Playable at gamescom

[Update: In an email with Destructoid, a Hi-Rez representative confirmed thatPaladinswill be free to play, but the developer is “still working out the specifics.” To prognosticate for a bit, I would personally guess the monetization will play with the deck of skills.]

Hi-Rez Studios, currently known for developing the free-to-play MOBASmite, announced a new IP today in time for gamescom attendees to plan out their show floor schedules. Hi-Rez describesPaladinsas “a team-based shooter with strong strategy elements.”

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Paladinstakes place in a fantasy setting with elves, dwarves, orcs, and goblins taking up arms in its base defense multiplayer. Also, whatever that lombax-lookalike thing in the header image is. Hi-Rez also describes a sort of collectible card game element, where abilities are activated via a customizable deck of cards.

I like the look of it, but I can’t help but get this confused with all the other one-word-named, colorful, team-based shooters featuring a diverse cast of characters in the pipeline. Seriously,Battleborn,Gigantic, andOverwatchall say hello. The big question left aboutPaladins: is ithobby-grade?

The opening area of the Whisper mission, in a small grove.

The Divide in the Cosmodrome, where the Guardian was resurrected.

A holofoil Ribbontail, as seen in collections.

The Phoneutria Fera hand cannon, inspired by the Season of the Haunted armor set. It has a unique, galactic glow.

Three Fuses appear in a match of Apex Legends' Wild Card mode.

Mad Maggie opens a supply bin and an item with a symbol indicating infinite ammo appears.

Legends slide through a zipline in King’s Canyon in Apex Legends.

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The Yeartide Apex tex Mechanica SMG with a Holofoil glow.