Blacklight Screenshots Reveal 'The Order'

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Back in March, publisher Ignition blew the lid off the Blacklight, the first playable faction found in Zombie Studios' upcoming downloadable shooter Blacklight: Tango Down.

Now it's time for the second playable faction of the "science fact" game to get some time in the black light. Meet The Order, "an elite and secretive military organization."

Priced at $15, the Unreal Engine 3-powered download is due out on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this summer. Until then, here's what we've been told of The Order:

WHAT IS THE ORDER?
The Order is an elite and secretive military organization whose publicized purpose is to protect the civilian population of Balik, although their efforts are not solely limited to that area. The Order takes pride and honor in being the first respondent into areas infected with disease and SIVs (Sentient Insanity Virus). The elite group of Special Forces operatives specializes in population- and urban-sector control measures. The bottom line -- The Order's goal is to halt the spread of and find an antidote for the virus that is devastating the population.

ROOTS
The Order originally took up arms against the government that was laid low by the initial outbreak of the virus. The government was seen as an impotent force that was simply unable to tackle the problem.

With the city of Balik left in ruin, The Order stepped in to rebuild by eliminating the virus... by any means necessary. The population of Balik was essentially deserted by their leaders, as the government and social support system evaporated overnight. The Order filled that void, restoring order and keeping the population safe. Their propaganda states they are not seeking power, territory or wealth, but instead looking to right what they consider to be a wrong.

The Order's arrival came as a surprise to the international intelligence bureaus, and there are still conflicting theories on where and how they first started. One thing all intelligence bureaus have in agreed upon is that they know that The Order is run by a single leader, are represented by their serpent logo, ignore local law enforcement/military to achieve their goals and have significant financial support, enabling them to purchase cutting-edge technology and deploy it onto the battlefield.

MAKEUP
As an organization The Order only recruit their operative through invitation, selecting the highest calibre soldiers from Special Operations and private military organizations. The Order also hires local militia to gain first-hand knowledge on the area of operations, and to better win the hearts and minds of the local community. This also provides a platform from which to evangelize their propaganda.

The Order's technology is hacked top-tier military grade equipment, modified to fit their operations and tactics. They can easily use equipment from fallen comrades to upgrade and modify their own gear. This sense of modularity is also seen in their bases and fortification style, as they reportedly use street items combined with their own pre-made military equipment.

REPUTATION
The Order's measures and tactics are reportedly clean, tough and on point. However, there have been rumors of civilian killing and mass executions. These rumors are currently unsubstantiated and are labeled by The Order as propaganda from those who oppose them.

Chris Faylor was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • UMG legacy 10 years
    reply
    April 8, 2010 5:23 PM

    I never understood the point of the term "science fact." It just sounds like an elitist term. Beaming used to be science fiction, but scientists right now are looking into technology that could make it become a reality in a few decades.

    • reply
      April 8, 2010 6:36 PM

      Well, you've kinda got it. It's like...this stuff USED to be Science Fiction, but Science has caught up with it, so now it's Science Fact (or at least Science Feasible). Cloning, Human Genome Mapping, Spaceships To Mars, Armed Military Robots, Human-Computer Interface, all that stuff is science fact now. But it's still science fiction-y in nature. So they use it as a tween word.

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