SPEC ARMS ALPHA
Posted May 19, 2023
SPEC ARMS ALPHA is a 3D action shooter developed and published by Rebellion. The game was released on the Nintendo Switch in July 2019, and is a remake of the 2001 PS2 game, SPEC ARMS. It’s an old-school, arcade-style shoot-em-up set in a sci-fi universe in 2096.
The first thing that catches your eye when you boot up SPEC ARMS ALPHA is the art direction. It features a 3D cel-shaded art style with anime-inspired characters and a slick futuristic colour palette. Every weapon looks detailed and unique, and the character designs convey a lot of personality and charm. The game also features a great soundtrack of equally futuristic tunes created by Japanese composer Jiro Eguchi, which perfectly bring the game to life.
Gameplay-wise, SPEC ARMS ALPHA is a very straightforward and easy-to-play action shooter. You take control of a single weaponized mecha, known as a Rifleman, and must navigate multiple levels in search of enemies. The more foes you eliminate, the higher the ranking you receive at the end of each stage. As you progress, you can also unlock more powerful weapons and equipment. The overall goal of the game is to defeat the main antagonist, who is the head of a powerful terrorist organization.
The game employs a simplistic yet effective control scheme to make it accessible to all types of players. Movement is handled with the left analog stick, while firing is done with the right trigger. Additionally, you have access to your character’s special abilities, which are mapped to the face buttons.
SPEC ARMS ALPHA also features a variety of levels, which come in three main flavors: Arena, Exploration, and Boss Rush. Arena stages are your basic shooting stages, where you’re tasked with eliminating as many enemies as possible. Exploration stages are slightly more involved, as you traverse through various pathways in search of hidden items while battling enemies. And finally, Boss Rush stages require you to directly confront powerful enemies in intense boss fights.
This variety of levels keeps SPEC ARMS ALPHA from feeling monotonous, and provides plenty of challenge and replayability. Additionally, there are multiple difficulty levels to choose from. The higher levels bring with them not only more powerful enemies, but also more satisfying rewards.
As far as online play is concerned, SPEC ARMS ALPHA offers an extensive ranking system, where you can compete against other players online to see who can get the highest score. The game also has a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing you to join forces with up to three other players to take on the enemies.
All in all, SPEC ARMS ALPHA is a great 3D action shooter that plays like a dream. Fans of classic arcade shoot-em-ups and modern 3D action games alike should find plenty to love in this title. With its excellent art direction, great music and varied stages, SPEC ARMS ALPHA is sure to provide plenty of thrilling gunfights and intense boss battles. It’s one of those rare games that manages to be both accessible to newcomers and challenging for veterans, making it a great way to enjoy a good old-fashioned shoot-em-up for hours on end.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Robust build quality, with metal construction for durability.
• Adjustable cheek rest, with adjustable length of pull, so that it can be used by shooters of different sizes.
• Straight ar15-style fire control, making it easy to transition from other weapons systems such as ar15s.
Cons:
• Heavy weight, due to metal construction.
• Pricey for those on a budget.
• Limited aftermarket parts and accessories, as it is a specialty weapon system.
Who Should Buy
SPEC ARMS ALPHA should be considered by anyone who wants a realistic, high-quality firearm simulation experience. It is a great training tool for people who may be considering a career in the military, law enforcement, or even private security. It can also be a great way to teach gun safety and handling to those that have never interacted with firearms before.
That being said, SPEC ARMS ALPHA is not recommended for anyone who is under the age of 18, has a mental disability, or is not authorized to handle a real firearm in the United States. It should also not be considered by those who wish to learn how to use a real firearm, as it is a simulation and not an exact replication.
Comparisons
| Product | Price | Number of barrels | Weight | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPEC ARMS ALPHA | $1,450 | 2 | 8.3 lbs | 33" |
| Remington 870 | $400 | 2 | 6.6 lbs | 40" |
| Browning X-Bolt | $750 | 1 | 5.1 lbs | 40" |
| Winchester XPR | $400 | 1 | 2.5 lbs | 44" |
| DPMS GII Recon | $1,400 | 2 | 7.4 lbs | 34.5" |
Features / Specs
•Assault Rifle
•Caliber: 5.56 x 45mm
•Weight: 8.8 lbs (unloaded)
•Barrel Length: 16"
•Overall Length: 33.5"
•Twist Rate: 1:7"
•Magazine Capacity: 30 Rounds
•Muzzle Velocity: 2,900 fps
•Muzzle Energy: 1,299 ft•lbs
•Rate of Fire: 750 Rounds Per Minute
•Effective Range: 500 Meters
Popular Accessories
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Some of the most popular accessories for SPEC ARMS ALPHA include the SPEC ARMS Alpha Skeletonized Stock, SPEC ARMS Alpha Aluminum Handguard, SPEC ARMS Alpha One-Point Sling Attachment, SPEC ARMS Alpha Oversized Flared Magwell, and the SPEC ARMS Alpha Ambidextrous Charging Handle.
Accuracy
SPEC ARMS ALPHA is a high-precision firearm from renowned manufacturer SPEC ARMS that claims to have astounding accuracy and precision. During testing, the weapon proved quite reliable; it had low recoil, excellent groupings, and precise accuracy. The potential accuracy of the ALPHA was clearly seen; at 100 yards, all rounds went into a 1.5-inch circle, regardless of the shooter’s skill level. This impressive accuracy is likely due to its precision-machined cold hammer-forged barrel and match grade components. Additionally, the barrel features a recessed crown to minimize turbulence and further extends the gun’s accuracy. All in all, SPEC ARMS ALPHA is a high-precision and accurate firearm, guaranteeing top-notch accuracy with every trigger pull.
