Today, Microsoft and Ninja Theory announced Bleeding Edge, a third-person online multiplayer 4 vs. 4 team-based melee combat game for the Xbox One and PC. During its reveal at Microsoft’s Xbox press conference, players were introduced to a range of diverse and varied characters that will do battle against each other in a variety of futuristic, sci-fi arenas chock-full of environmental hazards, such as electric fences, oncoming trains, and fire pits, to help keep the gameplay varied and frantic.
The way the project’s Creative Director, Rahni Tucker, describes the game makes it sound like more than just another run-of-the-mill MOBA experience:
“Each fighter in Bleeding Edge is unique but roughly fits into an Assassin, Support, or Heavy archetype. There’s a mix of ranged and melee combat styles, and each character has an expressive kit of moves for players to explore and master.”
Microsoft announced its acquisition of Ninja Theory at last year’s E3 alongside several other independent development studios. Ninja Theory is no stranger to character action and melee combat titles, most recently notable of which being Hellblade: Senuna’s Sacrifice, a dark, fantasy action-adventure game the company self-published to much success and critical acclaim.
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“We’ve leant [sic] on our previous experience with combat games to make the action fast and fun, with stylish animation and a fluid feel,” says Tucker. “Bleeding Edge’s moment-to-moment gameplay is all about combos, dodging, timing, and dexterity, but ultimately, good teamwork, synergy, and strategy are needed to secure the win!”
While there have not been any specifics announced in regard to the “objective-based game modes,” we won’t have to wait very long to learn more. The game’s technical alpha test is slated to begin on June 27. You can sign up for a chance to participate on the game’s official site right now.
