Every so often a multiplayer reveal forces you to pause the endless scroll and think, “This actually feels fresh.” That was my reaction to the first look at Gigils, the action brawler from Crytivo and Missset. In a landscape dominated by copy-and-paste hero shooters, here’s a game about bizarre little aliens feasting on bugs, riding oversized beetles, and lobbing bombs in frantic team brawls. If you’re tired of rinse-and-repeat match types, stick around—this one aims to shake things up.
| Publisher | Crytivo |
|---|---|
| Release Date | TBA – Early playtests on Steam |
| Genres | Multiplayer, Action, Arena Brawler |
| Platforms | PC (Steam) |
Where most hero shooters lock you into rigid classes or static loadouts, Gigils lets you tailor your approach match by match. You choose one of four alien archetypes—Dozer, Shocker, Slobber, or Smoker—each with unique base stats and movement quirks. Then you pick three abilities from a pool of nine per class. Want a defensive build that drops proximity bombs? Go for it. Prefer a speed-focused kit with leap attacks and bug mounts? That’s a valid strat too.
This system strikes a balance between the identity of class-based shooters like Overwatch and the moment-to-moment adaptability of a MOBA. You’re not stuck with the same kit grind after grind; instead, you can tweak your loadout to counter an enemy composition or to surprise your friends on Discord.
At its core, Gigils is a melee brawler, but it layers in enough oddball interactions to keep every fight feeling spontaneous. Picture this: you’re backed into a corner, so you mount a giant bug for a quick escape. On the way, you devour a cluster of NPC insects to trigger a temporary stat boost. Enemies chase you, only to be met with a well-timed ground slam or sticky bomb. Leveling up mid-match lets you allocate points to strength, speed, or special effects, and if you really commit to munching the right critters, you can evolve your alien form entirely.
That “emergent chaos” recalls the best moments of Splatoon’s Turf War or early Overwatch’s experimental betas. Every match can shift in tone: one moment you’re on a control point, the next you’re leading a swarm of bugs across the map. It’s tactical mayhem that demands quick thinking and on-the-fly adaptation.
Gigils promises familiar multiplayer formats—think King of the Hill, Team Deathmatch, and Capture the Core—but each mode is spiced up with alien-only mechanics. Control points might hatch bugs that heal or hinder whoever steps too close. Escort missions could feature rideable eggs as mobile shields. The developers haven’t listed every mode yet, but the framework suggests they’re aiming for a rotating playlist that keeps map rotations and objectives fresh.
Of course, the real question is depth. Will we see limited, cookie-cutter arenas at launch, or a diverse selection of bioluminescent jungles, industrial labs, and mutated wastelands? Mode variety and map design will make or break replay value. For now, keep an eye on dev updates for concrete details on map count, seasonal events, and mode rollouts.
One encouraging sign is Gigils’ early playtest phase on Steam. Crytivo has a track record with community-focused indies (The Universim, anyone?), and opening the gates for real-time feedback can head off many launch-day headaches. You’ll likely find matchmaking balance, server stability, and bug squashing high on the list of playtest priorities.
Areas that deserve closer examination during these tests include latency on both local and overseas servers, anti-cheat measures, and how well UI elements communicate ability cooldowns in the heat of battle. If the developers actively collect and act on that feedback—rather than shipping a mostly fixed product and hoping for the best—Gigils could sidestep the live-service pitfalls that plagued titles like Bleeding Edge.
Here’s where my enthusiasm bumps into reality: sustainable post-launch content. Cosmetic options—hats, hand decals, alien backpacks—are already lined up, but meaningful progression systems remain a question mark. Will there be ranked ladders, seasonal battle passes, or weekly challenges that reward strategic play rather than grind? Competitive players crave clear goals, and casual fans want a steady drip of fresh content to come back for.
It’s also unclear whether new classes, abilities, and game modes will roll out on a predictable schedule. Without a roadmap for DLC or major patches, a lot rests on the team’s ability to commit to a content calendar. We recommend watching Steam announcements and community forums for hints at a post-launch plan. That info will shape whether Gigils can maintain momentum beyond the first month or two.
Gigils arrives with a vivid promise: melee-focused alien mayhem that rewards creativity and on-the-fly thinking. If Crytivo and Missset deliver on class balance, map variety, and a robust roadmap for new content, this could be one of the most memorable multiplayer experiments in years. It’s worth signing up for the Steam playtest now—if only to experience the bizarre thrill of eating your way to victory or staging a surprise bug-ride ambush.
Ultimately, Gigils stands at the crossroads between niche cult hit and breakout multiplayer phenomenon. The foundation is there: unique mechanics, flexible customization, and a community-first ethos. Now it’s a matter of execution. Keep a close eye on early feedback and developer updates—if the pieces come together, prepare for a new “just one more match” obsession.
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