Headup Games — Rectify Gaming https://www.rectifygaming.com/tag/headup-games/ Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:23:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.rectifygaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-Rectify-Gaming-Purple-32x32.png Headup Games — Rectify Gaming https://www.rectifygaming.com/tag/headup-games/ 32 32 New Enhancements On The Way For Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 Versions For Pumpkin Jack later This Month https://www.rectifygaming.com/new-enhancements-on-the-way-for-xbox-series-xs-playstation-5-versions-for-pumpkin-jack-later-this-month/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/new-enhancements-on-the-way-for-xbox-series-xs-playstation-5-versions-for-pumpkin-jack-later-this-month/#respond Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:23:57 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=111458 Although 3D platformers are conceived to be a niché from certain developers, franchises, and even eras at this point, there still remains some influence obtained from previous games that lay heavy on newer projects. Take Pumpkin Jack as solo developer Nicolas Meyssonnier discloses the title to mesh both MediEvil and Jak & Daxter. Of course, [...]

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Although 3D platformers are conceived to be a niché from certain developers, franchises, and even eras at this point, there still remains some influence obtained from previous games that lay heavy on newer projects. Take Pumpkin Jack as solo developer Nicolas Meyssonnier discloses the title to mesh both MediEvil and Jak & Daxter. Of course, the game spins its own tale with its Halloween-set backdrop.

Although development kicked off all the way back in 2017, developer Nicolas Meyssonnier continued to work on the game for the following years until 2020. That was in October last year where Meyssonnier went on to ship the game for all major consoles then. Noted, the game despite its timing ahead of the new consoles at the time did not ship a dedicated version.

Recently, Nicolas Meyssonnier and Headup Games went on to announced Pumpkin Jack will be delivering a new version for the game to complement the Xbox Series systems and PlayStation 5 platforms. You can watch the new trailer in the video below:

“Pumpkin Jack may be a retro throwback to the golden age of 3D platformers, but it elevates it with contemporary graphics that have never looked better, thanks to the new gen’s ray-tracing enhancements. This is the definitive edition of Pumpkin Jack, arriving just in time for Halloween!” Meyssonnier explains in the announcement.

As you can gather, the new improvements further the visual experience of Pumpkin Jack alongside greater performance to the game. With that features ray-tracing elements alongside an increased frame rate to deliver as refresh rate now at 60Hz. Alongside a new resolution to 4K, the most appreciated is that the version is cross-buy for all owners of the game for either PlayStation or Xbox.

Previously, Rectify Gaming got a hands-on with Pumpkin Jack a year in advanced to its full release. You can read the feature by heading here.

Are you interested to see how Pumpkin Jack delivers on Xbox Series or PlayStation 5?

Pumpkin Jack comes to Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 on October 27, 2021; out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Source: Headup Games

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Indie Game Publisher Headup Games Acquired By Thunderful Group https://www.rectifygaming.com/indie-game-publisher-headup-games-acquired-by-thunderful-group/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/indie-game-publisher-headup-games-acquired-by-thunderful-group/#respond Sat, 27 Feb 2021 21:48:44 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=105770 In recent discussions, the talk of acquisitions continued to be pinned towards major players in the video game industry. Most recently being Microsoft’s ambitions to completely acquire Zenimax Media, which includes subsidiary publisher, Bethesda. But, there are continued purchases of properties and the attached firms involved as well. Of course, THQ Nordic cannot keep its [...]

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In recent discussions, the talk of acquisitions continued to be pinned towards major players in the video game industry. Most recently being Microsoft’s ambitions to completely acquire Zenimax Media, which includes subsidiary publisher, Bethesda. But, there are continued purchases of properties and the attached firms involved as well.

Of course, THQ Nordic cannot keep its name out of the acquisition conversation as well. In its most recent case, the Austrian publisher conglomerate announced to be taking ownership of another dozen smaller studios. In that, it includes teams like Purple Lamp Games responsible for Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated.

In a new statement from Thunderful Group, the Swedish video game holdings firm announced to be acquiring indie game publisher Headup Games.

The acquisition of Headup is fully in line with our strategy to grow our Games segment and the Group as a whole. I’ve known Dieter Schoeller ever since we started publishing games ourselves more than ten years ago. The fine folks at Headup are very good at merging game development and publishing, and they’re doing better and better business.

