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Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend GOTY Edition takes off Feb. 15, includes all unlocks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tribes-ascend-goty-edition-takes-off-feb-15-includes-all-unlo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tribes-ascend-goty-edition-takes-off-feb-15-includes-all-unlo/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/tribes-ascend-goty-edition-takes-off-feb-15-includes-all-unlo/#comments
You might be wondering how a free-to-play game like Tribes: Ascend could even have a Game of the Year Edition. The answer, it turns out, is quite simple: Just unlock every class, weapon and perk for one price. Come February 15, players will be able to plunk down $30 to unlock everything Tribes: Ascend has to offer. Alternatively, current Tribes: Ascend VIPs will be able to pick up the package for $20. Even more alternatively, you can still play the game for free, choosing to purchase bits and pieces or simply unlocking things the old-fashioned way.

Finally, a patch will be released alongside the GOTY Edition, featuring six maps, a new Shocklance weapon and some new skins.

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend GOTY Edition takes off Feb. 15, includes all unlocks

Tribes: Ascend GOTY Edition takes off Feb. 15, includes all unlocks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playhi-rez-studiospcrelease-datetribes-ascendtribes-ascend-game-of-the-year-editionWed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The next Tribes update adds 'Blitz' mode, re-energizes Tech class]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/the-next-tribes-update-adds-blitz-mode-re-energizes-tech-clas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/the-next-tribes-update-adds-blitz-mode-re-energizes-tech-clas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/the-next-tribes-update-adds-blitz-mode-re-energizes-tech-clas/#comments
This month's update to Tribes: Ascend lavishes the Tech class with a new weapon, a new (super neat) belt item, an additional skin, an extra turret, while everyone gets a new game mode: "Blitz." In Blitz, flag objectives move around the map based on captures, becoming progressively more difficult as the match goes on.

LIke always, the update is free. And if you're already playing Tribes: Ascend, we commend you.

The next Tribes update adds 'Blitz' mode, re-energizes Tech class originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blitzblitz-modehi-rezhi-rez-studiosmonthly-updatepcseptember-updatetribes-ascendupdateThu, 23 Aug 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend adds a double disc launcher in latest patch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/tribes-ascend-adds-a-double-disc-launcher-in-latest-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/tribes-ascend-adds-a-double-disc-launcher-in-latest-patch/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/tribes-ascend-adds-a-double-disc-launcher-in-latest-patch/#comments
Excellent free-to-play shooter Tribes: Ascend gets extra content (also for free) in its most recent update. Players gain access to new maps, new voice packs and, most importantly, a deadly double disc launcher. [Disclosure: Since we work under AOL, we are extra proficient at launching discs at people. - Ed.]

Tribes: Ascend adds a double disc launcher in latest patch originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>august-patchgameplayhi-rezhi-rez-studiospatchpctrailertribes-ascendThu, 26 Jul 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend slides its way to Steam, still free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/tribes-ascend-slides-its-way-to-steam-still-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/tribes-ascend-slides-its-way-to-steam-still-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/tribes-ascend-slides-its-way-to-steam-still-free/#comments

Tribes Ascend now on Steam

At least 1.2 million people have been enjoying Tribes: Ascend directly from Hi-Rez Studios (including us), but now it's available to Steam's audience of more than 40 million, still for free. Tribes: Ascend is a sci-fi, fast-paced, free-to-play PC shooter featuring jetpacks, skiing and multiple classes. It's almost like the Winter Olympics' biathlon competition, but with more guns and flying.

The game itself is free, but it does have weapons and upgrades for sale, of course. Steam is offering a 50 percent discount on the Starter Pack, which includes a lifetime 50 percent XP boost, two special classes and 12 weapon unlocks, four perk unlocks and 800 Tribes Gold, all for $10 through July 4 at 10 a.m. PT.

