NEWS
Hellraid upgrades engine, moves to 2015
Techland has announced that its first-person co-op slasher Hellraid has shifted its release date to catch up to next-gen consoles. The game was previously announced to launch in 2014 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Now it'll be launching in 2015 for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
Fortunately, PC players can still get an early look at the game, because it will be coming to Steam Early Access this fall. It will be Techland's first venture into Early Access.
The delay allows the game to jump from Dead Island’s Chrome Engine 5 to Chrome Engine 6. (Chrome Engine 6 is also powering the studio’s new zombie sandbox title Dying Light.) The new engine also allows the developers to employ a new combat mechanic (for melee, ranged, and magic), three new game modes, environmental hazards, and a weapon crafting system. Players will be able to enjoy a story mode, an Arena horde mode, and a Mission mode. In the Mission mode, players tackle story quests again, but this time with different objectives, such as landing high combos or meeting set scores.
Hopefully the change of engine will result in a better and more expansive game. Techland seems dedicated to giving the game the time it needs to be great; let's hope the wait is worth it.