Minh “Gooseman” Le on Alpha Response

Inspired by classics like Payday and Left 4 Dead, Alpha Response blends large-scale environments with fast-paced, objective-driven missions. You’ve been able to play the game in early access for some time now, but we simply couldn’t miss the chance to talk with the legendary creator of the original Counter-Strike mod. Even in the first few minutes of the meeting, it was clear that Gooseman is a true enthusiast and player who knows exactly what he wants from a game. It almost feels like he developed the game primarily for himself.

A funny moment happened right after he wanted to show us one of the mechanics and insisted it wasn’t a bug in the game (even though it actually was), and then he wouldn’t let us play again—he finished the rest of the demo on his own. Of course, he realized it after a while, but it was amusing to watch how much he could still enjoy his own game even after playing it countless times, all while answering our questions.

 For those who haven’t seen the game yet, how does a typical mission play out?

Missions are straightforward to understand but intense to play. For example, you might be tasked with escorting a VIP across hostile territory. Enemies will ambush you along the way, and it’s up to you and your squad to keep the target alive. Combat is familiar to fans of Call of Duty—you’ll be switching weapons, throwing grenades, and coordinating with your team as waves of enemies attack.

Is the game designed primarily as a co-op experience?

Yes. Alpha Response is built around four-player co-op, though you can play solo with AI teammates. The focus is on teamwork—whether you’re escorting a VIP, defusing bombs, or defending objectives, you’ll always find cooperation to be more rewarding than going in alone.

What kind of content can players expect at launch?

We’re planning two large-scale maps, each roughly 3 km², with about 40 missions in total. Missions are randomized so that each playthrough feels different—for example, you might get a bomb defusal assignment on a bridge one time, and a VIP escort the next. Post-launch, we intend to add a third map and expand the mission pool to around 60.

How long does a typical mission last?

Around 8–10 minutes. They’re designed to be fast-paced and action-heavy, in contrast to slower tactical shooters like Ready or Not. Expect more of the wave-based intensity of Left 4 Dead or the objective variety of Payday.

Where did the idea for Alpha Response come from?

We love Payday and Left 4 Dead. Our goal was to merge the intensity of those games, but flip the perspective: instead of playing as criminals, you’re police officers facing off against gangsters, terrorists, and organized crime. Missions include hostage rescues, bomb disposals, VIP escorts, and even stopping robberies—a bit like Payday, but from the other side of the law.

How long have you been working on the game, and what engine are you using?

Development has been ongoing for about 4.5 years. The game currently runs on Unreal Engine 4.27, but we’re exploring an upgrade to Unreal 5. In the meantime, we’re implementing features like ray tracing, DLSS, and FSR to ensure strong visual fidelity and performance.

Can you tell us more about the locations?

One of our launch maps is inspired by Porto, Portugal. We visited the city for reference to capture its atmosphere. Each map is designed to feel expansive, with opportunities to use vehicles, encounter roadblocks, or face ambushes—adding a layer of unpredictability to missions.

How does progression work?

Completing missions earns money, which players can spend on weapons, armor, medkits, or special support tools like drones and dogs. Even if you fail a mission, you’ll still earn partial rewards, so there’s always a sense of progress.

What sets Alpha Response apart from similar co-op shooters?

Scale and variety. Unlike many shooters that lock you into small, linear maps, Alpha Response features large open environments where vehicles play an important role. Combined with wave-based action, dynamic AI, and mission variety, we aim to deliver something that feels both familiar and fresh.

Do you have a target release window?

We’re currently aiming for mid-2026, most likely June.

Thank you.

Overall, Alpha Response is shaping up to be a blend of nostalgic co-op chaos and modern large-scale design, offering players both the frantic fun of Left 4 Dead and the structured objectives of Payday—all within expansive, living maps.