The acquisition strengthens our international position, broadens our network towards more development studios and creates synergies within the Group’s publishing operations. We welcome our new co-workers in Düren who will work closely with their colleagues at Thunderful Publishing.

Brjann Sigurggeirsson, Thuderful Group CEO

Issued in the press release, Thunderful Group is told to pay €5 million for Headup Games. Additionally, the firm will also provide an ‘earn-out component’ based on the publisher’s performance until 2023. The purchase is told to be finalized before March 31st next month.” After more than a decade on our own, it’s time for the next big adventure – and I’m really happy to become a part of Thunderful Group,” Dieter Schoeller, Headup Games founder adds.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Brjann for many years now, and he’s always been an inspiration for business practices and partnerships. Becoming an important part of the family will give our experienced team new opportunities and unleash our full potential.” In the past, Rectify Gaming spoke with Schoeller on some of Headup Games ambitious publishings like Julian Laufer’s Outbuddies & Elder Games’ Everreach: Project Eden which you can read now!

What Headup Games title do you enjoy the most?

Source: Thunderful Group

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Pumpkin Jack Arrives To Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC On October 23, PlayStation 4 Version To Follow Weeks After https://www.rectifygaming.com/pumpkin-jack-arrives-to-xbox-one-nintendo-switch-pc-on-october-23-playstation-4-version-to-follow-weeks-after/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/pumpkin-jack-arrives-to-xbox-one-nintendo-switch-pc-on-october-23-playstation-4-version-to-follow-weeks-after/#respond Tue, 06 Oct 2020 22:27:38 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=102570 Already on the verge of finishing the first week of October, many should already be familiar that Halloween will be making its annual appearance at the end of the month. And despite the conflicting novel coronavirus affecting those looking to celebrate, there is an alternative for those eager to partake in spooky festivities. In a [...]

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Already on the verge of finishing the first week of October, many should already be familiar that Halloween will be making its annual appearance at the end of the month. And despite the conflicting novel coronavirus affecting those looking to celebrate, there is an alternative for those eager to partake in spooky festivities.

In a new project coming from Nicolas Meyssonnier, Pumpkin Jack encaptures all that is to love about Halloween and the eeriness of the holiday and morph that into a 3D action-adventure platformer. Today, publisher Headup Games posted a new trailer for the title sharing that the game will be arriving to Xbox, Switch, and PC on October 23.

You can watch the new release date trailer in the video below:

“Dive into an Epic Adventure through otherworldly landscapes and help the Evil annihilate the Good!,” the synapse reads in the trailer’s description. “Travel through epic and dramatic settings, with each level having its own eerie atmosphere. Using a vibrant palette and high quality lighting effects, Pumpkin Jack invents its own unique cartoon universe inspired by the classic PS2 graphic style.

“You will have to master the arts of dodging, timing and movement to vanquish Jack’s foes. During the dynamic real time battles, choose which weapon you want to use and strike at the critical moment! Solve puzzles that focus on physics, gravity and reflection.”

Most noted from the trailer is that the PlayStation 4 logo was not illustrated in the ending title card for the game’s late October release. And that is due to the fact that the title will not be release this month for Sony’s console. On Twitter, the official page for Pumpkin Jack tells that the game will hit the PlayStation Store “a few weeks later” with not reasons as to why for the delayed release.

In anticipation for Pumpkin Jack arriving in a couple weeks, Rectify Gaming suggests you read up on our full feature of the game from this year’s PAX East. Speaking with Headup Games’ PR Manager Gregor Ebert, he offers insight on how solo developer Nicolas Meyssonnier brought Pumpkin Jack to life. You can read the full piece by heading here.

What system are you planning on getting Pumpkin Jack for?

Pumpkin Jack is coming to Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on October 23, 2020; PlayStation 4 version to follow after.

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Subnautical Action Platformer Outbuddies DX To Ship For Switch & Xbox This Friday, Arrive To PlayStation Later On https://www.rectifygaming.com/subnautical-action-platformer-outbuddies-dx-to-ship-for-switch-xbox-this-friday-arrive-to-playstation-later-on/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/subnautical-action-platformer-outbuddies-dx-to-ship-for-switch-xbox-this-friday-arrive-to-playstation-later-on/#respond Sun, 31 May 2020 14:07:52 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=98542 Developer Julian Laufer alongside publisher Headup Games have been working endlessly to ship out the final bulk of versions for Outbuddies DX. The title initially framed to arrive for Xbox/PC/PlayStation/Switch last fall only received its debut on Steam with the remaining platforms left awaiting for each respected version to follow suit. However, the times for [...]