Tribes: Ascend slides its way to Steam, still free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playhi-rez-studiospcSTEAMtribes-ascendWed, 27 Jun 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes Ascend's July update reinvents 'Stonehenge' map, invents 'Miasma']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/tribes-ascends-july-update-reinvents-stonehenge-map-invents/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/tribes-ascends-july-update-reinvents-stonehenge-map-invents/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/tribes-ascends-july-update-reinvents-stonehenge-map-invents/#comments
Continuing its promise of monthly new content, Hi-Rez Studios unveiled its latest Tribes: Ascend update video this morning. The update is a biggun for both new players and vets, as two new maps are set to be deployed: a remake of Tribes 1's "Stonehenge" map, and the brand new "Miasma." Now all we need is something borrowed and something blue, and we'll be all set to wed this game.

Tribes Ascend's July update reinvents 'Stonehenge' map, invents 'Miasma' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameplayhi-rezhi-rez-studiosjuly-2012-updatejuly-updatemiasmapcstonehengetribes-ascendupdateTue, 26 Jun 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The next Tribes: Ascend update helps you level up guns even faster]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-next-tribes-ascend-update-helps-you-level-up-guns-even-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-next-tribes-ascend-update-helps-you-level-up-guns-even-fast/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-next-tribes-ascend-update-helps-you-level-up-guns-even-fast/#comments
Tribes: Ascend's June update adds more than a couple new Capture-and-Hold maps, a whole variety of weapon variants, and "significant balance adjustments." Beyond all that free stuff, Hi-Rez is doling out a speed boost to the game's weapon upgrade system, and has thusly dubbed its latest update "Accelerate."

Rather than solely upgrading weapons via XP earned in-game, each weapon will accordingly level up through use. The system seems like an interesting workaround to adding tons of weapons and players feeling unable to master any particular one. Hi-Rez demonstrates the system in the video above.

Continue reading The next Tribes: Ascend update helps you level up guns even faster

The next Tribes: Ascend update helps you level up guns even faster originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerateaccelerate-updatefree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studiosjune-2012-updatejune-updatepctribes-ascendupdateTue, 12 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get down with yo' bad self in Tribes: Ascend's latest update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/get-down-with-yo-bad-self-in-tribes-ascends-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/get-down-with-yo-bad-self-in-tribes-ascends-latest-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/get-down-with-yo-bad-self-in-tribes-ascends-latest-update/#comments

Tribes: Ascend's upcoming "Staying Alive" update adds more than just a smattering of new weapons for you disco dancing disc launchers. The update also brings live streams and training videos into the game's main menu, allowing you to spend even more time wrapped up in Ascend.

Get down with yo' bad self in Tribes: Ascend's latest update originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rezhi-rez-studiospatchpcstaying-alivestaying-alive-updatetribes-ascendtwitch-tvtwitch.tvupdateTue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend pulled down 1.2 million times thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tribes-ascend-pulled-down-1-2-million-times-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tribes-ascend-pulled-down-1-2-million-times-thus-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tribes-ascend-pulled-down-1-2-million-times-thus-far/#comments

Free-to-play shooter Tribes: Ascend has been downloaded 1.2 million times, a significant boost from the debatably framed 800K registered accounts from a month ago.

"It is truly the player support of the title that has driven the population growth and fuels our team to deliver updates," said Hi-Rez Studio COO Todd Harris. "We see the community expanding primarily thru positive word of mouth."

Hi-Rez Studios also noted over 110,000 people have joined Tribes: Ascend through the company's referral system. Our experience with the game since launch has been chronicled by our "Murderous Skier."

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend pulled down 1.2 million times thus far

Tribes: Ascend pulled down 1.2 million times thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rezhi-rez-studiospctribes-ascendWed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The diary of a murderous skier: Spending real money in Tribes: Ascend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-spending-real-money-in-tribes-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-spending-real-money-in-tribes-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-spending-real-money-in-tribes-a/#commentsAs free-to-play games are constantly changing, traditional reviews can't really do them justice, so we rely on a series of unscored review diaries to record our experiences with them. Today brings part two of our Tribes: Ascend diaries.

I gave in. I dropped $50 on Tribes: Ascend and haven't looked back. After three weeks of loving the game in its totally free form, I decided it was time to suck it up and unlock some other classes. And not only did that $50 get me a ton of Gold, but also a mess of bonus XP. Shopping time!

