EA BioWare announces
Shadow Realms, an online episodic action/RPG in a
modern fantasy setting featuring asymmetrical 4v1 multiplayer (which they refer
to as co-op for some reason). They are already accepting signups for alpha
testing on the
Shadow Realms
website, which unsurprisingly will require an
Origin account. They are
obviously itching to tell us about the game, as
the website includes
an overview
from James Ohlen (who says "Shadow Realms isn’t just hearkening back to those
early BioWare PC games—it’s finally bringing the magic of tabletop RPGs to the
digital realm"), a
producer's letter from Dallas Dickinson, an
introduction to the setting, a
class overview,
and a
gameplay
description. The game does not carry a release date, and there's no word
when the alpha kicks off, but the
Shadow
Realms Facebook page has word on how Gamescom attendees can check this out
in person. Here's the announcement:
BioWare™, a division of Electronic
Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), today announced Shadow Realms™, a new 4v1 story-driven
online action RPG, set in a constantly evolving BioWare world where modern meets
fantasy. Four heroes adventure against another player-controlled enemy, a
malevolent force called The Shadowlord, in dynamic 4v1 co-op missions, ensuring
that no two battles are ever the same. Players will have the choice to play
either as – or against – The Shadowlord, building experience and progression
whether they have chosen good or evil. The over-arching narrative will be
released episodically, playing out over time like a great TV series, providing
players the ability to experience story-driven adventures as a community.
“This game brings us back to our roots in the realm of classic Pen and Paper
RPG, but also delivers something that’s completely new and innovative for our
fans,” said Jeff Hickman, General Manager and Vice President at BioWare Austin.
“Shadow Realms is a new BioWare RPG that has the hallmarks of all BioWare games
with a rich story, a unique world setting and deep combat progression, but built
as an interactive experience that evolves the genre and broadens the appeal to
online gamers all over the world.”
In Shadow Realms, Modern Heroes on Earth are being awakened and recruited,
because of magical powers they never knew they had, to fight in a new and
dangerous war against the Shadow Legions of Embra. The Shadow Legions, who have
been battling on Embra for years against the members of the Radiant Empires,
have gained new strength with the coming of a powerful, unknown force that we
call the Shadowlords. And, they have just figured out how to leave Embra and
invade Earth.
Join the battle with three other modern-day Heroes to fight the demonic Shadow
Legions and a player-controlled Shadowlord to save all of humanity. Build both a
Hero and Shadowlord that are deeply customized to the way players want to play.
Visit www.ShadowRealms.com/play
to sign up for a chance to get into the closed alpha. Become a fan of
Shadow Realms on Facebook
and follow us on Twitter via @shadowrealms.
Shadow Realms is in development at BioWare Austin and will be available for the
PC from Origin™ at www.origin.com. The game
has not yet been rated the ESRB and PEGI; visit
www.esrb.org and www.pegi.info for more
information.