The countdown to E3 is typically a period in which we don’t see many new game announcements. But that didn’t stop Devolver Digital from publishing the Absolver reveal trailer on Thursday, giving gamers their first look at a new combat-focused RPG from Sloclap.
For those who aren’t familiar with the team, Sloclap is an independent game development studio, based in Paris, comprised of former Ubisoft developers who worked on the Watch Dogs and Ghost Recon franchises. Absolver is the studio’s debut offering, a stark departure from the kinds of games the team was developing for its former employer, and one of many Unreal Engine 4 projects that we’ll see headed to market in 2017.
Here’s a bit of background, via Sloclap:
In the ruins of the fallen Adal Empire, you awaken with a mysterious mask on your face, and faint recollections of an esoteric ceremony. Freeing you from hunger, thirst, and even death, the mask is the creation of the Guides, the rulers of these lands, who have placed you here to determine whether you are worthy of becoming part of the elite corps of Absolvers. As you wander these forsaken lands, encountering other Prospects like you, you will learn new combat styles, acquire weapons, gear and armor, and build a team of warriors with whom to fight side by side in Arenas of combat.
Unlike many online games, Absolver will be entirely devoid of firearms. Players will have a variety of weapons at their disposal, like swords and spears, along with plenty of melee skills. But no guns. The press release published alongside today’s Absolver trailer includes an interesting explanation for the decision, attributed to Sloclap Creative Lead Pierre Tarno.
“We think the world would be a much better place if there were no guns,” Tarno said. “Then we could finally focus on important things, like sword fighting and how to kill a man with one punch.”
In Absolver , players will participate in real-time combat that requires constant management of their fighter’s tactical stance, positioning and offensive/defensive execution. Players will have the ability to customize their fighter’s fight style, via a Combat Deck, and even take part in online matches against other members of the Absolver community. There will also be dungeons to explore, for those who prefer PvE content, and even a master/disciple system.
For a closer look at Absolver , including the melee combat at the heart of the Absolver experience, take a couple minutes to watch the new reveal trailer from Sloclap and Devolver Digital. Then head down to the comments section and share your early impressions of the upcoming RPG.
Absolver is being developed for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. The game is expected to debut sometime in 2017.
Be sure to check back with iDigitalTimes.com and follow Scott on Twitter for more Absolver news throughout 2016 and for as long as Sloclap supports Absolver in the months following launch.
