3D Realms knows what they’re good at — old school, fast-paced, gore-soaked 90’s shooters. Who better to create a genre throwback than one of the very developers who pioneered it — using their own original engine no less?
Seriously, watch this trailer and tell me it doesn’t bring a nostalgic tear to the eye.
Come on.
Outstanding title pun aside, Ion Maiden brings a new character, bomb disposal expert Shelly “Bombshell” Harrison, to the 3D Realms stable. That it looks just like Duke 3D is no co-incidence. To replicate the feeling of the classic 90’s shooter, the team at Voidpoint and 3D Realms are using an updated version of the Build engine, the same software used to create Duke Nukem 3D, Blood and Shadow Warrior.
The game sees Bombshell going after Dr. Jadus Heskel, a man the press release calls a “transhumanist cult master mind” who is unleashing “a cybernetic army on Neo DC.”
While the engine has been updated to include a few modern conveniences — improved physics, multi-function weapons, headshots, higher res and controller support — there’s also no end of 90’s game mechanic throwbacks. No health regen, no taking cover — just get in there and throw some pipe bombs. Yes. We are ridiculously hype for this.
Ion Maiden is now in Early Access on Steam and those who jump in now will get access to a multi hour preview campaign.
———-