For the price of a full PC game, I unlocked seven of the game's nine classes, a variety of skins, and upgrades across all my classes, and increased the rate at which I earned in-game XP (the only currency that will upgrade weapons, packs, and armor, and which thankfully cannot be purchased with real dollars). I still have some gold coins to spare (the in-game currency that's converted from real dollars, which can't be earned), but I'm saving them for ... well, I don't really know. I'd feel weird spending them all.

Continue reading The diary of a murderous skier: Spending real money in Tribes: Ascend

The diary of a murderous skier: Spending real money in Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rezhi-rez-studiostribes-ascendTue, 08 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend getting two new maps, custom loadouts in Tartarus update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tribes-ascend-getting-two-new-maps-custom-loadouts-in-tartarus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tribes-ascend-getting-two-new-maps-custom-loadouts-in-tartarus/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/tribes-ascend-getting-two-new-maps-custom-loadouts-in-tartarus/#comments

Tribes: Ascend continues to be both free and excellent, which is to say we were pretty excited this morning when we heard that a content update is in the works. Two crazy-looking new maps, custom loadouts, and a variety of requested player tweaks are planned for the Tartarus update, which is said to be "coming soon."

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend getting two new maps, custom loadouts in Tartarus update

Tribes: Ascend getting two new maps, custom loadouts in Tartarus update originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>content-updategameplayhi-rezhi-rez-studiospctartarustribes-ascendupdateTue, 08 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend isn't skiing to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tribes-ascend-isnt-skiing-to-consoles/#comments

We've more or less known that Tribes: Ascend wouldn't be heading to consoles - as initially pitched - for a year or more now. That whole "free-to-play" thing is kinda the kiss of death for devs hoping to port to consoles (unless you're CCP, that is). Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris explained it further in a recent interview.

"We do not have any plans for Tribes on console at this time," Harris said. That decision sprang from Hi-Rez's business model of choice, rather than technical limitations. "The way it went is that we wanted to do the free-to-play model, and there wasn't a clear path to that on consoles early on." Unlike CCP, the Tribes team is just 15 people, so negotiating with the big boys (Sony, Microsoft) wasn't really an option.

Harris isn't counting out console makers playing nice with free-to-play devs in the future (even the near future), but Tribes: Ascend likely won't bridge that gap. "We're still interested in free-to-play on consoles, but at this point, we have nothing specific to Tribes on console," Harris added.

Tribes: Ascend is currently available on Windows PC.

Tribes: Ascend isn't skiing to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playhi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationportps3todd-harristribes-ascendxboxThu, 03 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The diary of a murderous skier: My first two weeks with Tribes: Ascend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-my-first-two-weeks-with-tribes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-my-first-two-weeks-with-tribes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-diary-of-a-murderous-skier-my-first-two-weeks-with-tribes/#commentsAs free-to-play games are constantly changing, traditional reviews can't really do them justice, so Joystiq relies on a series of unscored review diaries to record our experiences with them.

It's been over a decade since I last played PC games with any regularity. Outside of Word Munchers, The Secret Island of Dr. Quandary and The Oregon Trail, I grew up with a controller instead of a keyboard and mouse. There were brief flirtations with Duke Nukem 3D and Doom, but I was busy playing GoldenEye over Quake.

Starsiege: Tribes changed that. It barely ran on my father's computer, and our little 28.8Kbps modem could hardly handle the data stream necessary for online play, but I spent hours tying up our phone line regardless. Its fast pace, enormous outdoor environments, and central gameplay twist - "skiing" down hills and jetpacking up the other side, making for constant air battles with other players - entranced my adolescent brain. It seemed so vastly ahead of anything else available and, in many ways, still does.

