BladeShield – Augmented & Virtual Reality Confabulation

January 17, 2017

Rank17 Reveal 2017 Lineup Of Titles

It’s always nice to see new virtual reality (VR) titles heading our way, what can be expected in 2017 though is of course something of a mystery still at this stage of the year. Today though Rank17 – the studio behind BladeShield – has announced most of its lineup for 2017, with three titles now confirmed.

To start with there’s the retro-themed Super Pixel Smash (scheduled for launch this month), then there’s monster sim Monster Crush Online followed by sci-fi boxing sports game Planetary Punchout, the latter two are still working titles. Rank17 does have a fourth unnamed VR videogame in development which is a sniper-focused first-person shooter (FPS).

Super Pixel Smash has players wielding paddles to hit balls at targets on an opposite wall, with the aim to race against the clock to secure a high score. The walls feature panels of power-ups to unlock multipliers, multiballs, charged shots and more. There’s also ‘death panels’ which need to be avoided at all costs.

Ever wanted to be a giant monster and destroy stuff, well with Monster Crush Online players can do just that. Choosing between four creatures; Carl Cthulhu, Demon Dave, Gorzilla Greg, and Randy Rockford, players then head out into cities and lay them to waste. In multiplayer, friends can either compete against each other or select co-op for some team mayhem.

While Planetary Punchout takes boxing to an intergalactic level, with players facing off against all sorts of alien creatures. Each race has developed unique fighting styles which need to be learned and mastered to beat.

“This is shaping up to be a standout year for Rank17. After building on the positive reception of our previous games – including the well-received BladeShield – we’re charging full speed ahead with a new generation of ‘pick up and play’ VR titles,” says Steve Iverson, Studio Head, Rank17. “Breakout fans will find much to love in the nostalgic Super Pixel Smash. I’m sure that even meekest among us would be up for some city stomping fun in Monster Crush Online. Boxing is already fun, but punching aliens in face in Planetary Punchout is even better. Finally, FPS fans will soon get the VR game they always wanted in our upcoming sniper game. There’s much more to come throughout 2017!”

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Rank17, reporting back with any further announcements.

December 1, 2016

Slice and Dice Your Enemies with BladeShield on HTC Vive

Last week developers Rank17 and Silicon Storm announced their upcoming virtual reality (VR) title BladeShield for HTC Vive. Today the videogame has launched along with a limited time discount.

BladeShield is a wave-based melee combat title that discards guns for pure sword fighting action. Set aboard a spaceship called Titan-X, players have to stop rogue AI, E.L.L.E.N. (Engaging Linguistic Learning Electronic Network), from killing everyone on board by destroying hordes of robots. These include Sawbots, blaster drones, and mega turrets.

BladeShield screenshot 1

To protect players, they come armed with BladeShields – think Star Wars and Lightsabers – which can be swapped out for shields. But if players utilise the sword function to deflect incoming laser fire they’ll be able to charge up the weapon to unleash a devastating EMP blast.

“We want to give VR enthusiasts top-notch gameplay and visuals at a great value. VR is more than AAA tentpoles with head tracking thrown in,” said Steve Iverson Highest Ranking Officer, Rank 17. “It’s a brand new way to play — and Rank17 is well positioned to deliver more awesome ‘pickup-and-play’ VR titles to players in the years ahead. If you enjoy BladeShield, you’re going to love our 2017 releases!”

For the next five days BladeShield can be purchased with a 20 percent discount on Steam, dropping the price from £1.99 GBP/ $2.99 USD to £1.59/$2.39.

VRFocus will continue its coverage of Rank17, reporting back with further announcements.

November 22, 2016

Wave Defender BladeShield Coming to HTC Vive Next Week

There are plenty of gallery style, wave based shooters for the HTC Vive but very solely focus on pure melee combat. Developers Rank17 and Silicon Storm plan to change that with BladeShield, a virtual reality (VR) title that allows players to duel wield powerful swords against incoming robots.

There’s a basic story behind BladeShield which revolves around the Titan-X transport vessel and its advanced onboard A.I., E.L.L.E.N. (Engaging Linguistic Learning Electronic Network). As is usually the case with sci-fi A.I.’s, it goes rogue and commands the ship’s replicator to create an army of murderous robots to kill every human being in the galaxy. As the sole security officer on the ship, players are tasked with putting a stop to the A.I. and saving everyone.

BladeShield screenshot 1

There’s a couple of different gameplay combinations to choose from, all of which can be changed on the fly. Those looking to go on the offensive can wield a BladeShield in each hand slicing up Sawbots, blaster drones, and mega turrets whilst blocking incoming laser bolts. There’s the mixed layout of sword and proton shield or for pure defence why not choose two shields. Using the swords to deflect laser bolts charges them up, they can then be slammed into the floor to unleash a devastating EMP blast against the murderous robots.

BladeShield will launch on Steam for HTC Vive on 28th November. Rank17 will be offering a 20 percent discount during the first week of sale, dropping the price from $4.99 USD down to $3.99.

Checkout the first trailer for BladeShield below, and for any further updates, keep reading VRFocus.