Blue Estate is a black-humoured and corrosive rail shooter, adapted from the critically acclaimed and Eisner Award nominated graphic novel, Blue Estate by Viktor Kalvachev!
Players take control of two protagonists - Tony Luciano, the psychopathic son of a mafia boss, and Clarence, a former Navy SEAL turned hitman. The game offers various control schemes, including mouse and keyboard, gamepad, and even light gun support.
The core gameplay loop revolves around quickly and accurately targeting enemies that appear on the screen. The game features an easy-to-use aiming system that allows players to seamlessly transition between targets, making the shooting feel smooth and responsive. Players must take down enemies with well-placed headshots to earn points.
In addition to the default pistol, players can find and switch between other firearms throughout each level, including machine guns and shotguns. This weapon variety adds depth to the gameplay, as players must manage their ammo and choose the appropriate weapon for each situation.
The game incorporates cover mechanics, allowing players to take refuge behind objects and safely reload their weapons. It also features quick-time events, requiring players to press specific buttons or keys to avoid melee attacks or pick up items. These QTE segments break up the core shooting gameplay and add an extra layer of challenge.
The game includes a variety of minigames, such as "Whack-a-Mole" and "Headshot Boppit," which test the player's speed and accuracy. These minigames not only provide a change of pace but also contribute to the game's sophisticated scoring system, which encourages players to achieve high-scoring combos and compete for the best times.
The game features a local co-op mode, allowing players to team up and experience the story campaign together. This co-op option adds a new dimension to the gameplay, as players must coordinate their actions and support each other to succeed.