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Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Exploring Project Pantheon: Can This Diablo-Inspired Game Revitalize the Extraction Genre?

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Following the success of Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem, the studio is developing Project Pantheon, an action-RPG set in a mythologically inspired universe. Players will act as agents of Death in a world of fallen deities, with gameplay blending Hack’n Slash mechanics and extraction elements. The free-to-play model aims to attract a broad audience, while the game will initially focus on Norse mythology, with future updates introducing additional mythologies and content. The early access version is anticipated to launch next year.

A Glimpse into a New Adventure

Following the success of Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem, the studio is diving into the action-RPG genre once more with its latest project. During a recent press event, we got an exclusive look at Project Pantheon, which has been under development for approximately two years. This game promises to transport players into a richly woven universe inspired by various mythologies, where we assume the role of a noble soul chosen as an agent of Death in a realm where deities have fallen. The lore appears intriguing right from the start.

The developers shared a sneak peek of our headquarters, known as the sanctuary. Although the design is still a work in progress, it’s clear that the game is in its early stages, currently in alpha. This sanctuary will serve as a safe haven for players, allowing them to craft items like weapons and potions, store equipment, and trade with merchants or fellow players. While the gameplay mechanics seem relatively straightforward for a Hack’n Slash title, we’re eager to see how the upgrade systems and quest completions will evolve as development continues.

At its early access launch, the content may be limited. However, the developers plan to introduce substantial updates every four months. Initially, only Norse mythology will feature in the game. Players can look forward to exploring three expansive maps set in Norse lands after Ragnarök, each with its own boss, along with ten weapons, 100 unique artifacts, and 120 skills available for character development. While this is a promising start for an early access title, we will need to wait patiently for the inclusion of Egyptian, Aztec, and Greek mythologies.

Another point of discussion is the game’s economic model. Currently, the developers have confirmed that it will be free-to-play, but they are still exploring options such as season passes, founder packs, or VIP subscriptions for monetization. The free-to-play approach is a strategic choice aimed at attracting a wide audience. As long as the game avoids a pay-to-win scenario—which the developers are committed to preventing—we’re optimistic about its potential.

Blending Genres: A Unique Experience

After the presentation, we finally witnessed Project Pantheon in action. The game unfolds as a Hack’n Slash reminiscent of Diablo, starting players at level 1 and encouraging them to level up by defeating various enemies, including other players roaming the maps. Players will have the opportunity to wield different weapons, such as a spear or a heavy mace, while utilizing skills for combat.

The fluidity of the skills during combat was impressive, and it’s important to note that the game won’t adhere to strict class systems. Instead, your chosen equipment will influence your character’s abilities, providing a flexible approach to gameplay. Once players are unleashed on the map, they can challenge bosses, engage in PvP battles for loot, or embark on story-related quests—there will be around 50 quests available at launch.

The overall gameplay feels well-balanced and engaging, catering to fans of Hack’n Slash titles and those who enjoyed Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem. The game also emphasizes an extraction element, where players must gather resources or complete quests and then find designated extraction points before time runs out. The extraction process is unique; players must activate a mechanism and fend off enemies within a mini dome to escape successfully. However, rival players may also enter the dome, adding an extra layer of challenge.

This mechanic appears solid, offering a blend of familiar and innovative gameplay. Players can explore every corner of the maps, uncovering altars that grant bonuses, discovering new weapons, and finding resources or artifacts that enhance their skills. While there’s a risk of the game feeling conventional in terms of artistic direction and interface, the expansive maps can accommodate numerous players, which is a significant advantage.

In conclusion, it’s challenging to form a definitive opinion on Project Pantheon at this stage. As the brainchild of the Wolcen studio, it shows promise but is still developing in many areas. The economic model remains undecided, and the early access release slated for next year may not feature extensive content. However, the gameplay appears finely tuned, drawing inspiration from successful Extraction Shooter mechanics. Project Pantheon may carve out its niche by combining the Hack’n Slash genre with extraction elements. We are eager to see how the game evolves and look forward to its future developments.

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