Huh? Whats Firefall? [check out the cinematic trailer here]
Firefall is a relatively new game [currently in Beta] that is being developed my Red5 Studios. The game is a massively multi-player shooter, with an open world, instanced PvP matches, and is an amazing blend of RPG and FPS (well, 1st or 3rd person). Sounds great, but that's not even close to the best part; when the game hits store shelves its going to retail for... free?
From the Dev's mouth:
"Firefall is a sci-fi MMO shooter set in a future Earth. A starship disaster unleashes a titanic energy storm called the Melding. It envelopes the earth, wipes out most of the planet, and spawns hostile creatures who self-proclaim themselves the Chosen.
Players must band together. Uniting in the form of armies, players will need to collect resources to craft weapons and vehicles to fight back the apocalyptic threat of the Chosen invasion. Special Nano-technology suits of armor called Battleframes enhance the human race in this future Earth and allow players to jumpjet across battlefields, wield a variety of exotic weapons of heavy destruction, and employ special abilities to reclaim the world.
Created by seasoned developers including the team-lead for vanilla WoW and the lead-designer of Tribes 1 and 2, Firefall’s combat is fast paced, furious, and plays like a top tier action oriented shooter. But Firefall is equally an MMO, plunging hundreds of players into an all-out Player vs. Environment war against the Chosen army. It is the largest co-op shooter made to date and offers a unique gameplay experience not found any where else."
Check out Red5's CEO Mark Kern talking about Firefall's open world concept.
PvE:
As I mentioned above Red5 recently released a huge PvE content patch, and there is so much for players to do in the open world right now (and lots more to come I'm sure). Players can go out in the world 'Thump' for resources, fighting off the local wildlife it attracts. These resources are then used to craft upgrades for your battleframe (class) and include things such as primary and alternate weapons, armour plating, and jet boosters.
As I mentioned above Red5 recently released a huge PvE content patch, and there is so much for players to do in the open world right now (and lots more to come I'm sure). Players can go out in the world 'Thump' for resources, fighting off the local wildlife it attracts. These resources are then used to craft upgrades for your battleframe (class) and include things such as primary and alternate weapons, armour plating, and jet boosters.
There are also always enemy invasions to fight off as well; the Chosen are an enemy race that invade via drop pods, patrol, and can assault/capture outposts. There are several dynamic events going on all the time in the world of Firefall, keeping players busy and providing a different experience each time they log on.
PvP:
Myself having not played shooters that much fore a while, this game reminded me a bit of the original counter-strike, though with many staggering differences. While in the open world players can que for instanced pvp matches, with 3 different match types currently.
Myself having not played shooters that much fore a while, this game reminded me a bit of the original counter-strike, though with many staggering differences. While in the open world players can que for instanced pvp matches, with 3 different match types currently.
In regards to E-Sports, Firefall and Red5 are all for it. Firefall is also being developed to provide a solid E-Sports experience, with many in game features to make watching, shoutcasting, and recording matches even easier. There have already been PvP tournaments held in the beta, such as the Brontodon Brawl hosted by Brontodon.com.
Beta...
Firefall is still in a closed beta, but unlike most other companies, this is true beta testing. By this I mean, the game is still in development. Most game companies will finish development, and then allow player's into a game in its nearly-completed or polished state, acting more as a marketing tool to get players interested than anything.
Firefall is still in a closed beta, but unlike most other companies, this is true beta testing. By this I mean, the game is still in development. Most game companies will finish development, and then allow player's into a game in its nearly-completed or polished state, acting more as a marketing tool to get players interested than anything.
Red5 has been running the Firefall beta for a while now - and already has a fairly sizeable player base already - but the main thing to know is that this game is still being developed. Why is this better? This method blows the typical beta scheme out of the water because Red5 is focussed on player feedback to dictate their development... unreal! There have been several examples of Red5 implementing suggestions from the community, and asking for feedback on the forums (I got to help name a creature, how cool is that!).
Free to play, how good can it be?
It's good... really, really good. Trust me. Honestly I don't think this game should be free-to-play, because it is simply too awesome. I have no doubt that Firefall would be successful if you had to buy it, but Mark Kern wants to make it accessible for everyone. The nice part is though, right now there is the option to purchase "Founders Packs" to support Red5 and get some exclusive stuff (both in-game and out). I got the base Founders Pack to get into the beta, but upgraded the the biggest once I fell in love with the game, just to try and help support Red5 for their stellar job.
It's good... really, really good. Trust me. Honestly I don't think this game should be free-to-play, because it is simply too awesome. I have no doubt that Firefall would be successful if you had to buy it, but Mark Kern wants to make it accessible for everyone. The nice part is though, right now there is the option to purchase "Founders Packs" to support Red5 and get some exclusive stuff (both in-game and out). I got the base Founders Pack to get into the beta, but upgraded the the biggest once I fell in love with the game, just to try and help support Red5 for their stellar job.
Obviously the company does still have to make money, and they do this through completely optional in game sales of character & battleframe customization items, vanity items, experience boosts, and other such goodies. Pay attention to what I'm about to say; this game is not pay-2-win. I think people assume free-to-play games are like that, because most are. However, Red5 only sells convenience items, to save players time, and stuff to customize their character. There is no way to buy better weapons or armour, this is only achieved by gaining experience and resources in game (and is totally free to do).
Sounds great, how to I get involved
Currently Firefall beta is closed, but that doesn't mean players still can't get in - all levels of the above mentioned Founders Packs include instant beta access. Players can also get beta access by being active and participating on the Firefall forums.
Lastly, Firefall is hosting one last Stress-Test Beta weekend from Nov. 30th to Dec. 2nd. This will give you beta-access and let you experience everything Firefall has to offer, check out this link to get your weekend beta key.
Currently Firefall beta is closed, but that doesn't mean players still can't get in - all levels of the above mentioned Founders Packs include instant beta access. Players can also get beta access by being active and participating on the Firefall forums.
Lastly, Firefall is hosting one last Stress-Test Beta weekend from Nov. 30th to Dec. 2nd. This will give you beta-access and let you experience everything Firefall has to offer, check out this link to get your weekend beta key.
Still got questions?
First thing to do if you have any questions is post a comment below, and I'll answer it in a jiffy. You can also head over to firefallthegame.com and check out the videos and forums.
First thing to do if you have any questions is post a comment below, and I'll answer it in a jiffy. You can also head over to firefallthegame.com and check out the videos and forums.
Also, don't forget to follow us on twitter @HiringHenchmen for our updates, and we'll tell you about other contests and info we think you should know too!
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