Flinthook
| Flinthook | |
|---|---|
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| Developer(s) | Tribute Games |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, Xbox One |
| Release date(s) |
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| Genre(s) | Action platformer, roguelike |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Flinthook is an upcoming action platformer and roguelike indie video game by Tribute Games in which the player's character uses a grappling hook to traverse procedurally generated spaceships for treasure. The developers were inspired by "rogue-lites" including Spelunky and Rogue Legacy. They said that the grappling hook game mechanic was their hardest design challenge. The game was first announced in March 2016 and is expected for release in early 2017 for Xbox One. Early previews of Flinthook noted the accessibility and tightness of the controls. Digital Trends listed the game among the best in show at the June 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo.
Gameplay
Flinthook is an action platformer, roguelike game[1] in which the player controls a masked space pirate who explores procedurally generated ships for treasure[2] with a grappling chain hook. Captain Flinthook, the player-character, also has a plasma gun and the ability to slow time. The hook is used on environmental elements as well as enemies. For example, some enemies are invulnerable until the player removes their armor via the hook.[1] The player uses the left analog stick to both control the player and aim the hook. The hook is activated via the controller's trigger, and face buttons make the character jump and interact with nearby objects.[1] The game's level design and room contents are randomly generated, such that a room might look familiar but contain different enemies. Flinthook also has a "hardcore" mode where the player must start the game over from the beginning upon their character's death.[1] The game is depicted in pixel art.[3]
Development
Tribute Games is an indie development studio based in Montreal that previously worked on Mercenary Kings.[1] In November 2015, the game's designer, Dominique Ferland, polled his contacts on Twitter about their interest in "Spiderman with a gun" as a game concept. Tribute Games co-founder Jean-François Major said that perfecting the feel of the grappling hook was the team's hardest challenge.[1] The game was inspired by other "rogue-lite" games, such as Spelunky and Rogue Legacy, though the team did not design their game to be exceptionally difficult for all players.[1] Less than a month after the release of Ninja Senki DX,[3] Tribute announced Flinthook in March 2016 with a mosaic teaser on Twitch. The game's procedural generation was working in the office Windows version of the game at the time of announcement, though their demo used a predetermined level.[1] Flinthook has no set release date but is planned for release in early 2017 on Xbox One and possibly Windows 10.[2]
Reception
Digital Trends listed the game among the best in show at the June 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo and added that though many major games were adding grappling hook features, Flinthook was the only one to support a whole game based on the concept. The website praised the game's "imaginative artwork and refined, fun gameplay".[2] Nick Robinson (Polygon) wrote that the game's controls were "enormously intuitive", easily accessible, and comfortable.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Robinson, Nick (March 24, 2016). "First gameplay from Flinthook, a grappling hook rogue-lite from Tribute Games". Polygon. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
- 1 2 3 Digital Trends Staff (June 16, 2016). "Digital Trends Top Games of E3 2016". Digital Trends. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
- 1 2 LeClair, Kyle (March 9, 2016). "Tribute Games Reveals New Game Flinthook Via Twitch". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
External links
Media related to Flinthook at Wikimedia Commons