Zeno Clash is an upcoming first-person action fighting game that is set in a “punk fantasy” world. The game is developed by ACE Team who was honored as a finalist in the 2009 Independent Games Festival (IGF) Awards for Excellence in Visual Art. They will be releasing their game via Steam and Direct2Drive at the budget price of $20. ACE is also in the process of securing a publishing partner to release the game to retail in the U.S. and Europe.
Zeno Clash is a brutal fighting game where the combat is up-close and personal, Zeno Clash promises to be a “refreshing deviation from traditional fantasy games” according to WorthPlaying and offers up gamers surreal environments and characters with a unique art-style.
To quote WorthPlaying
“Zeno Clash is a story driven game with players assuming the role of Ghat; the son of an extraordinary hermaphrodite creature called Father-Mother, whose children form the most powerful clan in the city of Halstedom. Ghat must escape from his family and go an incredible journey with his female companion Deadra, who will aid him in the dangerous lands of Zenozoik. In the game, players will experience an unusual arsenal of weapons built from scraps and junk. Some of the distinct weapons include dual wielding guns, a musket, skull bombs and more.”
Melee combat in Zeno Clash was devised to resemble that of a fighting game where the player has movements that allow them to deflect and dodge combos, perform grab attacks and nail knockback finisher punches. As you progress in the game you will unlock more fighting techniques and additional attacks that will help you fend of the variety of unfriendly characters you will encounter throughout the single-player adventure.
The game will also features it’s own unique custom soundtrack that promises to offer as much variety as the game’s environments.
Key Features of Zeno Clash include:
* Fantastic visuals powered by the source engine: Players will be immersed in a fantastic world, beautiful and disturbing at the same time. The unprecedented art style brings a fresh new approach to the first person genre. The surreal environments and characters will keep player’s wanting to discover more. Discover the anarchic city of Halstedom, a green skied desert with impossible rock formations, the exotic woods where the nihilistic rejects live, and other incredible locations. The diversity of the world will capture the attention of everyone seeking something truly original.
* Engaging melee combat: The combat in Zeno Clash is up, close & personal. The new melee combat system allows players to perform a variety of movements like deflect & elude combos, knockback finisher punches and punishing grab attacks. The depth of the combat system will put player’s skills to the test. Challenge a variety of unfriendly characters that will attack you with their own fighting techniques and tricks. Learn new attacks as the game progresses and confronts you with more formidable foes.
* Deep storyline: Zeno Clash is a story driven game. Player’s will play the role of Ghat; the son of a impressive hermaphrodite creature called Father-Mother, who’s children form the most powerful clan in the city of Halstedom. Ghat must escape from his family and start an incredible journey with his female companion Deadra, who will aid him in the dangerous lands of Zenozoik. Unlike most fantasy stories with an obvious distinction between good and evil, Ghat’s motivations could be rebelliousness or revengeful. As new information about Ghat’s past is revealed by playing in different timelines, players can make their own judgment.
* Bizarre weapons: An unusual arsenal of weapons is available for those who can manage to keep the enemy at a range. The eccentric weapons are built from scraps and junk, but they are most effective when used properly. Enemies will do their best to keep the player from having the advantage of fighting from a distance. Dual wielding guns, a musket & skull bombs are just a sample of the weapons the player will find on their journey. Hammers and clubs will be the most effective when fighting heavy characters that can only be brought down with extreme force.
* Beautiful soundtrack: The beautiful musical score is as varied as the game’s settings. The original soundtrack will keep players immersed in the different environments and key parts of the story.
* Achievements: Zeno Clash features achievements to keep more demanding players happy while extending the game’s re-playabilty. Achievements will require players to put their skills to the test.
* Thanks to WorthPlaying for the screenshot.