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Tencent buys 'Back 4 Blood' studio Turtle Rock
The Chinese conglomerate has bought or invested in more than 100 gaming-related companies this year.
What you'll get in the 'Back 4 Blood' open beta
This one is for Left 4 Dead fans and newcomers to the zombie shooter genre.
'Back 4 Blood' is delayed until October 12th
The spiritual successor to 'Left 4 Dead' was supposed to come out in June.
'Left 4 Dead' studio Turtle Rock returns with 'Back 4 Blood'
You're probably not going to get Left 4 Dead 3 any time soon, but you might get the next best thing. Original developer Turtle Rock Studios and Warner Bros. have announced Back 4 Blood, a team-based zombie shooter that aims to modernize the L4D concept with "new features and state-of-the-art technology." The game is so early that there isn't even a logo for it yet, but Turtle Rock said in an FAQ that it will be a "premium, AAA title" initially designed for PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
'Evolve' simplifies the hunt with free deathmatch arena mode
Evolve isn't a typical multiplayer shooter. The game pits four hunters against a quickly mutating monster, with the first task usually being to find and trap the player-controlled goliath. The experience can be a little bewildering for newcomers, so developer Turtle Rock Studios is throwing in a free Arena Mode that keeps everything simple. In a best-of-three match, the hunters and monster are dropped in a small, pre-determined dome with only one goal; take down your opponent(s). The monster starts at stage two with 50 percent armour, reducing the need to devour local wildlife, and when a hunter dies they're out until the next round. It's a bare-bones take on the Evolve formula, stripping away some of what makes the game unique. Still, if you're interested in shorter rounds where you can easily hone your combat skills, Arena Mode could be a welcome change on planet Shear.
Evolve's latest footage hunts alone
Evolve centers around a team of hunters stalking giant, ill-tempered prey, but developer Turtle Rock has also included options for those who prefer to play the lone wolf, as demonstrated in this latest look at the upcoming shooter's gameplay. [Image: 2K Games]
Fourth Evolve monster granted with pre-orders or separate purchase
Turtle Rock Studios' four-versus-one multiplayer shooter Evolve will receive a number of add-ons following the game's launch in February. For $25, the game's Hunting Season Pass will introduce four new playable hunters this spring, one for each class in the game. Each hunter will also be available for purchase for $7.49 each. Season pass holders will also get exclusive access to three monster skins at Evolve's launch: Magma Goliath, Magma Kraken and Magma Wraith. Turtle Rock Studios also revealed the Behemoth, a fourth playable "tank of a monster" that transforms into a rolling boulder, available this spring for $15. The Behemoth will also be part of the Monster Expansion Pack, a bonus for those that pre-order or pre-purchase Evolve. That expansion pack itself features a free Savage Goliath skin at the game's launch. Additionally, the developer revealed two special edition versions of the game today, each available for pre-purchase. Evolve's Digital Deluxe Edition features the monster-slaying game, its season pass and the Monster Expansion Pack for $80, available on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. PC players get a special collector's edition to themselves as well: Evolve's $100 PC Monster Race Edition features the same goodies as the Digital Deluxe Edition as well as a fifth monster, two hunters and four monster skins that will be exclusive to PC Monster Race Edition players for 30 days. Evolve will launch on February 10 and is available to pre-download starting today on Xbox One. While you can find a new trailer for the game to showcase the Behemoth after the break, stay tuned to Joystiq Streams at 4:00 p.m. ET today for a livestream of Evolve in action. [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve PC specs sniffed out
When it comes to Evolve's newly-revealed PC specs, it's not quite "survival of the fittest." You do need a fairly decent rig to be part of the 4v1 fun, but the CryEngine shooter accommodates 4GB of system RAM and 1GB of graphical power at a minimum. You can check out the full minimum and recommended requirements below the break, but there are a couple of extra infobits worth noting. First, 2K says Evolve supports 4K resolutions "right now," so you should be able to hunt down oodles of definition when the PC closed tests start anew on January 16. However, 2K adds SLI (Scalable Link Interface) isn't supported "out of the box." The publisher says teams are working to get the multi-GPU turbocharge working with the game ASAP. It's not long now until the hunt begins in full for PS4, Xbox One and PC on February 10. It's even less long until Evolve's Xbox One open beta, which is due to run across January 15-19. PS4 owners can also test the game out starting January 17, as long as they have a Big Alpha invite and PS Plus subscription.
Pre-purchase Evolve on Xbox One, unlock characters early
Xbox Live Gold users can hunt some unorthodox, fire-breathing game once Evolve's open beta launches later this week. The beta will offer two monster types and eight hunter characters across 12 maps, but those willing to pre-purchase Evolve on their consoles (once the option to do so is available) will be able to deploy hunters Abe, Parnell, Caira and Cabot as well as the Wraith monster during the beta, 2K Games recently announced. What's more, the four extra hunters and the Wraith will remain unlocked from the get-go in the launch version of Evolve, giving those that pre-purchase a decent headstart with earning access to the game's roster. There's still future DLC additions to factor in of course, but if you decide the disc's cast is sizeable enough, you'll still be able to play matches with those that have splurged on roster additions. For the sake of clarity, this pre-purchase bonus will be available only for those that buy Evolve straight from the Xbox One Store. Pre-orders placed for retail copies will not earn the same shortcut for unlocking extra characters when Evolve launches on February 10. [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve goes gold, spawns lengthy intro cinematic
Left 4 Dead creator Turtle Rock Studios has completed development on its upcoming team-based monster shooter Evolve, and to celebrate publisher 2K Games has issued the above footage, a nearly three-minute-long intro cinematic pulled straight from the game. [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve's Wraith monster steals the show
Fear is meant to follow in the wake of most monsters, but I've never found Evolve to be scary. It's a hunting game that puts you on edge, though leaning forward – as if to stick your head through the foliage just to glimpse the cloaked creature – is an act of determination, not angst. When you're a glorified exterminator with a big gun, joined by three others playing to win, you get camaraderie, strategy and failure divided equally. The monster (and the fifth player) is nothing to be scared of.
Evolve tests creature features in open beta on Jan. 15
Evolve is doing another round of online testing to ensure a roaring launch in February, with 2K Games announcing an open beta to run January 15-19. The beta will test Evolve's giant goals on Xbox One with a curtailed selection of monsters – the "Goliath" and "Kraken" – along with 8 hunters and 12 different maps. (And as with all monster products, there's a premium: you must be an Xbox Live Gold subscriber to gain access.) Ferocious opposition and considered team play are both valued in Evolve, which pits one beastly player against 4 human-controlled hunters on a wild planet. Though the game hinges on the different permutations of Muldoons and monsters, it does have a campaign variant (playable offline and solo in the full game) called "Evacuation," which will enter the Xbox One beta test on January 17th. "Evacuation" offers a skeleton of a story, with sequential mission outcomes affecting the conditions of the next until the planet of Shear is evacuated. If you win consecutive rounds as the monster, for instance, few people escape and the hunters get thrashed. Unlocks in the Xbox One beta will carry over to the final game. 2K Games says "closed technical tests" for Evolve will also be conducted on other platforms, though not to the extent of the Xbox One beta (so, no "Evacuation" there). PC players can encroach upon the poaching as of January 16, provided they have invites to the "Big Alpha," or have Left 4 Dead or BioShock Infinite in their Steam libraries. PlayStation 4 owners, meanwhile, can start on January 17th with a Big Alpha invite and PS Plus subscription in hand.
Evolve's 'Evacuation' is a dynamic mini-campaign mode
Developer Turtle Rock Studios has shed some light on the "Evacuation" game type to be included in its upcoming cooperative team-based shooter Evolve. Designed for one to five players, Evacuation pits the game's heroes against one giant, ugly monster across a series of five rounds, each of which offers unique gameplay. The first round is always a Hunt. This is where the monster attempts to eat enough to evolve to its next, more powerful stage of life. From there, players can choose either a Nest or Rescue gametype for the next round. Nest sees the monster protecting its nest from players, while Rescue sees players attempting to save wounded humans from the ravenous monster. After a total of four rounds have passed, players will enter a final round of Defend, in which the monster leads waves of enemies against a heavily guarded human shelter. Though not a full-fledged campaign, actions performed in one round of Evacuation can carry over the next, creating a more dynamic multiplayer experience. "[A]s one example, the Dam is saved and the Hunters win for that day," Turtle Rock explains. "As a result, the workers are able to power up Perimeter Fences, which cut neighboring maps into half sized portions, creating an interesting advantage for the Hunters." Evolve is currently slated to reach the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC platforms on February 10, 2015. Beyond the break you'll find a trailer detailing the story attached to Evacuation. [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve Medic Caira loves the smell of napalm and heals in the mornin'
Doctors in the real world may have goliath-sized tuition bills to pay off, but Medics in Evolve have it pretty rough too, what with the giant monsters and all. If you've wondered whether the Medic life is the life for you, here's a walk in the boots of Evolve's Caira. [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve alpha uncaged on PS4 following firmware troubles
It's late to the hunting party, but the PS4 is finally up and running in Evolve's "Big Alpha" test. 2K also announced it's extending the closed alpha until 12PM PT tomorrow, November 4 (3PM ET, 8PM UK), and that's not just for PS4 but Xbox One and PC too. After successfully launching the second Evolve alpha on other platforms, 2K had to postpone it on PS4 after issues with the console's new 2.00 firmware. In fairness, problems with the PS4 update aren't limited to Turtle Rock's alpha by any means, with numerous user reports noting a range of post-patch oddities. To that effect, Sony's official PlayStation account tweeted last night, "We're aware of issues happening post PS4 2.00 firmware, including some freezes and boot errors. [We are] working to resolve [them] ASAP, will update soon."
Evolve's alpha test delayed on PS4 due to firmware issues
Evolve's "Big Alpha" test has been postponed on PlayStation 4, 2K announced today. After the PS4's recent version 2.0 firmware update resulted in a number of issues for players, the publisher also began "experiencing difficulties with the Evolve Big Alpha" on Sony's home console. "PlayStation and 2K are working together on a resolution," 2K noted. The test was expected to hit PS4, Xbox One and PC this weekend, and it will still happen for the latter two systems. PS4 owners that happen to have an Xbox One or PC capable of playing Evolve are encouraged to use the registration code "05379-29749-32069" and referral code "EvolveBigAlpha4v1" to register for the alpha test on either of those systems via Turtle Rock Studios' site. Those suffering from the PS4's Rest Mode issues after the version 2.0 system update may also want to consider trying one possible fix listed here. Evolve will launch on February 10, 2015. Update: 2K has addressed the issues stalling the hunt on PS4 in the following statement: "2K, Turtle Rock Studios and PlayStation continue to work hard to resolve the difficulties affecting the Evolve Big Alpha on PlayStation 4. Evolve's closed alpha test is still playable on Xbox One and PC. We thank our PS4 users for their continued patience. More information will be provided at the Evolve website, Twitter and Facebook pages as it becomes available." [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve's progression systems dole out perks, boosts, new characters
Evolve players will hunt character perks and general experience in addition to monstrous game, as detailed in a recent update on Evolve's official site. Progress is earned in two ways: Character Progression, which relates to a player's efficiency with a specific character's arsenal, and Player Progression, which is tied to a player's general account rather than one particular class type. Aptitude with a hunter's (or monster's) weapons and abilities is rated on a three-star scale, and a "permanent perk" is granted with each earned star. For example, you'll need to deal a set amount of damage with Markov's assault rifle to earn a two percent accuracy boost (tied to the first star), while distributing enough pain via headshot will grant a 10 percent accuracy boost and an elite-tier weapon, as well as the rifle's third star. Player Progression won't be in the Halloween weekend alpha, but when it does show up, it'll dish out medals, awards and levels, with that last element capping off at 40. The update notes that this tier of rewards is "generally earned through time spent playing" and unlocks perks like armor regeneration, jump bonuses and a quicker jetpack recharge. New characters can also be unlocked by earning stars for their respective class type. If you plan on prowling through Evolve's alpha however, just know that any earned progress will not carry over beyond the event's weekend. Alphas are all about the thrill of an early hunt though, right? [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve's closed 'big alpha' test hits Halloween weekend
Evolve's "Big Alpha" test is scheduled to begin on October 30, 2K announced today. The closed alpha phase will be available to Xbox One players through November 2, while PS4 and PC players will have access from October 31 to November 2. Those interested in participating in the alpha test can register for "priority access" on Xbox One through 2K's website. Pre-order customers will have a guaranteed spot in the Halloween weekend alpha on their platform of choice. The "Big Alpha" test requires that PS4 and Xbox One users have a PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription, respectively. Turtle Rock Studios also offered a special limited-use code for "a couple thousand" alpha testers to register with on its blog. The four-versus-one multiplayer shooter was delayed in August after a previous alpha test, and will launch on February 10, 2015. [Image: 2K]
Evolve's Goliath statue is small child and down payment-sized
Sure, it's not the ridiculously huge monstrosity that loomed over us at E3, but this statue of Evolve's Goliath from replica specialists TriForce might be the next-best thing: standing tall at two and a half feet and weighing 35 pounds, this beast is one heck of a set piece to consider adding to your home. It's also one heck of a set piece to consider taking out a small loan for. The standard edition - which is limited to 500 copies - is a hefty $750, with $187.50 of that price being a non-refundable deposit. The Savage Goliath variant, which is colored with red stripes and limited to 150 copies, is $800 and can only be pre-ordered next weekend at New York Comic-Con. That may sound like quite a lot of money to spend on a collectible piece of art representing a game that hasn't come out yet, but hey: its eyes light up, and that's pretty cool. [Image: TriForce/2K Games]
Get back on the hunt: A second Evolve alpha is coming
If an invite to Evolve's upcoming closed alpha is your white whale, you've got two (constructive) options: Play a round of Evolve at 2K's PAX Prime booth (Level 4, booths 814 and 1414), or stalk Evolve's social media channels and the Turtle Rock forums. Hunting game at Prime will earn you an invitation to register, but "additional chances" can be tracked down on Twitter, Facebook and the forums. Unfortunately, putting down your first monster is going to be a lot like real-world hunting – the alpha's reveal post doesn't specify when the event will begin, so you'll need to keep a determined watch on the aforementioned channels or your inbox. The upcoming expedition will follow a separate alpha from July which must have thinned out Turtle Rock's monster supply, as Evolve was rescheduled for February 10, 2015 days after the alpha went live. [Image: 2K Games]
