Project Ethos: A New Hero Shooter Enters the Arena

Project Ethos, a novel free-to-play third-person hero extraction shooter with roguelike elements, has been introduced, offering an innovative yet familiar gaming experience. Developed by 31st Union under the banner of 2K, this game represents the studio’s first major project since its inception in 2019. Despite the anticipation surrounding its release, early impressions suggest that Project Ethos may not fully redefine its genre, as observed during a hands-on preview.

The core element of Project Ethos is its extraction mode, a format in which players engage in dynamic environments filled with real players and non-player characters (NPCs). Players select from a roster of six different heroes, each equipped with unique abilities and weapons, enhancing the strategic aspect of gameplay. As typical in hero shooters, weaponry takes precedence, tested thoroughly during the preview.

One standout feature of Project Ethos is its Trials mode, a Player-versus-Player-versus-Environment (PvPvE) setup. This mode allows participants to enter matches persistently underway, mixing engagement with other players and NPCs. Within these matches, players earn experience points by collecting shards from loot bins, neutralizing enemies, and completing spontaneous map events, contributing to unique match leveling systems.

Upon gaining levels in a match, players select from a pool of 27 power-ups to tailor their playstyle, marking the influence of roguelike mechanics. Events across the map offer varied activities leading to greater rewards, such as weapon enhancements and valuable cores, which are crucial for purchasing game augmentations.

The second game mode, Gauntlet, presents a distinct challenge, pitting teams against each other in a competitive 3v3v3v3 match-up. This setup utilizes a Dutch round-robin format, ensuring varied encounters as teams vie for supremacy. However, concerns have been raised about the balance of character abilities, with certain characters, such as Prism, displaying a potentially overpowering performance within the confined arenas of Gauntlet.

Despite its engaging gameplay, comparisons with established titles like Fortnite have emerged, suggesting that Project Ethos might lack the novel elements needed to capture long-lasting interest. The participation of players in the development process through a community playtest reflects a strategic move by 2K and 31st Union to refine the game’s appeal. This playtest was accessible from October 17 to 20, 2024, in North America and Europe via a Twitch Drop initiative.