Tribes: Ascend

Tribes: Ascend is a follow-up to the popular series of network FPSs, which began with Starsiege Tribes, released in 1998. The game is based on a free-to-play model complemented by voluntary micropayments. This time the game was developed by Hi-Rez Studios, the authors of Global Agenda.

The action takes place in the distant future, at a time when mankind has colonized many planets scattered in different galaxies. Our civilization has grown so much that conflict was inevitable. In the end two main tribes emerged - the Blood Eagles, loyal to the Human Empire, and the Diamond Swords, hostile to them. Apart from them, there are also a number of smaller tribes, among which the Star Wolves and the Phoenix Children especially count. In Tribes: Ascend the story doesn't play a big role and instead the rivalry between the mentioned organizations is just a pretext for online duels.

The game is an online FPS. We play in matches between large groups of players on huge maps. We have at our disposal a wide range of futuristic weapons and a lot of different vehicles. However, the most important part of equipment is a jet pack, which is in fact the main method of traveling on the battlefield. Thanks to it we can move in full three dimensions and gain freedom of movement that most traditional FPSs can only dream of. The series' trademark, the so-called sliding, also returns. When moving on a falling surface, all we have to do is hold the spacebar to make our character start sliding and gain speed. In combination with performing jumps at the right moments, it allows you to cover huge distances at a rapid pace. Especially since there is no upper limit to the speed achieved. Efficient players can therefore achieve a frantic pace.

Unlike previous Tribes, where we could freely decide how to equip our hero, in Ascend our equipment depends on the class we choose. Each warrior wears armor (light, medium or heavy), carries two weapons, a grenade or explosive charge and one additional item, such as a watchtower. At first glance this solution may seem limiting, but in reality it is not. This is due to the very large number of classes. You can choose from nine of them and they differ mainly in armor strength, movement speed and weapons. A few also have special skills - Engineer can build watchtowers and repair broken equipment, and Infiltrator uses camouflage. Each profession can be developed in many ways, gaining new weapons, equipment, armor and perks.

Tribes: Ascend uses the free to play model with optional micropayments. For real money we'll buy items to decorate the armor of our warriors, additional classes and bonuses accelerating the development of characters. At the same time, however, everything (except for a few decorations) can be achieved by playing for free. Micropayments are here to make life easier for those who don't have the time or inclination to spend several hours perfecting their characters.

The game was created on the Unreal Engine 3.0, which made it possible to create huge maps on which a large group of players can move.

Last updated on 28 March 2011