Paradox Interactive’s Hollowpoint, developed by Ruffian Games, has been fairly quiet with the details since it was last seen at E3 2015. However, it seems that Ruffian is no longer working on the game and its agreement with Paradox is over. In fact, as per Eurogamer, Ruffian ceased working with the publisher as of last Summer.

A spokesperson for Paradox told GameWatcher, “Today we would like to announce that the working relationship between Paradox Interactive and Ruffian Games on ‘Hollowpoint’ has been amicably terminated.

“After recent ongoing discussions between the two companies, it became apparent to both parties that the creative vision for the project was diverging and so the decision was ultimately taken to cease our co-operation in order to serve the long-term interests of the game.

“We would like to thank Ruffian Games for all their hard work and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours. Paradox will be re-evaluating the creative direction of ‘Hollowpoint’ internally before making any final decisions.”

Thoughts on the future of Hollowpoint? Let us know in the comments.

A story trailer for Ruffian Games’ Hollowpoint, an upcoming four player co-op shooter published by Paradox Interactive, has been released. Along with gameplay from the 2D/3D action hybrid, the trailer actually sets up the story for the events that drive Hollowpoint.

“Hollowpoint” is the term used for mercenaries hired by Mega Corporations, giant corporations formed following the collapse of governance in the future. The dominance of said corporations actually came in the wake of increased robotisation of jobs and the outbreak of World War III – not to mention the degradation of the Earth – leading to the rise of Hollowpoints.

Players will team up in squads of four and can buy different weapons and items while upgrading their character’s skills in order to complete the task at hand. Hollowpoint’s levels are procedurally generated, which ensures you’ll never have the same mission twice.

Hollowpoint will be out on PS4 and PC this year.

Hollowpoint is currently set to be published with Paradox Interactive. The game is being developed for the PlayStation 4 and PC.

• 1. Development
• 2. Story
• 3. Gameplay
• 4. Characters

Development

Ruffian Games are working on Hollowpoint with development of the title being focused on the PlayStation 4 and PC.  The game uses a semi-procedural generation mechanic with pre designed rooms being piece together to form a stage when the game begins, the objective are then randomly generated (most likely from a pre determined list of objectives) and inserted into the newly generated mission.

Ruffian Games are just coming off working on the recently released Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which saw them working with 343 Industries. The only hint of Hollowpoint came when Ruffian said, “Yes! We’re working on Halo 3 and Halo 4 with 343 Industries as part of the Master Chief Collection. No! We can’t say much more than that.”

Story

It’s the 22nd century and “Mega Corporations” are engaged in corporate warfare. These Mega Corps are hiring mercenary groups, just like yours, and you’re more than willing to take their money. Ultimately, your goal is to raise the biggest and best mercenary group possible.

At this time, it’s not yet known if there’s going to be a narrative that runs through Hollowpoint. Given that the game makes use of tactical combat and semi-procedurally generated stages and objectives, it’s entirely possible that the game won’t feature a plot and will instead focus on gameplay.

Gameplay

Hollowpoint is a 2.5D side scrolling shooter with aiming that is “blended seamlessly with 3D targeting into the depth of the scene.” The game is said to incorporate tactical actions that ties into the game’s combat which is based on fighting your way through a stage that is comprised of semi-procedurally generated rooms with randomly chosen objectives.

While the game does feature a single player mode of play, it seems to be designed around cooperative gameplay comprising four player teams. The developer has said that a single wrong move can result in the death of your squad, to that end they have said that the key to success is the three A’s.

Assess, Anticipate, Advance. Assessing each scenario and the enemies you’re going to encounter will help you prepare. Anticipating the threats ahead and building your squad so that they have the right blend of weaponry, equipment, abilities and powerups will make for a safer encounter. Advancing forward and successfully moving through the stage and sticking to your plan is what will see you win the day.

“Long Term Progression” is the key, as you level up your operatives and your organization as a whole. A “deep upgrade system” will let you earn Skill Points that spent to level up operatives while the credits you earn are used to buy “market crates” alongside weapons and equipment.

Characters

At this time, it would appear the game doesn’t feature a cast of characters that are going to be characterised through the narrative. Instead it seems the squad will be introduced in manner similar to Breach and Clear where soldiers have names but no personalities attached to them.

Note: This wiki will be updated once we have more information about the game.

At their Gamescom presentation, Sony confirmed that Hollowpoint, Paradox’s highly tactical, four player co-operative action game featuring a blend of fast paced 2D platform shooter gameplay – directional aiming – with precision based 3D shooter gameplay – pin point reticle aiming – will be making its console exclusive debut on the PlayStation 4. And yes, I know that last sentence was a run on, but you know what, I don’t care.

‘Ruffian Games are an experienced console developer based in Dundee, Scotland. it’s great to branch out and work with a new partner like Paradox. We’re all massive fans of PS4, and releasing a game on Sony’s platform is an added bonus that is hugely exciting for Ruffian’s Hollowpoint team,’ said the team on the PlayStation Blog.

Stay tuned to GamingBolt for more of the latest and greatest coverage from Gamescom, and tell us if you wll buy Hollowpoint on the PS4 in the comments.