Many people are curious about which game company will release the next big live-service shooter since so many have recently flopped.
Quite out of the blue, 2K Games stepped up and introduced Project Ethos, a free-to-play game created by 31st Union that mixes third-person shooting with roguelike elements. The game’s creators say it’s best to experience it yourself to truly understand it, as the idea is a bit tricky to pin down. Imagine a game where you and two friends pick from six heroes and dive into a 20-minute match called Trials. It’s all about gathering loot like health kits, ammo, and shields, while avoiding getting squished by stronger enemy teams. Weapons are unique to each hero, so your focus is on snatching up the right items.
Events within the match, similar to those in Destiny 2, offer rewards like Trials Cores, the in-game currency. Players also need to watch out for other teams looking to snag the same rewards. Just like in Apex Legends, if you’re knocked down, your teammates can revive you, or you’ll eventually bleed out. Use a Respawn Beacon to bring back fallen allies if needed. Escaping the match with your Cores is key, as dying means losing them all, but sticking around too long can make you a target for others.
After a successful extraction, players can trade Trials Cores for Augments to tweak their heroes’ abilities to suit their playstyle. These add-ons allow for some exciting changes, like turning a close-range fighter into a long-range threat. There’s also Gauntlet Mode, a competitive tournament setup where teams battle until one remains standing. Unlike Trials, Gauntlet focuses purely on PvP, awarding medals instead of Cores.
The game features six heroes, each with their own weapons, abilities, and Evolutions. Evolutions are temporary power-ups that enhance your hero’s skills during a match. However, some players feel that the heroes and their abilities seem a bit too familiar, drawing comparisons to characters from Apex Legends and other popular games. It’s a fun experience, though some of us might feel the characters could be more original.
Project Ethos shines in its movement and gunplay. You can slide, zipline, and even jump into energy fields that shoot you skyward, reminiscent of Apex’s Gravity Cannons. The weapons feel satisfying, and the gameplay encourages strategic thinking over just good aim. Although calling it a “roguelike” might be a stretch, the bounty mechanic adds a thrilling layer of challenge. As a whole, Project Ethos seems to borrow elements from various popular games but creates an engaging experience in its own right.
Currently, 31st Union is focused on gathering feedback from players rather than rushing to launch. “Live service is a conversation,” as one developer put it. They’re keen on hearing what players think, with team members actively seeking input during previews. Their approach shows they’re testing the waters and valuing player opinions before making final decisions.
In summary, Project Ethos isn’t breaking new ground but offers solid gameplay. Its lack of a distinct identity and unique hook are its biggest hurdles. The game has a narrative centered on AI taking over the world, but its visuals and abilities feel a bit recycled. The developers, however, are passionate and eager to make improvements. Whether the game succeeds depends on future updates and tweaks. More playtests, redesigns, and feedback could help it find its audience. It’s not clear if Project Ethos will stand out in a crowded market, but with time, it might just capture the attention of players looking for something fresh.
