Dirty Bomb

[nerfmeplease]

Today we are going to shift focus to a rather neglected section here on OC. From Splash Damage, creators of Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory and Quake Wars, comes Dirty Bomb. Dirty Bomb is a pre-alpha game being developed to be an extremely balanced, team-play oriented First Person Shooter. From Splash Damage:

We have always believed that multiplayer is more thrilling than single player. We’re dedicated to the perfection of team play. We are committed to developing games that our fans can enjoy for months and years.

The most interesting part about Dirty Bomb is how it’s being made. They are using new software technology to analyze and shape the game maps, weapons, and flow of each objective. The software, named Echo, is used to record massive amounts of data from matches played, and allow the developer to extract minute details from each piece of the data, such as clips of ammunition per kill and a graphic showing death congestion in the map.

Fireteam (Fireteam | Next-generation online services for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, iOS, and Android), the company responsible for the analysis software, says Echo is a multi-platform tool that will work on anything from android apps, to consoles, to PC. Splash Damage says that the Echo software is the reason they are able to offer an alpha test so early:

Developed by the talented chaps over at Fireteam, Echo basically collects and visualizes detailed data from all of Dirty Bomb’s multiplayer servers, allowing us to balance and optimize the game in ways we couldn't before.

The alpha testing will come at a price, unfortunately. It will be a package called the Legendary pack. It will be a salty $120 for instant access to the current state of the game, but along with it you will receive a T-Shirt, Founders Mercs (5), a soundtrack, and art book. There are cheaper packages available for those not wanting to take the plunge 120 bones deep, in the form of a $60 Elite pack, and $30 Veteran pack, each coming with their own small packages as well as priority access to the beta. If you are feeling extra saucy, they offer two packages above the Legendary pack. The Contributor pack ($240) and VIP Founder pack ($320), which will give you access to the developer IRC channel along with other bonuses as well as everything from the Legendary pack. To see a full list of all the purchase options, head over here.

Here is a game-play trailer and description of how Echo works: Dirty Bomb 'Shaped by Gamers' Gameplay Trailer - YouTube

What do you think of Echo? Will it revolutionize how multiplayer games are made?

Do you plan on signing up for any of the paid or free beta opportunities they have?

What features would you want from a new FPS, given the current status quo of the genre?

[Jogex]

This definitely looks interesting! Not sure i will spend 120 Dollars for the Alpha, but i will most likely try it out once Beta arrives
Hopefully it wont be COD ripoff with silly perks and kill-streak rewards.

Thanks for sharing this!

[nerfmeplease]

Enemy Territory was the first game i can personally remember that used an experience system while playing, although it was per connection to servers, not on your account. ET was based off of Return to Castle Wolfenstein, which had no form of xp or levels, just hop in and everyone is equal, 4 classes, same weapons, no attachments, specialties, etc. Just a well balanced game. Im really hoping Splash Damage goes back to their roots with this title, they have a great chance to capture the oldschool gamer that doesnt need a new bell and whistle every 10 minutes to remain interested.

[Xmarcuswildx123]

Anyone want closed alpha account? Selling for cheaper then 120.