Gallery: Tribes Ascend (2/22/12)

Continue reading The diary of a murderous skier: My first two weeks with Tribes: Ascend

The diary of a murderous skier: My first two weeks with Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studiosmacpctribes-ascendFri, 27 Apr 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend has over 800K registered accounts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tribes-ascend-has-over-800k-registered-accounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tribes-ascend-has-over-800k-registered-accounts/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/tribes-ascend-has-over-800k-registered-accounts/#comments

Tribes: Ascend has been jet packing and skiing across the newish frontier of high-quality freemium titles for a couple weeks, taking hundreds of thousands of players along on the journey. Speaking to Gamasutra, Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris said the game has over 800,000 registered accounts.

If you're looking for reasons to check out Tribes: Ascend (you know, beyond it being free), our buddies over at Massively have laid out some scientifically tested opinions on the subject. We'll weigh in soon.

Tribes: Ascend has over 800K registered accounts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rez-studiospctribes-ascendFri, 27 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get an introduction to Tribes: Ascend, see what updates are en route]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/get-an-introduction-to-tribes-ascend-see-what-updates-are-en-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/get-an-introduction-to-tribes-ascend-see-what-updates-are-en-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/get-an-introduction-to-tribes-ascend-see-what-updates-are-en-r/#comments

If you're looking to learn more about Tribes: Ascend, the free-to-play revival from Hi-Rez Studios, here's an intro video to the series, followed by details about the game's next update.

Continue reading Get an introduction to Tribes: Ascend, see what updates are en route

Get an introduction to Tribes: Ascend, see what updates are en route originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rez-studiospctribes-ascendMon, 23 Apr 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Tribes: Ascend takes off its training wheels, launches today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/psa-tribes-ascend-takes-off-its-training-wheels-launches-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/psa-tribes-ascend-takes-off-its-training-wheels-launches-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/psa-tribes-ascend-takes-off-its-training-wheels-launches-toda/#comments

After several months of training exercises, Tribes: Ascend has officially launched.

The free-to-play revival from Hi-Rez Studios is the first playable Tribes game in eight years, incorporating futuristic Biathlon-based mechanics with jetpacks and flag-gathering. Also, we're totally over budget on hyphens in this post.

Tribes: Ascend is currently only compatible with Windows. If you want to check it out, hit up the source link below and sign up for a free account.

PSA: Tribes: Ascend takes off its training wheels, launches today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playhi-rez-studiospcpsatribes-ascendwindowsThu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tribes-ascend-beta-open-to-all-on-feb-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tribes-ascend-beta-open-to-all-on-feb-24/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/tribes-ascend-beta-open-to-all-on-feb-24/#comments

So far, 300,000 have played Tribes: Ascend in its closed beta state, Hi-Rez Studios COO Todd Harris revealed. But Hi-Rez wants more players and this Friday, the Tribes: Ascend beta will be open to all.

Before the launch of the open beta, Hi-Rez will add some additional maps and customization options to Tribes: Ascend, plus a new game mode: Arena Deathmatch. These will all be added in a patch coming, well, before Friday, we guess. Hi-Rez hasn't really said when the patch will be live.

If you're worried about player progress, don't sweat it. Your progress and unlocks will carry over to the open beta.

Gallery: Tribes Ascend (2/22/12)

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24

Tribes: Ascend beta open to all on Feb. 24 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betahi-rez-studiosopen-betapctribestribes-ascendWed, 22 Feb 2012 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez only working on Tribes: Ascend for now, MMO and singleplayer could come later]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/hi-rez-only-working-on-tribes-ascend-for-now-mmo-and-singlepla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/hi-rez-only-working-on-tribes-ascend-for-now-mmo-and-singlepla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/hi-rez-only-working-on-tribes-ascend-for-now-mmo-and-singlepla/#comments

Hi-Rez Studios had big plans for the Tribes property after picking it up a few years ago, and hoped to revamp the single-player game with Tribes: Ascend, and develop the franchise into a full-fledged MMO. Things have changed since then -- Hi-Rez's COO Todd Harris says, "right now our Tribes dev team is working only on Ascend."

