When I find myself in a gaming rut and unsure of what to play, I always turn to a beat ’em up game like Street of Rage 4, Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons, or Castle Crashers for a good time. Whether I’m in the mood for mindless action or want to dive deeper into powerful combos and game systems, these games never fail to entertain. Recognizing this common game loop, developer Stoic is collaborating with Xbox Game Studios to create a live service beat ’em up called Towerborne.
Towerborne will be available in early access on Steam next month, and I had the opportunity to preview it at an Xbox event in Los Angeles. While I didn’t get to experience the social-focused systems in depth, I was impressed by the core fantasy beat ’em up gameplay that promises endless hours of enjoyment during gaming ruts.
Upon release, Towerborne will offer a range of weapons to equip your heroes (referred to as Aces) with. I had the chance to test the Warclub and Dual Daggers. The Warclub, a combination of a club and a cannon, was great for dealing damage and crowd control but slower in attacks. On the other hand, the Dual Daggers emphasized speed and quick movements. Each weapon had its strengths, catering to different playstyles.
During the demo, I explored a grasslands level in Towerborne with maxed-out gear. The cel-shaded visuals were vibrant, and the gameplay felt accessible yet deep. Battling enemies alongside another player culminated in a challenging encounter with the boss Pangojira. Dodging attacks, utilizing special abilities, and managing the pet companion enhanced the excitement of the battle.
Towerborne has the potential for replay value, especially with the upcoming Belfry, inspired by Destiny 2. This social hub will allow players to interact, customize their characters, and embark on missions to level up. The gameplay loop and social elements will be crucial to the success of Towerborne, and based on my experience, the game has a solid foundation.
I’m intrigued by the live service plans for Towerborne. The developers assure quick responses and regular updates, with seasonal content and cosmetic microtransactions to sustain engagement. Features like couch co-op are on the horizon, promising a holistic gaming experience that caters to beat ’em up fans and live service enthusiasts.
Towerborne will debut on Steam early access on September 10. A $25 founder’s pack will grant early access, while the game will transition to free-to-play on PC and Xbox Series X/S in 2025.
