Groundbreaking Roguelike Word Puzzler Announced
Veterans behind iconic titles like TimeSplitters and GoldenEye 007 have reunited to develop a new game, Beyond Words. This innovative title is described as a unique blend of the popular roguelike deck-builder Balatro and the classic word game Scrabble.
Key Takeaways
- Original TimeSplitters and GoldenEye 007 developers David Doak and Steve Ellis are collaborating again.
- Their new game, Beyond Words, is a roguelike word puzzler.
- It’s being marketed as a combination of Balatro and Scrabble.
The Minds Behind the Classics
David Doak and Steve Ellis are renowned for their significant contributions to the gaming industry. Their work on TimeSplitters established a benchmark for fast-paced, innovative first-person shooters, while their involvement with GoldenEye 007 redefined console multiplayer experiences.
Beyond Words: A Novel Concept
Beyond Words aims to capture the addictive, strategic depth of Balatro, which has seen immense success with its novel approach to roguelike deck-building. By merging this with the word-building mechanics of Scrabble, the developers are promising a fresh and engaging puzzle experience.
Editor’s Take: A Bold New Direction
The reunion of Doak and Ellis is significant news in itself, but the genre they’ve chosen for Beyond Words is particularly intriguing. Taking inspiration from Balatro‘s success suggests a move towards highly replayable, emergent gameplay loops. Combining this with word puzzles could tap into a broad audience, appealing to both strategy game enthusiasts and casual players alike. It’s a bold move that could pay off handsomely if the execution is as sharp as their previous work.
This article was based on reporting from Rock Paper Shotgun. A huge shoutout to their team for the original coverage.
