Beyond Words Announced: A New Direction for Legendary Developers
Steve Ellis and David Doak, the creative forces behind iconic first-person shooters GoldenEye 007 and the TimeSplitters series, are stepping away from the battlefield for their next project. They have announced Beyond Words, a strategic roguelike word game that marks a significant departure from their action-packed legacy.
From Shooters to Syllables
Known for revolutionizing console shooters with GoldenEye 007 and pushing the boundaries of multiplayer mayhem with TimeSplitters, Ellis and Doak are now venturing into the realm of word-based strategy. Beyond Words promises a unique blend of strategic depth and roguelike replayability, challenging players to master vocabulary and tactics.
What to Expect from Beyond Words
While specific gameplay mechanics are still under wraps, the description hints at a game that combines the addictive loop of roguelikes, similar to the surprise hit Balatro, with the cerebral challenge of word games like Scrabble. Players can likely expect procedurally generated challenges, permadeath elements, and a focus on building powerful word combinations to overcome obstacles.
Our Take: A Bold Pivot
This announcement is a fascinating one. The pedigree of Ellis and Doak guarantees a certain level of polish and innovative design, even in a new genre. Shifting from high-octane shooters to a word game is a bold move that could pay off handsomely if the core mechanics are as engaging as their previous work suggests. It offers a chance for these veteran developers to flex different creative muscles and potentially attract a new audience while delighting those who appreciate thoughtful, strategic gameplay.
This story was based on reporting from Push Square. Read the full report here.
