Breach (PC; F2P in 2019) - "Bringing New Meaning to the Term 'MythBusters'"

[SonicWind]

Breach is an upcoming free-to-play third-person asymmetrical action-RPG from Austin, Texas-based QC Games. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game lets players become either a team of four heroes sent into an area to destroy mythical creatures dungeon-crawl style, or a lone-wolf Veil Demon that seeks to ruin the heroes' day by any means possible (though the game can be played solo with AI in the place of other players). Now, if you've heard of a cancelled BioWare Austin game by the name of Shadow Realms, this concept may seem familiar to you. This is probably not a coincidence-- QC Games is partly made up of some ex-BioWare Austin folks who worked on that game, and they're essentially finishing what they started.

It all starts here on Earth, 70 millennia ago. Humanity is nearing extinction as all manner of fearsome and deadly beings we've long-believed mythological rip it apart, piece by piece. Recognizing the immense threat, a few of the mysterious Immortals had a bright idea: why not remove the threat from our world altogether? And so they created the Veil, splitting the Earth into two different realities. One is Earth as we recognize it. The other is an Earth where mythological creatures roam freely. But, of course, this Veil eventually gets shattered-- or breached, if you will-- because this game wouldn't be as fun if everything went right. Now the two realities are bleeding back into each other, having horrible consequences on the planet and allowing these creatures to come back with a vengeance and resume their rampage. Of course, we can't have that, so groups of four humans-- all imbued with the Spark, an essence that grant them magic powers-- are being sent to all kinds of well-known places to end the invasion. But they should beware; a malevolent spirit known as a Veil Demon is among these mythical forces, and it's not planning on making things easy...

Let's start with the heroes. They're split up into 18 different classes. Each class is highly customizable, with several abilities to choose from, as well as an ultimate ability that charges up over time. For example, you can go in guns blazing as a Gunslinger, manipulate time itself as a Chronomancer, or control the dead as a Necromancer, among others. Your class can be switched at any time. In each level, you enter several rooms, each with their own objective that grants talent points when achieved, and things get harder as you advance until you encounter a boss. But on the other side of the coin is the Veil Demon, who can create traps and summon creatures throughout the level in an attempt to end the heroes' progress. And if you want something done right, sometimes you gotta do it yourself; you can take control of the heroes' enemies-- even bosses-- allowing their abilities to become yours. Like the heroes, the Veil Demon has 6 different classes with their own abilities, and customization for them is as deep as the heroes'.

QC Games is trying to ensure that if you ever take a break from the game, you won't be left behind when you return; instead of leveling up (though that's still part of the game), the focus when it comes to progressing is unlocking things-- classes, socketable gems, and gear. The loot can only be bought with in-game currency, but classes can be bought with either that currency or real-world money; there will also be cosmetics that require a monetary purchase.

Breach is currently in Steam Early Access as a paid product and will become fully free-to-play summer 2019. You can get in contact with the devs through social media (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Reddit | YouTube | Twitch | Mixer | Discord).

I think this game could be fun, and I was interested in Shadow Realms before it was cancelled. Anyone else up for this?

[SonicWind]

I'm aware it's been awhile, but Breach is now available to buy from Steam Early Access for $25!

Of course, if the idea of paying for early access to a soon-to-be F2P game unsettles you, you're free to wait until summer, when the game is properly released.