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Developer Julian Laufer alongside publisher Headup Games have been working endlessly to ship out the final bulk of versions for Outbuddies DX. The title initially framed to arrive for Xbox/PC/PlayStation/Switch last fall only received its debut on Steam with the remaining platforms left awaiting for each respected version to follow suit. However, the times for said versions were failed to be mentioned.

Now in a new trailer for the game, Headup Games unveils that the next installment will be shipping this coming Friday for Xbox and Switch. You can watch the trailer in full in the video below:

The subnautical action platformer stands out in the heavily-occupied genre through its inception of influential elements while directing new aspects that deems the experience unique. While it will essentially play as the likes of Metroid, what turns the tide is the cooperative feature in-game through your robotic companion, the Buddy-unit.

Either playing alone or with a friend, the additional character plays a big role when exploring the depths of Behlam and facing the monstrosities that await your arrival. The feature also intertwines with exploration as players can also expect to find new areas and items as they continue to work together to uncover every secret throughout the course of the game’s story.

Although there were not much details spared on the game from the recent announcement aside from the new platforms that will be added to the list finally, Headup Games tells there will be more details to arrive shortly after. In the press release, it was told that the publisher will disclose more details during the approaching Guerrilla Collective showcase.

In anticipation for the new versions of Outbuddies DX, make sure you go read Rectify Gaming’s feature for the game from PAX West last September. “But defining as ‘just a platformer’ would be insulting when I speak towards Outbuddies seeing that there is more to the game than just platforms to jump on,” we shared about the game. You can read the full piece by heading here.

Are you planning on getting Outbuddies DX for Xbox or Switch?

Outbuddies DX is coming to Xbox One and Nintendo Switch on June 5, 2020; PlayStation 4 version to follow after; available now for PC.

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PAX East 2020: Pumpkin Jack Is As Good As The Game Looks https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-east-2020-pumpkin-jack-is-as-good-as-the-game-looks/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-east-2020-pumpkin-jack-is-as-good-as-the-game-looks/#respond Sat, 07 Mar 2020 21:50:42 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=95782 When it comes to the discussion of holiday-centered games, we as a collective in the current atmosphere of constantly updated titles insist that there is no primary need for an entire project dedicated to one annual celebration when said game could have a decorative event instead. While that is true to some extent, hindering the [...]

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When it comes to the discussion of holiday-centered games, we as a collective in the current atmosphere of constantly updated titles insist that there is no primary need for an entire project dedicated to one annual celebration when said game could have a decorative event instead. While that is true to some extent, hindering the possibility from creative potential is not worth sacrificing for a few weeks of pumpkins planted on your favorite online game.

In effort to support titles alike, Nicolas Meyssonnier’s Pumpkin Jack is a great example of the type of vigor that make games focused on festive themes flourish when handled properly. At PAX East the past weekend, I visited the Headup Games’ booth to demo this hidden gem.

Before getting my hands on the behind closed doors demo, I watched the trailer for the game which illustrated a spooky yet colorful experience following the passage of the titular Pumpkin Jack to wreak havoc on the inhabitants of Boredom Kingdom in pursuit for the evil wizard. Offering combat, exploration, and immersive scenarios that brighten the playthrough for the player, I approached the game very ambitious. And the game proved to be just that once the controller fell into my grasp.

The design and production for the landscapes alone are one to take in: offering volumetric lighting, a cascading color palette, and intricate & well-thought out modeling is enough to keep the player’s eye glued to the screen. While demoing the game alongside Headup Games’ PR Manager Gregor Ebert, he disclosed that the project is also expected to implement raytracing support for machines that can properly process the extra ‘umph’ to allow Pumpkin Jack to shine; mostly the PC version.

Reiterating on the aspect of the character models, I was in awe of how imaginative the game’s enemies and even the protagonist himself looks. While there is so much you can do with gothic era architecture and cartoon aesthetic to make a foundation for the title, the muscle behind the monitor went above and beyond what is necessary for Pumpkin Jack and is acknowledged for the dexterity going the extra mile.

