Blackbird Interactive and Gearbox Publishing have released some more details about the upcoming space RTS Homeworld 3. The newest installment in the Homeworld series will feature a new roguelike-inspired multiplayer mode called War Games. Unveiled at GamesCom, the new mode creates a strategic co-op experience mixed with elements of roguelike gameplay.

War Games can be played solo or cooperatively with up to two others, meaning three players in total. Plays will select a starting fleet and command it through a series of three randomized combat challenges, hence the roguelike mechanics. Those who successfully manage their fleets through the objectives obtain Artifacts that can augment their ships.

Also, players will earn experience for progressing through War Games which unlocks additional Artifacts and starting fleets. Blackbird plans to continue evolving War Games even after launch with optional premium content expansions.

At a glance, this mode reminds me somewhat of the StarCraft 2 co-op mode. I was already looking forward to Homeworld 3, so a continuously replayable roguelike mode sounds like a great addition to the RTS. Typically there's not much reason to replay a campaign in this sort of title, so a mode like this is a perfect fit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmQ56YpYaAA

Additional campaign details and mod support

During Gamescom Opening Night Live we also got some campaign details in the Homeworld 3 Story Trailer. The all-new original story takes place decades after Homeworld 2 and focuses on the looming threat to the Hiigaran fleet.

A sudden brutal attack by a new enemy known only as the Incarnate forces the Hiigarans to cross into the Anomaly, and face new dangers inside.

We also got some details regarding planned mod support with Homeworld 3. Modders will be able to create their own content and share it easily with other players using mod.io. At launch players will also have the tools to customize ships and build their own levels for Skirmish mode within an Unreal game editor. Players will be able to place megaliths, resources, and other objects to create completely unique battlefields and maps.

By partnering with mod.io, Homeworld 3 mods will be available on both Epic Games Store and Steam when the RTS releases.

The sci-fi space RTS recently suffered a delay moving it out of the first half of 2023. Homeworld 3 now launches in February 2024 on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

The post Homeworld 3 reveals new roguelike multiplayer mode called War Games appeared first on Destructoid.

A step forward in almost every way

The souls-like genre has become extremely prevalent in recent years. Despite the increased popularity, few games have been able to pull off the formula and stand toe-to-toe with Demon Souls, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Remnant: From the Ashes had a rather modest launch back in 2019, but in the years following acquired somewhat of a cult following. I loved the original, but definitely felt it had room for improvement. Thankfully, Remnant 2 improves on what made Remnant so much fun, while also fixing some of the more glaring flaws.

Oh yeah, and also like the original, Remnant 2 is hard.

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Remnant 2 (PC [reviewed], PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Developer: Gunfire Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Release: July 25, 2023
MSRP: $49.99

After creating a character and going through a brief tutorial, Remnant 2 introduces you to a hub called Ward 13. You'll be spending a lot of time here crafting mods, upgrading weapons, and stocking up on consumables. Here you will also encounter the first Red Crystal. These act as your checkpoints to heal, replenish ammo, and teleport between worlds. If you've played Dark Souls, this is essentially your bonfire. After exploring Ward 13 it's time to visit your first world.

[caption id="attachment_392520" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Welcome to The Labyrinth

Almost everything in Remnant 2 is randomized. I made the mistake of choosing Hunter as the archetype for my first character. Don't get me wrong, Hunter isn't bad, but as a first-choice solo option, there are definitely better picks.

I'll admit, I struggled a bit. I created a new character with the much more solo-friendly Challenger archetype and chose to skip the tutorial since I had already done it. To my surprise, the first and only world I could access from the Red Crystal was different than where I went with my Hunter.  Each world is host to several intricate zones laden with checkpoints and mini-bosses, a familiarity to this genre. At the end of each world is also a final boss that you must defeat in order to complete the world, get some coveted loot, and move on to the next.

After completing your first world you will unlock the labyrinth, an intricate maze of enemies and loot that may hold some answers as to what is going on in the world of Remnant 2. Ironically, despite the name, the Labyrinth is a non-randomized area that connects all of the worlds. As you defeat the final boss of each world you will go back to the Labyrinth and progress the main story and access other worlds.

[caption id="attachment_392521" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Many ways to customize your build

Like the original, Remnant 2 doesn't want you to just complete a world one time and be done with it. You'll want to run them again to farm better loot, while also continuing to level your character. Leveling up unlocks skills and perks specific to your archetype. You'll also receive trait points which can be used to further progress your character.

At the start, you only have a handful of traits to put your points into such as Vigor to increase your health, Endurance to increase your stamina, and Expertise to reduce your skill cooldown. But as you progress you will also unlock new traits that allow you to further specialize your build. A brand new character will look similar to those of the same archetype; with the same skill, starting weapons, and traits. However, once you're hours in, two characters of the same build will look drastically different.

