| Tribes: Ascend | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Hi-Rez Studios |
| Publisher(s) | Hi-Rez Studios |
| Series | Tribes |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 3 (modified) |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
| Release date(s) | Q1 2012 |
| Genre(s) | First-person shooter Action |
| Mode(s) | Multiplayer |
Tribes: Ascend is an upcoming free-to-play multiplayer-only first-person shooter part of the Tribes franchise. It is currently being developed by Hi-Rez Studios and was announced on March 11, 2011 at PAX East with an expected release in early 2012. It will be available as a digital download for Microsoft Windows, though Hi-Rez Studios haven't ruled out the possibility of an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 release in the future. Iconic aspects from previous Tribes games such as jetpacks and skiing will be featured in the game.[1] Currently, the game is available to play as a closed beta.[2]
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Tribes: Ascend will feature a class-based loadout system. Each loadout specifies what type of armor you have, along with what weapons and items you can carry. Loadouts will only support three weapons; two in-hand weapons and one melee object, along with either grenades or mines and a pack. Players can select which loadout to use when either respawning or at an inventory station. Hi-Rez Studios has yet to reveal how many loadouts will be available at launch, though they did state that there will be at least 15 available during the closed and open beta,[3] 12 are currently avaliable. Loadouts may be acquired either through an upfront payment, or through playing the game for an unspecified amount of time.[4] Paid-for loadouts will be available to the user instantly and permanently, while those who choose to unlock them through playing will have a much longer wait. Players will be given one free loadout, the Soldier. when they first start playing the game. The Soldier is part of the medium armor class, and features a Spinfusor, Eagle Pistol, Energy Pack and grenade.[5]
Hi-Rez will also sell cosmetic items such as player skins, along with boosters that allow players to gain tokens and experience at a faster rate. Players earn in-game credits during matches for killing enemies, repairing structures or capturing objectives. Credits are then used to buy vehicles, supply drops and base upgrades.[6]
Hi-Rez Studios are currently testing Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch and Rabbit game modes.[7] While some maps will retain the classic nature of the Tribes franchise with large open areas and base structures, others will have a more urban feel to them, featuring buildings and streets. Katabatic is one confirmed map for Tribes: Ascend, which originally appeared in Tribes 2,[8] along with a revamped version of Broadside called Crossfire.
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