Planned Release Date: To be announced

Netcode and Matchmaking

Without the resources to regularly update anti-cheat systems, a traditional server-based network architecture would not effectively reduce the presence of cheating in public matches. The Secret Handshake team weighed tradeoffs and made the decision to prioritize game feel and groups of friends playing together. As such, Classical Caliber Combat Contest uses a client-authoritative network architecture. This means user inputs are instantly responsive and the experience will be smoother when players are geographically separated from each other.

Because Secret Handshake cannot offer a public online experience reasonably resilient to cheating, the game does not have a public matchmaker or server browser. Instead, social features are available to help players connect to people they trust, such as inviting from the friends list, and Game Codes for easy connection without being Steam friends. Additionally, the "Station ID" feature allows users to perform custom matchmaking where they will be automatically connected to someone hosting a game using the same arbitrary code, if such a player exists.

It is our intention to be honest about the challenges of publishing an online multiplayer game, and continue to provide solutions to these issues.

Secret Handshake Interactive is brought to you by players like you.

Thank you.

About This Game

Classical Caliber Combat Contest is the "kart racer of arena shooters" where old-school movement and weapons meet party game elements like stage hazards, comeback items and a cast of challenging NPC bots.

Wield an enormous collection of weapons against your enemies, including arena shooter favorites and totally new creations! Punchy feedback, striking visuals and unique sound effects make each of the 50+ weapons a distinct tool of mayhem. Will your favorite be the classic Rocket Launcher? Or do you prefer the overloaded power of the Shell Compactor?

• Bullet weapons are well-rounded, like the adaptable Burst Rifle

• Shell weapons are specialized, like the hybrid-shotgun Scrap Blaster

• Voltage weapons are technical, like the precise Lightning Ray

• Explosive weapons damage and push targets, like the classic Rocket Launcher

• Radiation weapons possess unbelievable power, like the chaotic Bio-Blower

Each match has a five-weapon arsenal, one for each ammo slot. These weapons appear as pickups on the map, with spawn timers for stronger weapons. After the match concludes players have a short time in the Lobby to collect and play Cards, which level up, override and defend against each other to build the next match.

• Duplicate Cards combine and level up, making them harder for other players to remove

• Modifier cards change the game with wild rules, including Floor is Lava and Infection

• Utility cards change the entire board, like clearing Modifiers or removing every top card

• The rare "Mutated Mania" pack adds powerful weapon to everyone's default loadout

A cast of computer-controlled characters fight alongside players by navigating the arena, collecting pickups, and shooting weapons like a "real" human. Each of the 12 distinct characters comes with a unique appearance, skill level and text chats - NPC opponents aren't afraid to gloat about a kill! Invite the strongest bots to your Contest if you dare, as they possess incredible reflexes and aiming abilities.

Classical Caliber Combat Contest contains:

• 50+ powerful weapons

• 19 impactful Items, including the Bowling Bomb, Boombox and Versus Sensor

• 12 distinct NPC bots, each with a custom appearance, skill stats and chat messages

  • Blank "ArenaBots" available if you just want more to shoot at.

• 8 unique Maps, each with four layouts to accommodate different game sizes

• Fan favorite Modes, including Deathmatch and Capture the Flag

• Free-for-All, 2-, 3- and 4-Teams supported by all Maps and most game modes

• Game-changing Modifiers like Infection and Floor is Lava

• Stage hazards and interactive elements add chaos and tactics to combat

  • Knock players into Death Pits or Grinders for an instant kill

  • Touch an Electric Wall for a zap, or bounce certain Items to supercharge them

  • The Mutator Barrel changes based on how it is destroyed

    • Bullet weapon damage creates a simple, high-damage blast

    • Explosive weapon damage sucks in nearby players for an easy follow-up

    • Stage hazards also interact uniquely with the Barrel!

Additional Features

• Unique comic-book vibrant visual style

• Customize your ArenaBot's colors and face. See them in the Lobby, and on billboards!

• Accessibility features get new players up to speed faster

  • The Spawn List shows when weapons and powerups are about to appear

  • Performance-distributed items like the MEGA Sensor help players mount a comeback

  • Armor Stacks increase the defenses of underperforming players

• Join and invite players directly from the Steam Friends list

• Share a Game Code to easily connect without being friends

• Enter a Station ID to join a random online game hosted using that ID

Secret Handshake Interactive is brought to you by players like you.

Thank you.