Meet the enigmatic Shade in Scourge: Outbreak

Scourge: Outbreak launches for the Xbox 360 this week and so it’s officially time to meet the final member of Echo Squad, the Argentinean hitman- Shade.

An Argentinian hit-man with a mysterious past, not much is known about Ramiro “Shade” Cortez. After years of searching, rumors have surfaced that his long-time kidnapped sister is still alive and under Nogari control. Dismissive of payment when offered to join Echo Squad, his only concern is the Nogari Corporation’s destruction-and fast. With “the only good Nogari soldier is a dead Nogari soldier” mentality, Shade will take no prisoners in his path for revenge.

As Shade has no recorded military training and refuses to divulge personal information, it’s unknown where he acquired his expertise. However, Shade’s honed assassin skills have proven useful to Echo Squad operations on countless occasions. Not only is his accuracy unmatched in Echo Squad’s ranks, he has the quickest aim and weapon switching for deadly fast precision. Furthermore, Shade can sprint longer than the others, and recharge his stamina faster. When Shade’s skills are combined with his Ambrosia Suit abilities, Shade is nearly unstoppable. His Static Shield remains stationary when deployed, allowing Shade to execute long-range shots from safety with supreme accuracy. Foes attempting to close distance with Shade are easily stopped with his Dynamic Shockwave — it’s perfect for intercepting charging enemies before they can get close.

UFO Interactive and Targnarion Studios has really created an interesting group with Scourge: Outbreak’s Echo Squad. It’s definitely loaded up with team-based game ‘types’ (big guy, all around leader, fast and nimble character), but it has a real GI Joe type vibe going on too.

Maybe it’s just me, but I definitely could see the quartet of characters from the Echo Squad going head to head with the forces of Cobra on a weekday afternoon after school. And man, do I dig that thought. In any event, Scourge: Outbreak’s release onto Xbox Live is right around the corner on July 3rd; you can check it out for yourself for 800 MS points.