Today, publisher Rising Star Games and developer Bitmap Bureau announced that their chaotic 2D action platformer 88 Heroes will release sometime in March for PS4, Xbox One, Mac, Linux, and PC. Additionally, Rising Star Games also announced today that the game on PS4 will be getting a physical boxed edition, featuring additional exclusive content.
The physical edition will come with two exclusive additional heroes and the exclusive H8 Mode, which features eight brand new levels offering a "super-charged hardcore challenge."
The two exclusive characters, which bring the game's roster to 90 characters, include:
- Cath Letics - her super-sprint and long jump skills are activated by hammering the action button just like in an athletics videogame of yesteryear;
- The Mime – push the action button and The Mime will perform the classic “trapped in a glass box” mime action, confusing and befuddling enemies and making them turn away.
For those that don't know: 88 Heroes is a chaotic 2D platformer "that is as fun to watch as it is to play," each level completed or untimely death brings a new uniquely skilled hero into the action. You have just 88 minutes to complete all 88 levels across 4 zones (each with a unique boss), and you'll need every one of the 88 unique heroes (each with their own skills and abilities) to stop the dastardly Dr. H8 from destroying the earth.
Each time you play, Hero order is randomly selected, which in turn offers a fresh and varied challenge each time. There is also multiple modes like Solo mode, where you play the game with just one hero, as well as Magnificent 8 mode, which allows you to choose 8 heroes to tackle the game with.
To accompany today's announcements, Martin Defries, Managing Director of Rising Star Games released the following statement:
“We’re really pleased that gamers across so many formats will be able to play 88 Heroes in March. We have such belief in the game that we’re proud to be adding a boxed physical PS4™ version of the game, with exciting additional content, to our jam-packed existing catalogue, continuing our dedication to fans of physical releases”.
Matt Cope, Managing Director at Bitmap Bureau added:
“At Bitmap Bureau, words cannot describe just how excited we are to finally release 88 Heroes! Teaming up with Rising Star Games has been fantastic. We've had creative freedom to explore our crazy ideas, and genuine support whenever needed. We can't wait for people to start downloading our game or get their hands on the exclusive PS4™ boxed version!”
A price point and an exact release are currently unknown. Rising Star did announce the game does have hero DLC planned, but it didn't provide any further details.