Speaking to PC PowerPlay, Harris described Ascend as borrowing heavily from the earlier, fondly remembers Tribes games. Focusing solely on an action game means Hi-Rez could make sure to "get the movement and physics and combat feeling right." Some settings and weapons from the first game will return, but there will be new content, new weapons, and frequent releases of cosmetic items ("much the way League of Legends does in the MOBA genre," says Harris).

Both the MMO and single-player content are possibilities for the future, Harris adds, but Tribes: Ascend is the focus for now.

Hi-Rez only working on Tribes: Ascend for now, MMO and singleplayer could come later originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmopctodd-harristribestribes-ascendThu, 05 Jan 2012 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend beta starting Nov. 4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/tribes-ascend-beta-starting-nov-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/tribes-ascend-beta-starting-nov-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/tribes-ascend-beta-starting-nov-4/#comments

A closed beta for free-to-play title Tribes: Ascend will launch on November 4. Those interested in participating should sign up on the game's website, after which invites will be sent in waves to selected applicants. It's also possible to guarantee a spot in the beta by pre-ordering the VIP pack.

Developer Hi-Rez previously stated it would "continue to increase the number of beta participants through the end of this year in preparation for a general game release in Q1 of 2012."

Gallery: Tribes Ascend (6/28/11)

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend beta starting Nov. 4

Tribes: Ascend beta starting Nov. 4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betahi-rez-studiospcTribestribes-ascendWed, 12 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend now accepting beta applicants]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/tribes-ascend-now-accepting-beta-applicants/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/tribes-ascend-now-accepting-beta-applicants/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/tribes-ascend-now-accepting-beta-applicants/#comments

Did you miss out on Tribes: Ascend at PAX Prime this year? Don't sweat it, because developer Hi-Rez Studios is looking to conduct an open beta, one you can get in on within the next couple weeks. You can sign your name on the dotted line by heading over to the game's official website.

The initial beta run will showcase four different multiplayer maps from the free-to-play title -- beta testers get to sample two different game types and three vehicles across these four maps, including a smorgasbord of 12 of the game's classes. And if you don't get in on the beta at first, there's still hope: Hi-Rez says it will "continue to increase the number of beta participants through the end of this year in preparation for a general game release in Q1 of 2012." Plus, like, jetpacks. Is there anything else worth patiently waiting for? We've been doing that our entire life!

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend now accepting beta applicants

Tribes: Ascend now accepting beta applicants originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafree-to-playhi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpctribestribes-ascendxboxWed, 14 Sep 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend will be free-to-play, gameplay trailer released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/tribes-ascend-will-be-free-to-play-gameplay-trailer-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/tribes-ascend-will-be-free-to-play-gameplay-trailer-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/tribes-ascend-will-be-free-to-play-gameplay-trailer-released/#comments

According to IGN, Tribes: Ascend will adopt a free-to-play model when it launches later this year. Developer Hi-Rez Studios plans to emulate the payment model used in League of Legends; rather than regularly offering new champions, Tribes: Ascend will offer new equipment and weapon loadouts. IGN reports that different loadouts cater to different specialties like stealth and assault.

We asked Hi-Rez about its plans for the Xbox Live Arcade version of Tribes: Ascend, especially considering there has yet to be a free-to-play title on the service. Hi-Rez's Todd Harris informed Joystiq that the studio is currently "focused on delivering Tribes: Ascend for PC only." Furthermore, it seems as though initial plans may have changed, as Harris didn't even confirm that an XBLA version is officially in the works, stating, "An eventual XBLA version, and even PSN version, is not out of the question but neither will be this year."

Interestingly, this marks the second free-to-play game related to the Tribes series planned for 2011. Red 5 Studios' FireFall, led by original Tribes designer Scott Youngblood, is also launching this year. In contrast to Tribes: Ascend, FireFall's free-to-play items center around aesthetic items rather than items that affect gameplay.

Find a new Tribes: Ascend gameplay trailer after the break.

