Battletoads (2020 video game)
Battletoads is an upcoming beat 'em up video game developed by Dlala Studios under supervision of Rare and published by Xbox Game Studios. It is a reboot of the Battletoads series, and the first new entry in 26 years following 1994's Battletoads Arcade. The game is set to be released on August 20, 2020 for Xbox One and Windows platforms.
Battletoads | |
---|---|
Developer(s) |
|
Publisher(s) | Xbox Game Studios |
Series | Battletoads |
Platform(s) | Xbox One, Windows[1] |
Release | August 20, 2020[2] |
Genre(s) | Beat 'em up |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
Like the original Battletoads, the game is a side-scrolling beat 'em up. Up to three players can play cooperatively as the Battletoads Rash, Pimple, and Zitz,[3] each with distinct playstyles.[4] The game's graphical style is hand-drawn[3] and has more of a cartoon-styled aesthetic than prior series games.[5]
The game has an obstacle course reminiscent of the original game's notoriously difficult Turbo Tunnel,[4] but instead of the original's side view, the one in the reboot has the camera behind the bikes.[5] The rebooted sequence retains its nostalgic difficulty, with its game over screen providing the player with messages of encouragement.[4]
Development
The reboot[4] is in development with Dlala Studios with the assistance and supervision of series creator Rare.[6] Dlala Studios previously worked on Overruled, another beat-em-up game.[5] Prior to the game's announcement at E3 2018,[5] the Battletoads series had been dormant for decades and was last displayed in the 2015 retrospective compilation Rare Replay.[3] Rare's intention was to remake classic Battletoads gameplay without the limitations of 1980s hardware.[4] The game received its first gameplay trailer at the June 2019 E3[5] and was playable at Microsoft's November X019 trade show.[7] The game was originally anticipated for a 2019 release as an Xbox One exclusive,[6][5] but was later set for release on August 20, 2020, for Xbox One and Windows.[2]
Reception
In a preview of the game, IGN wrote that the game lacked the difficult platforming for which the original was known, though the game itself remained difficult.[4] GamesRadar praised Dlala's progress on the game at a mid-2019 demo.[8]
References
- Romano, Sal (August 21, 2019). "Battletoads Gamescom 2019 gameplay". Gematsu. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- Romano, Sal (July 31, 2020). "Battletoads launches August 20". Gematsu. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- Good, Owen S. (June 10, 2018). "Battletoads is coming back to Xbox One". Polygon. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- Winkie, Luke (November 14, 2019). "BattleToads Hands-On Preview: Adding Strategic Depth to Classic Couch Co-op". IGN. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- O'Connor, James (June 10, 2019). "Here's our first proper look at Battletoads on Xbox One". VG247. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- Desatoff, Sam (October 8, 2018). "Dlala is looking to add to its team as development on Battletoads continues". PCGamesN. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- Nunneley, Stephany (November 7, 2019). "X019 attendees can play Doom Eternal, Jedi: Fallen Order, Project Resistance, more at the show". VG247. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- Bryant, Adam (June 12, 2019). "The first proper trailer and gameplay details for the Battletoads Xbox One revival are here". GamesRadar. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
Further reading
- Shea, Brian (November 25, 2019). "Battletoads Preview – Zitz And All". Game Informer. Retrieved December 22, 2019.