Alongside the traits, you also have equipment slots to help create the build you want. This includes four different armor types, a primary, secondary, and melee weapon, an amulet, and four rings. Obviously weapons are important, but your amulet and rings can really change up your playstyle based on what you find. You can also find and customize new relics which act as your healing potion with some added effects.

Of course, what you acquire to build around will be random. This can be both a pro and a con in my opinion. It's an added difficulty to adapt to what the game gives you. But on the downside, it can really cause some tedium when you're trying to build your character a certain way but simply aren't getting the drops that resonate accordingly.

[caption id="attachment_392523" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Still better with a friend

If you played Remnant: From the Ashes you'll probably agree that as fun as the game is solo, it's infinitely better co-op. Remnant 2 makes the solo experience a lot more interesting—and possible, for that matter—but the multiplayer is still where the game shines. Any time you are at a Red Crystal you can join a multiplayer session. There's even a quick match option to get you right into the action.

Even though the gunplay in Remnant 2 is fair for the most part, there are definitely encounters and even areas that feel tuned for a co-op setting. The game certainly doesn't require you to play with others, but it definitely makes it easier and usually even more fun! I can't tell you how many times I just got surrounded due to a horde of enemies beelining me before I could thin their numbers a bit.

Some archetypes even specialize in co-op gameplay. For example, the Hunter can be a powerhouse in terms of damage if given the ability to sit at a range and lineup shots. As you can imagine, this is much easier to do when playing with others. But if you're all alone like I was with my first character, it's almost a guarantee you're going to find yourself overwhelmed and unable to take advantage of your strengths.

[caption id="attachment_392526" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Incredible world(s) design and score

As much as I enjoyed the cinematography and scope of the world design in Remnant: From the Ashes, the team really knocked it out of the park with Remnant 2. There are multiple worlds you'll find yourself progressing through, each with a unique setting and story that really immersed me.

My personal favorite is probably N'Erud. A technologically advanced species called the Drzyr mastered time and space and constructed N'Erud as part home and part spacefaring craft. However, before finding other sentient life they encountered the center of the universe. Here they found a supermassive black hole. Determined that the secrets to the universe lie on the other side, the Drzyr entered the black hole only to find their civilization destroyed immediately. Only Tal'Ratha the Astropath survived the event and helps guide you through the now derelict N'Erud as you try to salvage what's left.

Throughout Remnant 2 you will also encounter a few familiar worlds including Yaesha, home of the Root invasion. While the Root definitely plays a role in Remnant 2, it isn't the only sinister force at play. The storytelling in Remnant 2 shines brightest when focusing on the individual happenings in each world. The overarching main storyline, unfortunately, does not hold up as well. It moves along at a snail's pace and due to the systematic structure of replaying worlds to progress, the main story quickly feels like it's not going anywhere.

Also, I just want to point out how awesome the music is in Remnant 2. Each world has its own sort of underlying musical theme, and the intense battle music often got me pumped for battle. Even the main menu music is top-notch. I accidentally left the game open while working on this review and kept it that way just to enjoy the epic track.

[caption id="attachment_392528" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Overall, Remnant 2 is a sequel done right

As I said, Remnant 2 does have some flaws. The main story feels very lackluster, and the randomization can very easily lead to a not-so-fun experience. But these are essentially the same flaws that Remnant: From the Ashes had on a lesser scale. Gunfire Games took the highlights from the original game—the gunplay, the boss fights, the build variety—and amplified them.

I can honestly say I can't wait to jump in with friends and work together to try and optimize each other's builds as a coherent team.

If you were a fan of Remnant: From the Ashes, chances are you already planned to pick up Remnant 2. If you haven't played the original but are a fan of souls-like games, or even rogue-likes like Risk of Rain 2 or Returnal, this will be right up your alley. At times it can be an extremely challenging experience, even on the easiest difficulty. But that's also what makes it so rewarding when you finally kill that boss and obtain its loot. Even if, as is likely, it's not something you plan on using.

The post Review: Remnant 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Recover lost memories in Relic Hunters Legend

There are many looter shooters on the market, but the upcoming game Relic Hunters Legend manages to stand out thanks to its adorably cartoonish visuals. A closed beta will be made available soon, giving the public a taste of what Rogue Snail is cooking up. Here's everything you need to know.

[caption id="attachment_391976" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Relic Hunters Legend's Closed Beta

Relic Hunters Legend is an upcoming online top-down looter-shooter set to release on Steam. It features action RPG elements along with fast-paced gameplay. There will also be plenty of customizable weapons and powerful equipment to have fun with.