Transitioning the topic to gameplay, there is more that can be said on the matter. Controlling the character felt very smooth and responsive which instantly is a gripping enough element to dictate a good first impression. The introductory segment of the demo was laid out with platforming obstacles including spinning platforms and leveled climbing. Despite the commencement of the game being so primitive, it does vary quite a bit which does not feature incessant repetition.

Shortly after, the Pumpkin King quickly befriends a crow who helps fight your first group of baddies. When nearby, you can direct the feathered friend to pounce on your foes and deal damage on the skeletal hostiles. Even more, your new friend can also help with platform puzzles: for instance, directing the crow to knock over standing boards to bridge gaps is just one example of his helpful traits.

Gameplay takes a large turn when you equip yourself with a sturdy shovel allowing our protagonist to participate in combat scenarios. Just like the lustrous control scheme, Pumpkin Jack’s fighting mechanic is also another aspect that feels fine-tuned to satisfy anyone playing. The demo segues on to introduce more enemies like fireball-launching jack-o-lanterns and ghostly apparitions in further segments of the game I jumped through. Combining these different elements in one encounter is where the experience really flourishes as you will have a form of strategy to attack, dodge, and utilize your crow.

Elsewhere in the game that I played, I met a scenario that strips Pumpkin Jack from his body and access a barn playing just his gourdy appendage with vines erecting from the bottom to move. For this instance at least, I faced a puzzle where I had to move crates to reach a higher platform to open the barn: assumably, these segments look to offer different enigmatic encounters which the player will stumble upon when progressing.

Additionally, the game’s music is another layer of immersion that should be noted. Panning from the chattering xylophone rhythms to the subtle strumming of a lute instrument pairs well with the game’s euphoric setting. Altogether makes for a captivating experience that surely gets the message across for what this game’s ambitions are.

Speaking with Ebert throughout my hands-on with Pumpkin Jack, I learned about different aspects and fundamental details regarding the game’s development. Elaborating on the creative process that the project endured, all of the assets for the title was crafted by one person, Nicolas Meyssonnier. Building the game from the ground up using Unreal Engine 4 surely is a challenge for a team of developers, but for one individual truly is impressive reflecting the outcome of the project so far.

Concluding my time playing the game, my only concern arose regarding the control scheme being absent of Y-Axis invert. Me alongside Ebert are both prone to this and had to tough through the demo, specifically during the platforming segments of the demo. The PR Manager jokingly tells that he will strangle Meyssonnier if not added in the full version, but in actuality is confident that the feature will be supported when the game releases later on.

Since we’re on the topic of Headup Games-published titles, you can also check out my feature for Colt Canyon from PAX West last year. Retrific’s title was showcased at PAX East as well, so head here to get the full rundown.

If you are ecstatic to see the full potential of Pumpkin Jack alike myself, make sure you visit the game’s Steam page to add the game to your wishlist!

Pumpkin Jack is scheduled to release sometime in fall 2020 for PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.

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Everreach: Project Eden Launch Delayed To This December https://www.rectifygaming.com/everreach-project-eden-launch-delayed-to-this-december/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/everreach-project-eden-launch-delayed-to-this-december/#respond Fri, 01 Nov 2019 14:41:32 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=48760 Fans looking to get their fix on the next sci-fic, action adventure will have to be patient as spiritual successor Everreach: Project Eden has recently been delayed to this coming December. The initially slated launch for September as we see a month later proves to not be accurate, and Elder Games confirms that game will [...]

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Fans looking to get their fix on the next sci-fic, action adventure will have to be patient as spiritual successor Everreach: Project Eden has recently been delayed to this coming December. The initially slated launch for September as we see a month later proves to not be accurate, and Elder Games confirms that game will instead come later in Q4 than originally scheduled.

Through a new documentary short of Project Eden, we learn about the initial pursue from the EverReach Corporation to transform the uncharted planet of varying ecosystems into the first colonized sphere under the galactic conglomerate. Noting that this is just ‘Documentation #1’, it is expected that similar videos following will be released as we come closer to the game’s foretold release at the end of the year.

Treading back to this past August at this year’s PAX West, I managed to get an hands-on demo for Everreach: Project Eden to intake what could possibly be the next moving stone for the currently deprived sci-fi adventure genre. Speaking with publisher Headup Games’ CEO Dieter Schoeller, he revealed that the company would be prepared to take on a larger franchise seeing that the game could potentially take over from where Mass Effect left off after the release of the third installment.

