lone-wolf play. The game is structured around seasons, with new seasonal drops intended to add at least several hours of fresh gameplay and to reflect ongoing community feedback.

Spacelords Key Features:

  • Distinct Playable Heroes – pick from multiple characters, each built around their own weapons, strengths, and abilities.
  • Third-Person Tactics Plus Close-Quarters Options – missions are not just about shooting, stealth routes and melee tools are part of the intended loop.
  • Solo or Co-Op Campaign – progress through the story missions either alone or alongside friends without forced PvP interference.
  • Asymmetrical 4v1 PvP – fight as a squad of four against a single player aligned with AI forces.
  • Season-Based Content new seasonal releases add more gameplay and are designed with community sentiment in mind.

Spacelords Screenshots

Spacelords Featured Video

Spacelords - Announcement Trailer

Full Review

Spacelords Review

Spacelords is easiest to recommend to players who enjoy slower, methodical third-person combat and do not mind adapting to constraints. The limited ammo economy is not a side mechanic, it is the main lever that shapes encounters. When it works, it creates satisfying decision-making: do you take a risky shot now, or do you reposition and try to secure a stealth kill to refill? That tension gives missions a distinct identity compared to more straightforward TPS games that assume constant resupply.

Moment-to-moment action alternates between cover-based exchanges and sudden close-range scrambles. Melee is not just a backup plan, it is often the most efficient way to maintain momentum and preserve resources. This also means pacing can feel uneven depending on your character pick and how cleanly you execute. A coordinated co-op group generally has an easier time keeping fights controlled, while solo runs can be more punishing if you get forced into extended shootouts.

The character kits are one of the game’s strongest points. Different loadouts and ability packages meaningfully change how you enter a room, how you manage crowds, and what your role becomes in a team. That variety helps the campaign avoid feeling like the same mission repeated with different scenery, even when objectives follow familiar shooter patterns.

Where Spacelords struggles is in feel and longevity. Controls can come across as stiff, especially if you are used to more fluid third-person shooters. Combat still functions, but it may take time to adjust, and some players will bounce off before the systems click. Progression is also demanding, with a noticeable grind that can slow down experimentation and make the overall climb feel more laborious than it needs to be.

The 4v1 mode is an interesting alternative to standard PvP formats, and the asymmetry can create memorable matches when everyone understands their job. The drawback is that the game’s low playerbase makes it harder to reliably find active matches and sustain a competitive loop. If you approach it primarily as a campaign-driven tactical shooter with optional asymmetrical PvP, expectations tend to align better with what the game delivers.

System Requirements

Spacelords System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Operating System: Windows 7
CPU: Intel i5 or equivalent
Video Card: GTX 550Ti or equivalent
RAM: 8 GB
Hard Disk Space: 6 GB available space

Recommended Requirements:

Operating System: Windows 10
CPU: Intel i7 or better
Video Card: GTX 750Ti
RAM: 8 GB
Hard Disk Space: 6 GB available space

Music

Spacelords Music & Soundtrack

Coming soon!

Additional Info

Spacelords Additional Information

Developer: MercurySteam
Publisher: MercurySteam

Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4

Game Engine: Custom in-house

Languages: English, Spanish, German, Italian, French

Closed Beta Release Date: September 7, 2016
Full Release Date:
September 22, 2017

Development History / Background:

Spacelords began life as Raiders of the Broken Planet and is both developed and published by MercurySteam, a studio based in Spain. Work on the project started in 2014 after the team completed Castlevania: Lords of Shadows. While MercurySteam previously partnered with Konami for publishing, the studio chose to self-publish this title instead. The game entered closed beta testing in September 2016.