A single-player campaign will be available. You'll also be able to enjoy the online co-op with your friends or meet new players in missions designed for four players. Players worldwide can sign up for Relic Hunters Legend's closed beta on Steam.

https://youtu.be/EnCzK5hq9SA

Relic Hunters Legend's closed beta begins on July 20 at 9:00 AM CST, and it will run until July 24 at 9:00 AM CST. It's free, and it will feature a variety of co-op and single-player missions. Feedback from the closed beta will be used by developers.

[caption id="attachment_391977" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

What is Relic Hunters Legend About?

The story takes place in a world where a villain named Duke Ducan has convinced everyone that he is responsible for everything good that has ever happened. It is up to Pinkyy and the rest of the Hunters to find relics and restore the memories of the past. If you want to delve deeper into the story, a Relic Hunters Legend comic is available.

You can play as one of the Hunters, and they each have a unique set of abilities. Hunters include Ace the pilot, who is a member of the Physical Support class, and Pinkyy the leader, who belongs to the Physical Tank class.

Though the game has yet to receive a release date, interested players can add the title to their wishlist on Steam.

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The team is delaying for more time to refine and polish

Homeworld's newest venture is getting pushed out of this year. Gearbox Publishing and Blackbird Interactive have delayed Homeworld 3 out of 2023, and into February 2024.

Previously set for the "first half" of 2023, the team behind the new Homeworld is taking a little more time for development. Today's statement specifically cites time for polishing up  this new entry.

"Our primary goal is to deliver a Homeworld experience that lives up to the standards set by its predecessors and is worth of this series' incredible legacy," reads today's statement. "Homeworld 3 is shaping up to be exactly that, but in order to fully realize that vision we need more time to refine and polish the game."

https://twitter.com/HomeworldGame/status/1661839559204675598

No specific date has been set yet for February. In an FAQ on the Gearbox site, the team says it plans to share its "biggest Homeworld 3 progress update yet" later this summer. And the team also asserts that Blackbird's move to a four-day work week has not had a delaying effect on Homeworld 3. The scope of the game has not changed, either.

Who says you can't go home (world)

Announced back in 2019, this follow-up is a big deal for long-time fans of real-time strategy. The first two Homeworld games have been well-regarded, especially by those who love space fleet battles and three-dimensional strategy.

Blackbird showed off some gameplay at PAX West that looked solid, too. So if this delay is to ensure that Homeworld 3 can both live up to its legacy and deliver on its promises, that sounds like a good thing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16C8iYq8l48

Oddly enough, this isn't the first game of 2023 to get delayed out to next February. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League also moved from an expected May date to February 2, 2024. So even though there's still plenty left to release this year, we already have two big games looming in the early months of 2024.

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The publisher will be the steward of it moving forward

The Risk of Rain series is under new ownership. As part of the financial update from Embracer Group this week, Gearbox announced they'd acquired the IP for Risk of Rain and its sequel Risk of Rain 2.

Gearbox Publishing was the publisher of Risk of Rain 2. Now, it seems the company is taking the reins of the franchise.

"After years of passionate publishing work on Risk of Rain 2, we have developed a deep love and respect for the IP," reads a statement from Gearbox on the Risk of Rain 2 account. "We are eager to prove ourselves as worthy custodians by continuing to bring you world-class content and ensuring a bright future for this genre-leading franchise."

https://twitter.com/RiskofRain/status/1593242555214241796

Developer Hopoo Games, which made both Risk of Rain and its sequel, shared the news. Their statement describes it as "some excellent news for any Risk of Rain fans."

And to be clear, while Gearbox did purchase the IP, the publisher did not purchase Hopoo Games. So no, this does not mean the Risk of Rain devs have officially joined the increasingly massive number of studios under Embracer Group.

It does, however, leave Risk of Rain 2 in a strange place. In Gearbox's statement, the publisher says it's working hard on bringing the Survivors of the Void DLC to consoles. There's also a "very special passion project" that Gearbox and Hopoo are working on together, to be shared soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ-aR--gScM

When it rains, it pours

Hopefully, this lets Risk of Rain 2 move into stable hands while Hopoo chases something new. That seems like a best-case scenario. And ultimately, I'm glad Hopoo Games has a chance to work on a passion project, too.

Both Risk of Rain games are among my favorite rogue-style games, and Risk of Rain 2 in particular really impressed me with how it moved the original's action into the 3D space. They're excellent games. Fans seem a little worried about what this means for the future, and I don't blame them. But either way, we've still got the classic Risk of Rain 2 to fall back on.

