This Counter-Strike clone is getting mercilessly roasted by the internet

The internet has sized up DFUSE, an upcoming strategic 5v5 tactical team shooter that looks a lot like Counter-Strike, and gamers already really don’t like what they’ve see.

DFUSE, developed by Estonian company AEY Studios, released a new trailer as part of the Gamescom 2024 run. The internet wasn’t kind after taking a look either, with much of the collective response pointing out the unpolished look of the product: “Was it supposed to come out 15 years ago?” one fan quickly roasted. Another fan simply asked, “Android or iOS?” with that zing being followed by RTX 4090 claims. Although the tactical shooter self-describes as a next-gen FPS-MOBA, it doesn’t exactly look next-gen.

When there’s so much competition in the indie gaming space, it can be difficult for any new developer like AEY Studios to make a big splash. This is made more difficult by the fact that many gamers don’t seem to understand what sets this title apart from CSGO or Counter–Strike 2. One particularly toasty comment asked, “Is this Roblox?”

Even that question puts DFUSE up against tough emerging competition. Against the likes of new games, including Frontlines—which has players mistaking it for classic Call of Duty when its graphics are bumped—DFUSE doesn’t look so hot. Another unimpressed gamer suggested Team Fortress 2, now 17 years old, has better graphics.

With low-poly visuals and hectic editing that leaves much of the actual experience up to the imagination, the audience is not vibing. There is a chance AEY can change minds when DFUSE opens its alpha in October. Until then, however, not many are convinced.