OXM Online writes: Today, developer Signal Studios — the folks behind the Toy Soldiers series — announced that its action hack-‘n’-slash looter, Ascend: New Gods, will be joining Toylogic’s Happy Wars as one of the first games on Xbox Live Arcade to go free-to-play. It appears that Microsoft, the publisher for both titles, is experimenting with the microtransaction business model that’s flourished on PC.
GR said, "Remember Ascend: New Gods? Not too many people do. Signal Studios, or better known as those who brought you the Toy Soldiers franchise on Xbox Live, introduced the action title to the world during Microsoft’s 2012 E3 press conference. The game has been slated for a 2013 launch date, but little has been seen of the title, which will allow players to “wage war for your God as a brutal Caos warrior on a unique journey to Ascension,” since last year. However, a new trademark filed by the Xbox maker may be a sign that the game has taken on a new moniker."
They've also dropped the trademark for Ascend: New Gods, seemingly. Could be just the new title.
If its a great game, its a great game. A turd name doesnt stain a great game, right?
I wonder if this is one of the titles where the rumors of "MS games being six months behind" comes from?
Whatever it does I hope they keep the gameplay of "multiplayer-focused, turn-based strategy game". Games nowadays could use more of a variety and I have always been a fan of turn based games.
MTB: While at PAX East this year I had a chance to get my hands on Ascend: New Gods. I had seen the trailer, but other than that didn’t know what to expect. I am happy to report that I was pleasantly surprised by what the game has to offer.
Paste: "Yes, it’s free-to-play, but don’t sleep on Ascend: New Gods. The latest effort from Signal Studios, the developer responsible for the excellent Toy Soldiers games, is an interesting experiment in both design and business models."
I'm glad ms is doing free-2-play stuff now. Hopefully, it works out and continue to invest in it with their titles.
Looking forward to see if MS really gives F2Pa fair shake.... It'd be so nice to see it work then get a phantasy star online 2 top it off!
I'm very interested in Ascend. Hopefully it wont be gated to hard.