Arkane Austin’s Redfall, a game that had been struggling, has finally received its last update. The developers, unfortunately, have been let go by their parent company, Microsoft. This final update, known as Redfall game update 4, brings in a much-needed offline mode and single-player pausing. Among other features are new in-game progression elements like the Community Standing bar, which allows players to spend Support currency on rewards from the Safehouse Skill tree, and the introduction of Elder Nests which are vampire nests with specially modified vampire bosses.
The Features
The new Elder Nests are set to appear around Redfall, similar to Heart Nests, but distinguished by a purple glow. Players who defeat the boss vampire within will earn a temporary Heart Shard buff that scales with the campaign difficulty. Additionally, there are new enemy encounters in Redfall Commons, improved AI, and a new Unrivaled Weapon to enhance gameplay.
A significant addition to the revamped Neighbourhood is the Community Standing system, which encompasses six ranks and offers 39 permanent buffs. These buffs range from cosmetic details appearing on the map and compass to gameplay benefits like the Escape Plan buff, which activates a salvaged Bellwether cloak for a brief period when the player’s health is critically low. The developers aim to provide a mix of Quality of Life improvements and gameplay enhancements through these upgrades.
Microsoft’s decision to close down Arkane Austin and Hi-Fi Rush developers Tango Gameworks on May 7th was announced recently. This move, described by Xbox’s Matt Booty as a “consolidation of our Bethesda studio teams,” is intended to allow for a deeper investment in the portfolio of games and new IP. While Arkane Austin’s previous work on Prey was highly acclaimed, Redfall failed to capture the same level of engagement due to various issues such as bugs, lack of compelling activities, and insufficient post-launch support during its initial year.
A Bittersweet Ending
Despite its shortcomings, Redfall managed to hold a certain charm for players, as acknowledged by some detractors. The unique setting and visual direction of the game hinted at its potential greatness, but unfortunately, it fell short in execution. The atmospheric exploration of Redfall’s world, filled with impressive buildings and hints of Arkane’s signature style, was marred by technical issues. However, the addition of offline support by Arkane Austin in their final update ensures that the game will not fade away entirely when Microsoft eventually shuts down its servers.
The closure of Arkane Austin marks the end of an era for the talented developers behind Redfall. While the game may not have reached its full potential, it leaves behind a legacy of creativity and ambition. To the survivors of Arkane Austin, best wishes for the future as they embark on new adventures in the world of game development.
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