For the once super popular Tribes franchise there's really only one way things can go, up, and developer Hi-Rez studios is hoping that's just the case with today's announcement of Tribes: Ascend.
The game, which is being developed using the Unreal 3 engine, is being positioned as the multi-player successor to the much lauded Tribes 2 and a re-introduction of the franchise to the gaming world. Hi-Rez Studios acquired Tribes in October, 2010 and revealed plans to develop a massive scale, persistent world shooter called Tribes Universe. Today's announcement confirms that long-term franchise strategy, but Hi-Rez has chosen to first deliver the single-purchase, digital download Tribes: Ascend this calendar year.
"Before Halo, before Modern Warfare, and before Battlefield, there was Tribes.", says Todd Harris, Hi-Rez Studios COO. "Tribes fans appreciate the game's essence - athletic FPS combat combined with teamwork and strategy. As we began development of Tribes Universe, we focused first on capturing that essence - refining and modernizing iconic elements like jetpacks, skiing, and vehicles. We've had tremendous fun play-testing and realized the potential of a multiplayer focused title ahead of Tribes Universe. The community has been waiting for a multi-player shooter that is the modern successor to T2. Tribes: Ascend is that game."
Tribes: Ascend is targeted for release in late 2011 as a digital download on Windows PC and the Xbox 360. Additional platforms are currently under consideration as well, but no official word at this time. To hold you over, an announcement teaser for Tribes: Ascend has been released and you can check it out right here.