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Eidos Shanghai gets a fresh coat of paint

Gearbox Entertainment, the developer/publisher behind the Borderlands franchise, has announced that it has extended its development to China, with the founding of Gearbox Studios Shanghai.

The new studio — formerly Eidos Shanghai — represents Gearbox Entertainment's first foray into Asia, which the studio notes is an important market in its long-term growth strategy. Gearbox Games Shanghai will be headed up by former Eidos Shanghai manager Gigi Ning. The new division will assist Gearbox in the development, marketing, and release of future projects, both locally and globally.

"Bringing Gearbox’s vision and creative spirit to our local community is a goal we’re ready to take on," said Ning in a press release. "Gearbox has so many fantastic stories to tell, and we’re excited to share those with the players here in China."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uQw04Kbk8o

"China is a hotbed of industry talent, and I’m confident Gearbox Studio Shanghai will be instrumental in our vision for international growth here at Gearbox," adds Yoon Im, president of Gearbox Publishing. "With this addition, we greatly enhance our ability to engage with players in the Chinese market and work directly with local up-and-coming development studios."

Gearbox states that its team in Shanghai will provide "immediate and meaningful support" to the studio in the development of titles across the Gearbox portfolio. Additionally, Gearbox notes that the China-based team will experience the same competitive benefits and anti-crunch culture as its western counterparts.

Back in May of this year, Gearbox announced that it had no less than nine new games currently in development. No doubt the new Shanghai team will facilitate this pretty packed spreadsheet of releases comes to pass. The company's most recent release is the graphic adventure sequel New Tales from the Borderlands, which is available now on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms.

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Putting the "light" in "roguelight"

Gearbox is best known for creating the Borderlands games, but it has also published some of the most well-loved indie games of recent years, including Risk of Rain 2, Astroneer, The Banner Saga Trilogy, and even Subnautica. Gearbox Publishing's newest project, Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Case of One Victoria Bloom, looks like it's shaping up to be yet another charming indie project (and it has an amazing title, too).

Gearbox Publishing dropped the announcement trailer today at PAX East 2022, showing off the gothic "roguelight" gameplay from developer Under the Stairs. In the game, players take on the role of the titular Victoria Bloom, who is searching for her lost grandfather in their dark, eerie mansion. Of course, it's not as simple as it sounds, because the ever-changing hallways are filled with obstacles and adversaries. The idea is that you're fighting off the dark forces in the mansion with light, which you'll be able to do with a host of different light-themed weapons, from Matches to a Shotgun Bulb.

https://youtu.be/_Zb4dCWHtZs

One of the game's designers Filip Neduk said in a press release:

“Eyes in the Dark creates an atmosphere of loneliness and isolation, all while giving you the tools to ultimately come out of the experience as a stronger person. Victoria’s trial — going through the mansion alone and facing her fears — mirrors the player’s need to learn and master the mechanics of the game to progress; you both go through this adventure together.”

In terms of its style, tone, and gameplay, Eyes in the Dark reminds me a lot of Hollow Knight at first glance — although from the looks of it, this game won't be a rehash of anything we've seen before. I'm excited to see a new game in this genre that gives us something fresh, which is what I'm expecting based on the trailer.

Eyes in the Dark: The Curious Care of One Victoria Bloom is set to release on Steam and the Epic Games Store on July 14.

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More gods will fall on more platforms, hopefully

One of the first PlayStation 5 console exclusives is making its way to new platforms. Godfall: Ultimate Edition arrives on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on April 7, the same day as its PlayStation and Epic Games Store launch.

Ultimate Edition is the new version of Godfall which contains both the looter-slasher core game Godfall and various updates. These include Primal, Lightbringer, and Exalted updates, the Fire & Darkness expansion, and previously exclusive pre-order and special edition bonuses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlHZ6FS2AOc

Godfall: Ultimate Edition will run $39.99, though Xbox and Steam get a special launch price of $29.99 for a limited time.

Gearbox and Counterplay Games' loot-slasher action-RPG was one of the first big games for the PlayStation 5. It came in okay but failed to maintain a foothold, as players seemed to bounce off it a bit. Over the time since, Godfall has made its way backwards to the PlayStation 4 and got a strange PlayStation Plus boost, and now it looks like Counterplay and Gearbox have their sights set on more platforms.

I always love a good redemption arc, so Godfall's venture out past PlayStation and the Epic Games Store is interesting to see. Godfall definitely has a different look and feel compared to most other hero-shooters and loot-centric games. But other games like Lost Ark still feel like they're occupying the same conversation space. It could be some tough competition for Godfall.

We'll see how the grizzled warrior holds up on new platforms when Godfall: Ultimate Edition arrives on Xbox and Steam, alongside PlayStation and Epic, on April 7.

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