Arkheron: A Captivating Blend of Diablo, Dark Souls, and PUBG Gameplay

Introducing Arkheron: A Unique Title from Bonfire Studios

Recently, we had the opportunity to preview Arkheron, the inaugural game from Irvine-based Bonfire Studios, prior to its public launch. This game is shaping up to be truly distinctive. While it borrows elements from various genres, the resulting experience is unlike anything currently on the market.

The Vision Behind Bonfire Studios

Founded nearly a decade ago by industry veteran Rob Pardo, who previously held significant roles at Blizzard Entertainment, Bonfire Studios brings together a team of seasoned developers. Pardo’s impressive portfolio includes work on iconic titles like Starcraft, Warcraft III, and Overwatch (originally known as Project Titan).With a growing team of around 70, Bonfire Studios continues to expand its workforce in areas such as Art, Engineering, and Publishing.

Innovative Development Methodology

Arkheron has undergone extensive development, characterized by a rigorous routine where the team plays the game every morning. They gather feedback and implement improvements by the afternoon. In addition, Bonfire has initiated private playtesting with a select community, leading up to their upcoming public playtest scheduled on Steam from September 19 to September 21.

Gameplay Overview

Arkheron marries aspects of Diablo, Dark Souls, and PUBG, aiming to deliver an exhilarating team-based PvPvE experience that keeps players constantly engaged. The game employs a top-down view akin to Diablo, but introduces a novel free-aim camera system, allowing for independent control and precise targeting during intense combat. This innovation ensures that both melee and ranged characters can effectively engage one another, maintaining a balance in gameplay styles.

Competitive Spirit: Ascension Royale

The primary game mode, Ascension Royale, consists of fifteen teams, each comprised of three players, vying for supremacy as they ascend a towering structure. This mystical tower reflects the memories of the players, and as a dynamic environment, it evolves and shifts over time. Players assume the role of Echoes, souls tethered to the tower due to unfinished business, driving them to overcome obstacles in their quest for escape.

The Looting Mechanic and Strategy

At the match’s start, Echoes begin unarmed, requiring them to scavenge for resources through treasure chests, monster drops, and defeated opponents. Following a brief gearing phase, players must navigate the encroaching Abyssal Storm that diminishes safe zones, creating a high-stakes environment where securing a beacon is crucial for survival. Teams must eliminate contenders to maintain their hold on safe territories, culminating in a showdown on the tower’s fourth floor.

The Role of Items in Arkheron

Pardo emphasizes that items serve as the true heroes of Arkheron. Every item possesses unique abilities that greatly influence gameplay dynamics. Players can discover weaponry like a stun sword, a sniper-capable crossbow, and more, which encourage adaptability rather than reliance on fixed character abilities.

Dynamic Character Progression

Each Echo has four slots for items, including two weapon slots, a crown, and an amulet. With items categorized as Eternal Relics, players can earn bonuses by collecting sets of multiple items. Securing all four Relics from a set allows transformation into an Eternal, a powerful entity tied to the tower’s memories, providing additional abilities while sacrificing the option to revert to Echo form for that match.

Engaging Matches and Competitive Gameplay

Matches can last up to 25 minutes, defined by strategic decision-making and combat. Teams are able to choose their drop zones before each match, a nod to traditional Battle Royale mechanics. However, unlike other games in the genre, combat is inevitable, adding to the urgency as teams are driven to confront one another for victory. The presence of a powerful, unkillable entity known as Fury introduces options for tactical advantages, illustrating the intricate balance of the gameplay.

A Focus on Depth and Skill Mastery

Bonfire Studios is not shying away from crafting a compelling, competitive landscape. According to Pardo, their objective is to prioritize depth and mastery in gameplay before addressing accessibility. This approach promises an experience rich in engagement, suitable for competitive environments. Arkheron is currently in public testing exclusively on PC, with future releases planned for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S|X. Both keyboard/mouse and controller setups will be equally supported.

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