Following the success of the 2020 hit Void Bastards, the creative minds at Blue Manchu are back, this time with an intriguing new title called Wild Bastards. This game takes the tactical and strategic gameplay of its predecessor and transforms it into something even more engaging and character-rich. In a revealing interview, game designer Jonathan Chey shares insights about what makes Wild Bastards stand out and why it should be the next addition to gamers' PS5 library.
Wild Bastards is described as the spiritual successor to Void Bastards, but with a unique twist. Instead of controlling a lone prisoner, players lead a gang of 13 diverse outlaws known as the Wild Bastards. This crew isn’t just made up of humans; it includes mutants, aliens, and robots, each with their own special powers, abilities, and personal agendas. Like its predecessor, Wild Bastards is a rogue-like first-person shooter, but this time management of this eclectic gang is crucial to navigating the game's challenges.
Creating a game with 13 playable characters, each having a unique identity and skill set, was no small feat. Chey notes that it was vital for every character to not just feel distinct but also cater to different playing styles. This depth in character design provides a richer single-player experience, reminiscent of multiplayer hero shooters but focused on solo gameplay strategies. Characters vary vastly, from their movement — slithering, hovering — to their combat strategies and resistances. Additionally, the strategic layer allows characters to influence the game in specific non-combat scenarios enhancing the gameplay depth.
Yet, balancing such a diverse roster also presented challenges. It was essential that no single character dominated the gameplay, thus, matchups and strategic rotations of characters, depending on their condition and fatigue levels, play a significant role. This rotation and character management add a strategic layer that elevates every mission and ensures a dynamic gameplay experience.
Reflecting on the lessons learned from Void Bastards, Chey elaborates on their approach to keep each game experience unique. Efforts are continually made to innovate and present players with new challenges that promote strategic thinking and efficient tactics rather than straightforward combat. Void Bastards, for instance, emphasized loot over combat, encouraging players to think critically about their approach in each scenario. Wild Bastards builds on this foundation by focusing more on character management, including developing relationships within the gang, which influences gameplay.
In terms of enhancements, Chey is particularly excited about improvements in first-person combat. The game now includes per-pixel hit detection, which rewards precise aiming and complements the introduction of advanced weaponry and combat techniques, such as aiming down sights, zoom capabilities, and a variety of new weapons. This has been coupled with enemy AI improvements that offer more challenging and tactical combat sequences.
The development of Wild Bastards has been a meticulous process, stretching over four years, with a small dedicated team working to polish and perfect the game. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this elongated development period has allowed for significant refinement.
Post-release, the team at Blue Manchu plans to remain responsive to player feedback and potentially extend the game through downloadable content (DLC) which could introduce new characters and enemies.
Despite the quirky and somewhat controversial name 'Bastards', which has faced some pushback from platforms and advertisers, Chey and his team are committed to the title. It reflects the outsider status of the game's characters, which is a key element of the game's identity.
As for using the PlayStation 5's capabilities, Wild Bastards incorporates the console’s DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers to enhance the immersive experience—making every shot and explosion feel more real in the hands of the players.
Chey's enthusiasm for Wild Bastards is palpable, and it’s clear that the game is set to offer an engaging, strategic, and richly character-driven experience to players looking for depth as well as action in their gaming adventures. With an expected launch date on the 12th of September, this PS5 exclusive could indeed be the next big hit for tactical shooter fans and rogue-like enthusiasts alike.
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