Released in 2010 by Raven Software and published by Activision, Singularity remains one of the most underrated first-person shooter survival horror experiences. Built on Epic’s Unreal Engine 3, this atmospheric title combines classic FPS mechanics with unique time manipulation gameplay, creating something that feels like a blend of BioShock, Half-Life, and even a precursor to mechanics we later saw in COD BO7’s experimental time-bending missions.

If you’ve never explored the eerie island of Katorga-12 or want to revisit it with a more strategic mindset, here’s an in-depth breakdown of the gameplay, mechanics, multiplayer features, and storylines to help you dominate this hidden gem.

Core Gameplay: The Power of the TMD

At the heart of Singularity is the Time Manipulation Device (TMD), powered by mysterious E-99 energy. Unlike typical FPS weapon systems, the TMD turns time itself into a weapon.

Functions of the TMD

• Time Shift (Revert or Age) – Restore objects to their original state (like fixing broken stairways) or decay them into dust. This mechanic is not only essential for puzzle-solving but also for creating tactical advantages in combat.
• Chrono-Pull – Attract objects and hold them indefinitely, similar to a gravity gun. This makes environmental weapons—like explosive barrels or debris—just as deadly as firearms.
• Impulse Blast – Release a pulse of time energy that can stun or outright kill enemies. Useful when you’re surrounded.
• Upgrades – As the campaign progresses, power stations amplify the TMD, allowing you to manipulate large-scale objects like collapsed bridges or derelict ships.

The TMD forces players to think beyond bullets. Every combat encounter becomes a puzzle—should you weaken enemies, control the battlefield with aged barriers, or stun groups before finishing them off?

Weapons & Combat

While the TMD is the star, Singularity doesn’t neglect traditional weaponry. You’ll wield:

• Assault Rifles & Shotguns – Perfect for dealing with Soviet Spetsnaz forces.
• Seeker Rifle – A unique sniper rifle that allows you to control bullets mid-flight, offering cinematic slow-motion kills.
• Grenades & Explosives – Ideal for crowd control, especially when paired with the TMD’s time powers.

Spetsnaz soldiers clad in E-99-resistant armor pose greater threats, forcing you to combine conventional firepower with TMD precision.

Horror Elements & Atmosphere

Unlike typical military shooters, Singularity leans heavily into survival horror design. Dark, abandoned Soviet laboratories, eerie audio logs, and grotesque time-distorted creatures build constant tension. The way the environment shifts between 1955 and the present day enhances the unease, creating moments where players must fight for survival in collapsing timelines.

Multiplayer Modes

Although the campaign is the highlight, Singularity also includes two competitive multiplayer modes:

1. Creatures vs. Soldiers (Deathmatch Style)
   • Soldiers use firearms and tactics.
   • Creatures rely on unique abilities like teleportation or raw melee power.
   • This asymmetry keeps battles unpredictable.
2. Extermination Mode
   • Soldiers must capture and defend beacons scattered across the map.
   • Creatures must prevent beacon captures and overwhelm human teams.
   • Roles swap once a round ends, testing adaptability.

These modes may feel dated compared to modern multiplayer titles like COD BO7, but they offer a refreshing twist with asymmetric design rarely seen in mainstream shooters of the era.

Plot Breakdown: A Web of Time Paradoxes

The Setting – Katorga-12

Once a secret Soviet research island, Katorga-12 is the epicenter of experiments with E-99, a mysterious element capable of manipulating time.

Captain Nathaniel Renko’s Mission

After an electromagnetic surge crashes his helicopter, Renko finds himself shifting between timelines—modern day and 1955. Early on, he saves scientist Nikolai Demichev from a fire, unknowingly altering history.

The Resistance & The Plan

In the altered present, Demichev controls the world. Resistance fighter Kathryn and surviving scientist Victor Barisov recruit Renko, believing the TMD can undo Demichev’s dominance. Their mission: return to 1955, recover an E-99 bomb, and erase the catastrophe.

Multiple Endings – Player Choice Matters

The climax revolves around whether Renko sides with Demichev, Barisov, or neither. Each ending reshapes history:

• Kill Demichev → Barisov becomes the new world leader.
• Kill Barisov → Renko and Demichev rule together, sparking a new Cold War.
• Kill Both → Renko rises as a tyrant, wielding the TMD to dominate the world.

This branching narrative makes Singularity stand out, rewarding multiple playthroughs to see the consequences of different choices.

Why Singularity Still Matters Today

Though overshadowed by bigger franchises like Call of Duty, Singularity is often remembered as one of Activision’s most experimental titles. Its blend of FPS gunplay, survival horror atmosphere, and innovative time mechanics make it unique.

Interestingly, some mechanics—like shifting timelines and altered historical outcomes—resemble missions later seen in COD BO7, showing how Singularity may have influenced the future of shooter storytelling.

Tips for New Players

1. Upgrade the TMD Early – Focus on time powers before weapon upgrades; they give more versatility.
2. Listen to Audio Logs – They provide lore and often subtle hints for puzzle solutions.
3. Save E-99 Ammo – Special ammo is rare, so don’t waste TMD energy on weaker enemies.
4. Experiment with Time Puzzles – Don’t always look for a combat solution—sometimes the key is aging or reverting objects.
5. Replay for Endings – Each ending dramatically changes the world’s fate, so multiple playthroughs are worth it.

Singularity is a forgotten masterpiece that blends atmospheric storytelling, horror tension, and shooter mechanics into a cohesive, replayable package. If you enjoyed narrative-driven shooters like COD BO7 but want a darker, more experimental twist, Singularity is absolutely worth revisiting.

For players who thrive on competitive intensity, it’s interesting to see how Singularity’s unique mechanics echo through modern shooters. The time-bending experiments of Katorga-12 may not have the same fast-paced multiplayer scene as today’s titles, but the lessons it brought to the FPS genre are still felt. If you’re diving into the modern battlefield and want the edge in a game like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, you might even look into ways to buy COD BO7 lobby access to sharpen your skills and experience matches on a whole new level. It’s a reminder that while games evolve, the desire to master every battle—whether in the past, present, or future—never changes.