Especially seeing that BioWare’s current project Anthem presented to only be another upset for the studio, now would be the perfect time for Elder Games to overtake that responsibility with Everreach. For more noteworthy details on the game, Narrative QA Michelle Clough for the first three Mass Effect titles is also involved with title’s storyline to create a unique foundation that separates the project’s universe from other games.

Do you plan on picking up Everreach: Project Eden this holiday season?

Everreach: Project Eden will be out this December for Xbox One, and PC with a following release on PlayStation 4 in 2020.

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Outbuddies Hits PC Next Week, Console Launch In Early 2020 https://www.rectifygaming.com/outbuddies-hits-pc-next-week-console-launch-in-early-2020/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/outbuddies-hits-pc-next-week-console-launch-in-early-2020/#respond Mon, 07 Oct 2019 12:24:35 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=48223 Fans who have been looking for just the right metroidvania fix this coming Fall are in luck as publisher Headup Games have announced that aquatic platformer Outbuddies will be hitting PC as soon as next week. During this year's PAX West in Seattle, I got some hands-on time with the approaching 2D title and got [...]

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Fans who have been looking for just the right metroidvania fix this coming Fall are in luck as publisher Headup Games have announced that aquatic platformer Outbuddies will be hitting PC as soon as next week. During this year’s PAX West in Seattle, I got some hands-on time with the approaching 2D title and got to sample some of genre changing features that lead developer Julian Laufer have implemented into Outbuddies.

Following the journey of archaeologist Nikolai Bernstein, the scientist is stranded 36,000 feet at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and discovers the ruins of Belham, an ancient city created by the gods before the time of man. While on this abrupt expedition, Bernstein is bound to a Buddy-unit who accompanies our protagonist on this journey.

Bernstein’s metallic companion introduces the game’s local co-op as players can venture on this new experience under the oceans surface. Pairing together to solve puzzles, explore the deep blue’s tightest cervices, and battle monumental bosses, Outbuddies only adds another layer to the already in-depth genre of metroidvania platformers. And if you decide to play alone, that’s not a problem as you can switch between the two at anytime during the game.

For my full coverage on Outbuddies, you can read my feature for the game by going here.

Outbuddies will be available on Steam on October 15, 2019 while Xbox, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch is expected to receive a console version sometime in early 2020.

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PAX West 2019: Elder Games’ Everreach: Project Eden Rebirths The Action Sci-Fi Genre https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-west-2019-elder-games-everreach-project-eden-rebirths-the-action-sci-fi-genre/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-west-2019-elder-games-everreach-project-eden-rebirths-the-action-sci-fi-genre/#respond Wed, 11 Sep 2019 14:11:44 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=47574 The sci-fi adventure genre as a whole this generation seemed to have slipped on what fans would define the category towards playing new titles following the release of 2017’s Mass Effect: Andromeda and this year’s Anthem. While both games are developed by landmark developer BioWare, fans who looked forward to playing both projects, for the [...]

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The sci-fi adventure genre as a whole this generation seemed to have slipped on what fans would define the category towards playing new titles following the release of 2017’s Mass Effect: Andromeda and this year’s Anthem. While both games are developed by landmark developer BioWare, fans who looked forward to playing both projects, for the most part, came out vocally denouncing the two to being foreign from what the Electronic Arts studio usually produces last generation for this genre.

And while fans are less hopeful seeing that now both games have not met the higher expactations ranked for the titles prior to launch, this left a window for a new game and/or developer to take the position Bioware paved nearly a decade before. Specifically, I’m referencing towards Elder Games’ Everreach: Project Eden which I got to play at PAX West last weekend.

Set during an specified time in the future, the story follows security agent Nora Harwood who must clease planet Eden of its hostile inhabitants in effort to make the lushious world into a luxury getaway for humanity. In the midst of the Everreach agent purging Eden, she stumbles upon native technology that does not welcome her prescence alongside discovering a civil war between two ancient alien factions that are indigenous to the planet.

