TripWire Interactive and Torn Banner Studios Event Impressions: Maneater and Chivalry 2

Get ready, world of gaming, because two big titles are being released this year.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend a ONE PR Studio Media Event offering hands-on demos of games that are in development that allow you to conquer over the land or dominate the sea.

First up, Maneater: An open world action-RPG (“shARk-PG”) releasing May 22nd, 2020 by TripWire Interactive on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. In this game, you get to experience what is like to be the peak predator of the ocean. Starting out as a baby Bull Shark, you grow in the bayou by feasting on the animals and learning how to combat fierce enemies. The cruelty and brutal reality of the environment strengthens you, teaches you the ways of the animal kingdom.

However, we have a twist: you are out for vengeance. Humans kill 100 million sharks a year, while sharks only kill five humans. That does not seem fair, does it? It’s time to evolve. And that’s where the brilliance of Maneater comes in.

Your shark character can evolve and develop in Maneater. This constitutes ability upgrades, such as holding your breath for longer periods of times out of water (organ evolutions), generating armor that can either electrify or protect, or strengthen the shark in general. All of this allows you to become a more fearsome predator and terrorize the world of humans.

Early in the game, you are introduced to your mortal (human) enemy: a shark-hunter voiced by the outstanding Chris Parnell. He’s goal is to smite you off the planet, so you only have one option: “become more than nature intended”, and defeat him before he defeats you. Of course, you can choose to have a casual exploration experience, but where is the fun in that?

Playing through the demo was a simply delight. Combat mechanism are not difficult to comprehend, and the actions are very easy to execute. To understand some moves, listening to the tutorial to figure out control inputs is necessary, and these moves are more difficult to implement in the game. Yet as your shark grows, you learn, and eventually you will probably be able to be the menace you desire to be with ease.

The great graphics are the game are not to be denied. The video game, while you are not just exploring, it set to be like a reality show. This game is meant to be fun, and it is aware of that. And boy, did I have fun. 

For more information about Maneater, please visit: https://www.tripwireinteractive.com/#/maneater

Next up, we have Torn Banners Studio’s, Chivalry II, the succeeding title of the highly successful (and genre-creating) Chivalry. 

Chivalry, of course, was the first multi-player online slasher game, which released in 2012. It saw global success with millions of copies sold, and now, the improved version is coming in a to-be-determined date, potentially late this year. 

The story for the game revolves around the reign of a cruel king – and now is the time to fight for your freedom. Out of grueling fights and bloody battles, legends are destined to be born. Perhaps you are one of them!

Keeping the essentials (and basics) of what made the initial game so successful, Chivalry II maintains the large battlegrounds and direct one-on-one combat. However, environments have been improved upon, series of castle capturing is emphasized, and more horses are included (the beet feature, in my opinion). 

Now, 64 players at once can feel as though they have been thrust into large battle scenes such as ones from Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, or other medieval epic fantasies. Yet this does not have to be some sophisticated battle: it can easily turn into a bar fight, with players throwing forks, or even chickens at each other! Or you can be savage, and grab a decapitated head and beat down a limbless foe.

I thought the gameplay was very smooth in this game as well. While supporting a large player base, movement is still easy and consistent, and had no tangible delay. The combat is complex, and difficult to get a handle of, but I don’t see this as a hindrance or frustration. The more you play, the more skillful you get, and the more kills you can get in. This is a game with a learning curve, so if you want to be a powerful foe on the death field, you need to study the sword (or chicken).

I’m not usually one for MMOs, but this game has me excited. It’s got an interesting narrative, beautiful scenery, and amazing combat. As an added bonus, you can also throw in hilarious taunts or other shouts and calls.

For more information about Chivalry II, please visit: https://chivalry2.com/

Be sure to look out for both Maneater and Chivalry II – they are both games that promise hours of fun.