iTZKooPA is back with another interview from PAX East 2012, this time with Jared Gerritzen of Zombie Studios who discusses the recently launched multiplayer online FPS, Blacklight: Retribution.

The guys talk about some of the new maps, weapons and hero characters that are coming to the game in the next few months, as well as the new game-mode, Net Warfare. Mr. Gerritzen also reveals that new two more game-modes are on their way and that the company will be introducing new PvE game-modes later on this year. They discuss a bit about eSports and the future of Blacklight: Retribution. A future that looks very bright.

Check out the full Blacklight: Retribution interview below.

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Is that enough booty for you?

LoreHound: First of all, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for us! We’re new to the game so we’ll start with the basics. Care to start by telling us about you? Who are you and what do you do? And of course, what’s your favorite monster?

Junhyung Kim: Hi, my name is Junhyung Kim and I’m the Game Producer for RaiderZ.

I love all of the Epic Monsters in RaiderZ since each monster has very different and complex attack patterns. If I had to choose one favorite, though, I would choose the “Goblin Golem”. The Goblin Golem can be found in Rengot Village. He is an incredibly challenging foe since he can smash, pounce, kick, grab and throw players! If you’re not careful, you might lose a lot of HP!

LH: One of the things that caught my eye is the focus on community. There is obviously a great deal of focus on grouping in this game – RaiderZ‘s tagline itself is a command to band together. I think this is a great thing, but is there anything for the solo player? Can I still progress if I’m on my own?

JK: Players will be able to progress through most of the game on their own. However, epic monsters will pose a challenge to those who choose to solo. It is advised that players form groups in order to defeat these Epic Monsters.

LH: Is RaiderZ driven more by character or player skill? Could completely new players join up with an experienced group immediately if they’re good enough, or should they spend time leveling skills and acquiring gear first?

JK: RaiderZ is a challenging game and success relies heavily on players’ skills. However, having good equipment will make progressing through the game much easier. As players naturally progress through each different map, they will be able to acquire materials to craft stronger weapons and armor relative to their levels. While upgrading to new gear is beneficial, it is not necessary.

LH: “Build a custom character” is like music to my ears. How will this affect group dynamics? Could a group of players all with primary tank specs take out an epic monster, or will a more balanced party be needed?

JK: Slaying Epic Monsters in RaiderZ is no easy feat! Each monster has its own random attack pattern, which includes dangerous grapples and devastating AoE attacks. Having a balanced team will be very beneficial since each player will be able to fill a certain role in these Epic Monster fights.

Hit the jump for the rest of the interview with Junhyung Kim.

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Hi-Rez Studios pushed out its latest update to Tribes: Ascend containing a horde of bugs fixes. The latest patch to the beta title addresses a range of errors, both large and small. Everything from the brutally annoying combat text spam to the hilarious ability of dropping a Supply Drop on your own skull has been addressed (sadly).

The biggest addition of the patch is, without a doubt, the addition of the Badge system. Not because it’s a new game mode or modifying the gameplay in major manor, but its social gaming flavor. Effectively an achievement system, the Badge system will give players accolades to shoot for, while simultaneously awarding them XP for completing the feats. Each badge comes in four flavors – Bronze, Silver, Gold, Obisidian – in addition to a viewing system for the associated awards and stats. Perhaps best of all, Hi-Rez Studios admits that the system is in its fledgling stages. Enabling current beta testers to have a huge impact on its direction. And, likely, hilarious bug tracking.

Despite the content additions and variety of issues addressed, the title still remains firmly in beta. Exhibit A, the overlooked line items that explain the removal of two CTF maps. Temple Ruins and Bella Omega have been removed from the public queue for “pending technical” and “pending technical and design” improvements, respectively.

It’ll be interesting to see how Hi-Rez modifies the CTF maps before they are re-added to the general rotation.

You can check out the full patch notes after the jump. Continue Reading

Interested in Call of Duty: Elite but don’t want to pay for the Premium Membership? Zombie Studios has the answer in Blacklight: Retribution and Perfect World Entertainment announced earlier today that the title is now in Open Beta.

The push to near release has this blogger in a tither, especially since the latest version change includes a full content update. New maps, pre-constructed hero classes and even crafting and socketing systems have been added to the “Free FPS to beat.”

• New Multiplayer Maps - Three new maps will be released throughout the Open Beta period. Today sees the release of Vortex, shown in this video. Except firefights around every corner.
• Playable Hero Characters - Get a unique look as well as a defined role by utilizing Heroes classes pre-built for battle.
• Data Nodes - Increase abilities and maximize damage with new socketing and crafting systems.

I’ll be the player mowing down opponents in the hardsuit.