Speaking with CEO of publisher Headup Games’ Dieter Schoeller on the show floor, he was helpful to answer my questions for the game looking how close the game looks to launching later this Fall. Everreach alike the titles its attempting to be a spiritual sucessor of is a third-person, over-the-shoulder shooter with RPG elements inbedded in the core gameplay. While the project does from the first look hold influences close during its demostration, Everreach however includes a layer of “tactical gameplay” that makes the title unique when in contrast.

As already said that the game is a third-person shooter, traditional gameplay aspects such as shooting and taking cover is only the base surface that the game offers. Schoeller explains that the core game changer for Everreach revolves around your side buddy robot that plays as a helpful companion on your experience on the uncharted planet. Generally, this miniature machine can help with hostile enemies either by being deployed as bait or be initiaited for offensive combat.

Schoeller goes into detail that “the side buddy robot can be upgraded towards the user’s preferred play style – that either being offensive or leaning more towards defense.”

However, the robot is also a story dynamic as he can also participate during the main plot’s progression. What Schoeller means by that is it adds dialogue to make the game breathe life with short quips or relaying a relatable expression to make the player feel as if they are part of the experience. Avoiding the game from being painted as a carbon copy, Elder Games managed to obtain personas within the sci-fi universe to assist in the game’s development.

For instance, former BioWare Narrative QA Michelle Clough has been confirmed to utilize her prior work on the Mass Effect trilogy to assist in the storyline for Everreach. Alongside the ex developer, Mai-Ahn Tran whos artistic specialtize worked on 2016’s Star Trek: Beyond is also involved with the upcoming game surrounding the world’s visual design.

Asking what exacly redefines the game, this time through the project’s overall story, Schoeller ephasizes on the size of the game’s development. “Small team production,” he specifies in response to me asking. Stating that the game is expected to be an seven hour experience, the title does offer multiple endings upon completion. Roughly four endings: possibly six as there are two potential side conclusions.

The 20-minute demo for the most part introduced the world following Harwood’s abrupt crash landing and experimenting with the game’s combat mechanics after arriving on Eden. Bouncing from a splurge of different energy-based weapons, the part that truly took show floor attendees by surprise when playing was the concluding chase scene involving Nora straddling a hover bike as she races away from hostile fire. Commening with Schoeller during the segmant, he took me by surprise when he clarified that the game is using Unity: especially looking at the amount of detail that makes up Eden’s composition, I would have assumed the game is an Unreal Engine 4 project.

One thing that kept me interested was how the team decided to title the game, “Everreach: Project Eden.” Quickly reading that lead me to the assumption that this game could be planned to include multiple installments following the launch of Project Eden. Schoeller explains that the game was initially labelled “Eden,” but following the popularity of the name then resulted with “Everreach to be added to the official title. Additionally, the team would look to making a sequel, but that will be determined following the game’s reception.

Reading the comments of the project’s announcement trailer which was uploaded back in July, majority of viewers accepted the title to plausibaly be the game that takes the helm for sci-fi adventure titles from BioWare. Which then primed me to press Schoeller on the possibility of the game inheriting the status BioWare currently holds in regards to developing said games, he explains that if the title does gain a surpluss amount of traction, Headsup Games is prepared to take that responsibility.

“If [Everreach] does kick off exceeding expectations at launch, we [Headup Games] already have experience with series that grew to that size,” Schoeller makes apparent to me. “Me along with a few others at Headup have worked at Ubisoft prior to forming the team – so we know how to work with big series already.” “Headup Games already has one big franchise: Bridge Constructor. Our first-hand experience with a big title came when the game’s creator decided to do the Portal crossover.”

Everreach: Project Eden is scheduled to release sometime in Q4 2019: listed for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. You can go to the game’s Steam page and add it to your wishlist by going here.

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PAX West 2019: Outbuddies Reconfigures The Metroidvania Genre https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-west-2019-outbuddies-reconfigures-the-metroidvania-genre/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-west-2019-outbuddies-reconfigures-the-metroidvania-genre/#respond Mon, 09 Sep 2019 22:49:56 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=47502 Alike every PAX I attend, striving to find another ground breaking platformer is always a priority seeing the amount of potential that continues to sprout from the indie market currently. But defining as “just a platformer” would be insulting when I speak towards Outbuddies seeing that there is more to the game than just platforms [...]