Gallery: Tribes Ascend (6/28/11)

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend will be free-to-play, gameplay trailer released

Tribes: Ascend will be free-to-play, gameplay trailer released originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tribes-ascendxboxMon, 27 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend gameplay shots ascend on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/tribes-ascent-gameplay-shots-ascend-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/tribes-ascent-gameplay-shots-ascend-on-facebook/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/tribes-ascent-gameplay-shots-ascend-on-facebook/#comments

Hi-Rez Studios has posted the first two gameplay screens from Tribes Ascend on the game's Facebook page, and we're required by federal regulations to tell you that they are ... looking pretty good! Blue skies! Wide open landscapes! Some gun that looks like an updated version of the classic Spinfusor!

It's enough to get your blood pumping if you're an old-school Tribes fan. You can see both shots (the second one has a jetpack!) in the gallery below.

[Thanks, Underbridge Resider]

Gallery: Tribes Ascend (5/10/11)

Tribes: Ascend gameplay shots ascend on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 May 2011 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpcspinfusortribes-ascendxboxMon, 09 May 2011 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend concept art shows off battleground (and battlesky)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/tribes-ascend-concept-art-shows-off-battleground-and-battlesky/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/tribes-ascend-concept-art-shows-off-battleground-and-battlesky/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/tribes-ascend-concept-art-shows-off-battleground-and-battlesky/#comments

The official Facebook fan page for Hi-Rez Studios' Tribes: Ascend has been revealing concept art on a slow drip since its announcement. The latest, a reward for the group hitting 4,000 fans, shows off one of the shooter's flight-friendly arenas. Check out all the art released (so far) below.

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend concept art shows off battleground (and battlesky)

Tribes: Ascend concept art shows off battleground (and battlesky) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-arthi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpctribestribes-ascendxboxWed, 06 Apr 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Tribes: Ascend rises on XBLA, PC this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/tribes-ascend-rises-on-xbla-pc-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/tribes-ascend-rises-on-xbla-pc-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/tribes-ascend-rises-on-xbla-pc-this-year/#comments

Hi-Rez Studios announced last year that it's doing something massive with the Tribes IP. It just revealed a much smaller-scale project as well. Tribes: Ascend is an Unreal Engine 3-based, multiplayer-only, downloadable Tribes game heading to XBLA and PC in 2011.

"Tribes fans appreciate the game's essence-athletic FPS combat combined with teamwork and strategy," Hi-Rez COO Todd Harris told PC Gamer. "As we began development of Tribes Universe, we focused first on capturing that essence-refining and modernizing iconic elements like jetpacks, skiing, and vehicles. We've had tremendous fun play-testing and realized the potential of a multiplayer focused title ahead of Tribes Universe."

Rocket past the break to see the trailer, which openly positions the game as a followup to Tribes 2.

Continue reading Tribes: Ascend rises on XBLA, PC this year

Tribes: Ascend rises on XBLA, PC this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hi-rez-studiosmicrosoftpctribestribes-ascendxblaxboxFri, 11 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez Studios acquires Tribes franchise, turning it into an MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/hi-rez-studios-acquires-tribes-franchise-turning-it-into-an-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/hi-rez-studios-acquires-tribes-franchise-turning-it-into-an-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/hi-rez-studios-acquires-tribes-franchise-turning-it-into-an-mmo/#comments

Haven't you always wondered about what kind of rich, storied cultures surrounded the vertically-centric gunfights of the Tribes series? Like, what's the historical significance of all those jet packs, you know? These pressing questions may soon find an answer -- developer Hi-Rez Studios has acquired the rights to the Tribes franchise, and is using those newfound rights to make a PvP-focused action-MMO titled Tribes Universe.

A post on the forums for Hi-Rez' other flagship title, Global Agenda, revealed a few scarce details for the new project, the most intriguing of which being, "a significant rewrite to the Unreal Engine servers to allow for 100+ players to be fighting in the same map." An alpha testing phase for the game is currently set for early 2011, and players who have reached the Global Agenda level cap will be given priority for invitations. Here we'd hoped we'd have priority for invitations, because we own an actual jet pack. It's true! We made it ourselves.

Hi-Rez Studios acquires Tribes franchise, turning it into an MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>global-agendahi-rez-studiosmmopctribestribes-universeSun, 24 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST