Flying Wild Hog, the developer behind theShadow Warriorfranchise andHard Reset, is ready to unveil one of its currently in-development projects. That project is namedSpace Punksand it’s a clear fusion betweenBorderlandsand ARPGs likeDiablo, built on a twin-stick shooter foundation.Flying Wild Hogis partnering with RuneScape developer Jagex to getSpace Punkspublished, with plans to release the game on PC on July 14 in Early Access with a console release in 2022.
Jagex describesSpace Punksas a co-op action RPG with over-the-top action and an irreverent sci-fi setting. Anyone who has ever playedBorderlandswill seeSpace Punks' more direct influences, though. Not only doesSpace PunksapeBorderlands' unique spin on cel-shaded graphics, but it takes the looter shooter’s style and humor, too. Protagonist Duke is even listed as “The Handsome One,” which seems like quite the coincidence given their recognizable connection toBorderlands' Handsome Jack.
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And whileSpace Punks' gameplay is a world apart fromBorderlands’first-person shooting, Flying Wild Hog has clearly gone a long way to convert theBorderlandsexperience into an isometric action game. Players use a variety of weapons to take on waves of robots, aliens, and bosses, mixing in a selection of character-specific abilities. Defeated enemies also appear to be loot pinatas, though the loot looks more like multi-colored currencies rather than individual items. In fact, the lack of any mention of loot is perhaps the most notable difference fromBorderlands.
Much remains to be revealed aboutSpace Punks' gameplay, naturally. There’s no clear hint at what kind of RPG systemSpace Punksuses for progression and skills, for example. Calling the game anaction RPG likeDiablohints that there’s more to it, however, as otherwise, it appears to be a straightforward twin-stick shooter. Players are clearly shown running and gunning omnidirectional, entirely independent of each other, so it may not be quite theDiablo-like implied.
Those interested in playingSpace Punkswill get their chance in 2021. Not only isSpace Punkslaunching inearly access on PCstarting July 14, but an open beta is tentatively planned for winter 2021. It’ll be a great opportunity to try the game out with friends as it gets closer to its final launch.
Flying Wild Hog is made up of multiple studios and is working on several different games.Shadow Warrior 3andEvil Westare both currently on track to release in 2021 while therecently announcedTrek to Yomiis targeted for 2022.Space Punkswill be Flying Wild Hog’s fourth announced game in development.
Space Punksreleases July 14 on PC in early access, with a console release planned for 2022.
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