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Alike every PAX I attend, striving to find another ground breaking platformer is always a priority seeing the amount of potential that continues to sprout from the indie market currently. But defining as “just a platformer” would be insulting when I speak towards Outbuddies seeing that there is more to the game than just platforms to jump on.

In this game, the plot follows the journey of archaeologist Nikolay Bernstein after wrecking his ship in the center of the South Atlantic Sea. Not until Bernstein comes to; 36,000 feet of the ocean’s surface does the experience begin. In finding of Belham, a sunken city of the Gods before us, Bernstein also discovers that he is linked to a Buddy-unit that he discovers he is unable to break free from.

Speaking with Dieter Schoeller, Founder of Headup Games who represented the game on the show floor, he shared that developer Julian Laufer who has been working on the game since 2013 came to using the depths of the South Atlantic to set Outbuddies is primarily influenced by the idea of a hollow canvas and felt the concept based in an abyss suited his vision perfectly.

 

Atop of being a gamer himself, Laufer also appreciated retro titles such as Super Metroid and Castlevania. So striving to introduce something new without reflecting too hard on the source material, this is where the Buddy-unit shines bright. Breaking from traditional metroidvania standards, the player will have the option to control more than one character at the same instance. While Bernstein is the protagonist and how the story relies on his progression to advance on, the Buddy-unit is who dots the ‘I’s and makes sure everything is spelled correctly.

The game requires you to work alongside as the two are conjoined for the plot. The floating Buddy-unit as he follows you around can help with dealing against the stray enemies on the ocean’s floor as well as assist in the approaching puzzles the two will face. He can also be very helpful with hacking enemies to your advantage when the walls start to close in on you. Schoeller who shared to have played roughly 25 hours of the game mentioned that the Buddy-unit is also really helpful with platforming through the game’s world and to be the extra hand needed when exploring some of the tighter crevices in deep in the Atlantic.

That’s not all he can do as the Buddy-unit is also the key to introducing local co-op to the game as well. While you play by yourself, the you can transition between the two when necessary towards completing your objective. But when you introduce a second player, the responsibility is split in half and adds another dynamic to the core gameplay. Seeing that you will have more say when playing together, he will surely help especially when versing the bevy of boss battles that lie within the game’s story.

Demoing the game, it was evidently easy to pick up the control scheme for the most part. Aside from the rolling mechanic that Bernstein utilizes towards maneuvering through tights spaces and climbing walls, this was something that players would have to work to perfect over time. But even then if you still have trouble, the game also supports key rebinding/controller reconfiguration to suit every player’s respected control preference.

Getting my hopes up of potential additional features for the Switch version of the game, I asked Schoeller what Nintendo’s hybrid handheld console would offer over the PC and other console counterparts. However, I was only told that HD rumble will be implemented for the Nintendo Switch.

Changing the conversation to the game’s substance, I questioned about the possibility of more content that might arrive following the game’s upcoming release next month. But Schoelller shared that the base game is currently what the developer has planned for the release. Seeing that the title has been in development for nearly six years, Schoeller reaffirms that there is plenty of content in the base game which he witnessed from his time playing.

According to the game’s Kickstarter, Laufer initially planned to release two extra DLCs if the game reached a certain milestone during the funding period. First being an Arcade Mode which is said to be a “mixture of tower climbing and a boss rush challenge that will test your skills” while the second piece of content would offer a second playable character, the Wozan. The indigene would be provided its own list of upgrades and a unique story. Could we see this coming following the game’s upcoming release? That is left unknown for the time being as both the developer and publisher wants to have a smooth launch before thinking into what is next.

Outbuddies is scheduled to release October 2019 for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. You can go to the game’s Steam page and add it to your wishlist if you are interested in the title by going here.

 

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PAX West 2019: Colt Canyon Introduces Roguelike Gameplay To The Wild West https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-west-2019-colt-canyon-introduces-roguelike-gameplay-to-the-wild-west/ https://www.rectifygaming.com/pax-west-2019-colt-canyon-introduces-roguelike-gameplay-to-the-wild-west/#respond Sun, 08 Sep 2019 01:15:28 +0000 https://rectifygaming.com/?p=47529 Travelling through the gulch of the Wild West, you and your partner out of nowhere are ransacked by a neighboring gang of bandits: left with no other alternative, you must fight your way through the hazardous gorge filled to the brim with antagonizing foes in attempt to rescue your partner from their captors. This is [...]

