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Midair (video game)
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Midair
MidairGameLogo.png
Developer(s) Archetype Studios
Publisher(s) Archetype Studios
Engine Unreal Engine 4
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
Release Q1 2018
Genre(s) First-person shooter
Mode(s) Multiplayer
Midair is an upcoming free-to-play first-person shooter by Archetype Studios. The game is heavily influenced by the Tribes franchise, emphasizing freedom of movement with jetpacks and skiing, while also featuring large open maps and vehicles. The game is currently under development on Unreal Engine 4, and is in the closed beta stage of development with a full release planned for Q1 2018.
Contents
1 Gameplay
2 Monetization
3 Development
4 References
5 External links
Gameplay
Midair screenshot.
Midair features similar mechanics from the Tribes franchise such as jetpacks and a mechanic the developers call skating, which allows the player to glide across the terrain. Players will have the choice of using either Light, Medium, or Heavy armors. Weapons include a Spinfusor-like weapon currently referred to as the Ring Launcher, as well as a Grenade Launcher and Chain Gun. A Mortar and Sniper Rifle are featured as well. The developers have stated that they are aiming to include most of the traditional weapons from the Tribes franchise, as well as some new ones.
A 3/4/5 weapons system similar to Starsiege: Tribes and Tribes 2 is currently implemented; 3 weapons for Light armor, 4 weapons for Medium armor, and 5 weapons for Heavy armor. No automatic health regeneration is present at the moment or currently planned. Players will be able to equip certain abilities and items, such as deployable sensors and turrets, or packs that give players more ammo, increased energy regeneration, cloaking abilities and more. Vehicles include a basic air fighter, a bomber which supports up to three players, and a tank which supports two players.
Game modes currently include Capture the Flag, Light Capture the Flag, Arena, and Rabbit.
Midair will feature both a server browser and match-making system.[1] The developers have also emphasized the importance of user-made content, and will include map making tools for the community and a system to deliver community maps sometime after release. Public matches will see team-sizes similar to Tribes: Ascend's 16v16, while competitive team sizes will vary between 5v5 and 11v11, depending on the game mode.[2]
Monetization
Midair will feature both unlocks and a progression system. As players progress they will earn unlocks such as weapons, packs, items, and deployables. The time needed to unlock these items has yet to be revealed, though the developers have stated that their goal is to "get everyone up to speed quickly with each role in the traditional CTF game without feeling super disadvantaged, while also encouraging players to keep playing to unlock new and cool things to do in the game over time." Players will have the option of 'buying' the game for $30, which will unlock all current and future items, barring cosmetic items which must be purchased separately.[3] This is comparable to SMITE's one-time payment option.[4]
Development
The project originally began as a port of Legions: Overdrive to the Unity game engine in 2012 by former Legions: Overdrive developers. After taking into consideration how much time and effort would be required, the team decided to make a full-fledged sequel to Legions: Overdrive. However, in 2013 the developers decided to change plans and develop a new game altogether.[5]
After working with Unity for roughly a year the developers switched to Unreal Engine 4 shortly after the engine's release in March 2014.
On August 15, 2014, Archetype Studios was officially announced as the development studio for the then-titled Project Z, along with an official website and concept art for the game. Midair made its first public unveiling to those who attended the studios (off-site) presentation during PAX Prime 2014 on August 30, 2014.[6]
On April 26, 2015, the game was officially renamed to Midair. The official website was launched,[7] and a teaser trailer was released.[8]
On August 29, 2015, a pre-alpha build was available to play during PAX Prime 2015.
On December 22, 2015, a Steam Greenlight campaign was launched for Midair. The first official gameplay trailer was also released. On December 29 they achieved Greenlight status.[9]
On May 5, 2016, Archetype Studios launched a Kickstarter campaign for Midair with a goal of $100,000. On June 4 the campaign ended with $128,000.[10]
On March 26, 2017, Midair entered the alpha stage of development.[11]
On August 17, 2017, Archetype Studios announced that the closed beta for Midair would launch on August 25th. They also announced that the full release would be pushed from November 2017 to Q1 2018.[12]
On August 25, 2017, Midair entered the closed beta stage of development. It was also released on Steam's Early Access platform, as well as Itch.io.[13]
References
Q&A Round-Up: Dedicated Servers vs Matchmaking
"The Z Axis" Podcast #7 - T:A Patch, Midair Greenlight, New Game Roundup
Monetization and Progression in Midair
Hi-Rez introduces one-time payment option for SMITE
The Future of Legions - Part Two
Archetype Studios and Project Z
Archetype Studios Facebook
Midair Teaser
Midair Has Been Greenlit!
Midair on Kicktraq
Alpha Release Date
Midair Closed Beta Release Date Target: August 25th
Midair Brings The Spirit Of Tribes To The Modern Era