How Ember Knights was Constructed from the Floor Up for Co-op

Earlier than we even discovered the identify and last idea for Ember Knights, we had already constructed a powerful core fight loop centered round fast-paced hack-and-slash gameplay with tight controls. We then expanded on that basis by introducing co-op, which finally gave rise to Ember Knights, out there at present for the primary time with crossplay on Xbox Sequence X|S and Xbox on PC.

With the primary closed beta and demo again in late 2020, we noticed the enchantment of the co-op aspect firsthand as pals, companions and neighborhood members performed collectively. That’s when a core imaginative and prescient for our sport took form: a fast-paced, action-packed hack-and-slash roguelite that might really feel simply as rewarding solo as it might in co-op.

Primarily based on suggestions from the demo, we rethought our strategy to run layouts – shifting from a free-roaming dungeon construction to a room-by-room design. We additionally redesigned the rooms in order that, usually, all 4 gamers would stay seen on display screen on the similar time.

Along with these structural modifications, we re-evaluated the synergies between weapons, abilities and relics to supply extra significant collaboration. Every weapon performs a definite function on the battlefield – from crowd management to quick/long-range DPS to skill-based combos – and the identical applies to abilities. The aim was to create fixed interactions and synergy between gamers.

For instance, one participant may equip the Rift Hammer, specializing in beautiful enemies with highly effective strikes and AOE abilities like Rupture or Cyclone. In the meantime, a teammate might wield the Guardian Bow, leveraging relics that deal bonus injury to shocked enemies.

This interaction solely deepens as you experiment. Expertise and relics work together in sudden methods, encouraging groups to adapt their builds to enrich one another’s strengths. Wish to construct a staff of explosive pyromancers? That’s completely viable with abilities like Molten Boulder or Ember Hearth, and relics like Combustion Stone – which offers bonus injury when setting enemies on fireplace – or Fury Allure – which will increase injury towards burning enemies.

This design philosophy has guided us all through Early Entry, the 1.0 launch and past.

Neighborhood suggestions post-1.0 has additionally performed an important function in shaping the co-op expertise. One widespread request was for a neater mode to assist introduce the sport to gamers new to the style. Whether or not it was a hardcore roguelite veteran desirous to play co-op with newcomers, or a guardian introducing their youngsters to the style, Simple Mode was created to welcome extra gamers into the expertise.

Our final aim has at all times been to make the sport as accessible and enjoyable to play collectively as doable. That’s why Ember Knights: Heroes of the Nexus Version, launched on October 16, contains full native co-op, on-line multiplayer and on-line crossplay between PC and Xbox Sequence X|S. Whether or not you’re sitting on the sofa or syncing up with pals throughout the nation, now you can leap into the Nexus and face the forces of Praxis – collectively.

Ember Knights : Heroes of the Nexus Version

Twin Sails Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆
4

★★★★★

$24.99

On this fast-paced motion rogue-lite, play as Ember Knights, the final spark of hope of a universe in turmoil. Praxis, the mad sorcerer, has syphoned the life out of the Ember Tree and fled by way of the 4 Prime Worlds spreading corruption in his path.

In solo or co-op (as much as 4 gamers), use highly effective weapons and abilities to hack and slash lethal hordes, defeat epic bosses, free the decaying Prime Worlds and restore power to the Ember Tree!

A BLAZING ACTION ROGUE-LITE
Legendary warriors, the Ember Knights, are expert within the wielding of the universe’s strongest weapons, every with their very own modification system! Nevertheless, the sword doesn’t make the knight… By way of action-packed fight rooms, you’ll must chain your assaults and completely time your swings to unleash fiery assaults.
Agile and fearless, use your tempo and dodge to outsmart, counter, and stun your enemies!

IGNITE DEADLY COMBOS
With 7 distinct weapons, 9 modifications per weapon, 20 abilities, and effectively over 100 relics, there are lots of of lethal builds to create.
From a hearth spreading scythe wielder to a relentless injury resistant spellcaster to a poison spreading archer with summons, forge your individual construct throughout your runs.
In co-op, coordinate with your mates to arrange combos and synergies between your playstyles.

FACE PRAXIS’ HORDES
Beasts, specters, sorcerers, mechanized amphibians, and creatures of all kinds… Combat over 60 distinctive monsters and variations every with their very own distinctive assaults and behaviors.
As well as, be ready to face difficult Elites and Champions; probably the most resistant and deadliest variations of Praxis’ devoted minions. You’ll have to adapt your playstyle to every encounter and be taught out of your errors in the event you want to succeed.

INCUR THE WRATH OF THE BOSSES
The actual problem for the legendary Knights will lie within the epic bosses and their corrupted variations. From the Royal Phalanx to the Plague Bringer, Praxis will summon something in his energy to cease you.
Strive totally different builds, improve your Ember Tree, and do not worry demise. Persistence might be your key to victory!

WRATH OF THE ARCHITECT DLC – INCLUDED
Included within the Ember Knights: Heroes of the Nexus Version, the Wrath of the Architect DLC is altering the whole sport: with a brand new last boss – The Architect, 4 new bosses and 4 new mini-bosses in altered variations of the Prime worlds full of altered hordes of enemies with new assaults and patterns.
To assist the knights, 2 highly effective new weapons (Hyper Gloves & Ember Buster) and 9 devastating new abilities are added to their arsenal.