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Travelling through the gulch of the Wild West, you and your partner out of nowhere are ransacked by a neighboring gang of bandits: left with no other alternative, you must fight your way through the hazardous gorge filled to the brim with antagonizing foes in attempt to rescue your partner from their captors. This is the brief synopsis of Retrific’s Colt Canyon, a top-down roguelike western which offers players the chance to truly experience the barebones experience of a cowboy.

However, that is not truly the basis for the game as players will be offered to play a diverse cast of playable characters to choose from when progressing through the upcoming title. Speaking with Dieter Schoeller who represented the game through publisher Headup Games, he explains that player progression will differ based on the character you decide to play as when entering the Wild West. While only given the advertised cowpoke when beginning the game, others will be discovered along the way to take the spotlight if chosen.

Deciding to swap the protagonist not only provides a new look, but also introduces new traits that defines the character from the others.

“The selection of characters that are available in the game will offer different traits that make one standout from the rest,” Shoeller explains to me during my demo. “Let’s say you decide to pick the young girl that is in the game – she will be more nimble and quicker compared to the beefier man that is tougher, but is a lot slower also.”

Going into the gameplay aspect of the title a little more, it was revealed early in with my hands-on demo that the game is a permadeath scenario and results with me backtracking to the beginning of my journey each time I fall from an enemy’s bullet. Each time passing a life will also generate a new world different from the last. While I do get stripped of the majority of loot I discovered from my latest venture, one neat feature that seemed to bounce me back a bit is that I keep the weapon I had when dying in my hands.

There is a varying range of weapons that you quickly discover when playing deeper into the demo. During my time playing, I ran across a small arsenal listing from your starting revolver to a bow & arrow, and a musket. Schoeller shares that only touches the surface as there are other weaponry that is in the base game like double-barrel shotguns, TNT, tomahawks, and more. While even going gung-ho is the main combat element that is implemented into the game, some segments could be done through stealth if the enemy is not keeping an eye out.

Simply rushing a bandit or Indian when they are looking another way gives you the perfect window of opportunity to go and flank them before someone notices. However, this will not always be an option and keeping your firearm sturdy is the most preferable way to continue your journey onwards. And even then, this is set during a time when resources ran scarce as society was in the process of pushing to the west coast, so ammo will not always be there when you need it most.

This is where the game introduces its open-world looting system: especially for a pixilated roguelike game, looting is one thing that usually doesn’t make it to the development checklist. Running across different settlements and other hidden outposts, the areas are littered with different barrels & containers that hold things like ammunition and health tonics. In occasion to regularly breaking said items, a weapon does tend to pop out which is helpful if looking to alter your current load out.

During your expedition through the dusty chasm, the juncture in your travels will eventually lead you to saving a missing partner who was taken from the adjacent hostiles. Once successfully rescuing them, this opens new opportunities to your character as they will now be offered new jobs to pursue or decide on a skill to put an upgrade towards.

The more evident trait that makes this game standout though is the choice of colors used to paint the environment and characters. Asking Schoeller what was used for the main color palette, he reveals that it is a varying color scheme of sepia which is a reddish-brown color to give off a reduced effect when implemented properly as you can see. He continues on by explaining that Jonathan Mannshoven, the lead designer for Colt Canyon, initially used pixel art for the entire canvas of the game’s backgrounds, but moved towards a “drawing style” to create the world we see now.

Though the title’s visuals do stand at being unique, it does raise some questions about how everything would play out. Reading some comments on the game’s announcement trailer, interested fans did think that the choice to color both the protagonist and every other character the same color would lead to confusing who your really are controlling. However, Schoeller when confronting him about the claim is confident that this will not be the case when getting their hands on the game themselves.

The character is in the middle of the screen when you play. Typically, when playing they are isolated from the other characters – so this will keep the player from being confused.

Referencing other details for the game, Schoeller does share that the game is also said to include a local co-op option that would allow you and a friend to take on the roughs of the west. However, he elaborates that depending on the current status of the game’s development, this might not be fully implemented when the game finally arrives. Schoeller announces that the main goal for the project is for players to continue returning to the game with an exciting new experience each time.

Colt Canyon is scheduled to release sometime this Fall in Q3 2019 for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. You can go here to add the title to your Steam wishlist if you’re eager to play when the game launches.

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