View source for Software:Wrath: Aeon of Ruin

{{Infobox video game
| title = Wrath: Aeon of Ruin
| developer = KillPixel
| publisher = [[Company:3D Realms|3D Realms]]<br>[[Company:1C Company|1C Entertainment]]
| engine = DarkPlaces
| composer = Andrew Hulshult
| platforms = [[Software:Windows|Windows]], [[Software:MacOS|MacOS]], [[Software:Linux|Linux]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 4|PlayStation 4]], [[Engineering:Xbox One|Xbox One]], [[Engineering:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]]
| release = February 27, 2024
| genre = [[Software:First-person shooter|First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Software:Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Software:Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| image = File:Wrath_logo.jpg
}}

'''''Wrath: Aeon of Ruin''''' is an <!-- Per Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Video games, early access games are considered upcoming -->upcoming [[Software:First-person shooter|first-person shooter]] developed by KillPixel Games and published by [[Company:3D Realms|3D Realms]] and [[Company:1C Company|1C Entertainment]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://3drealms.com/news/wrath-aeon-ruin-announced/|title=WRATH: Aeon of Ruin Announced|date=March 8, 2018|website=3D Realms|language=en|access-date=2019-03-25}}</ref> ''Wrath: Aeon of Ruin'' is built on a modified version of the [[Software:Quake engine|''Quake'' engine]], making it the first major game release on that engine in nearly 20 years.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/03/07/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-announced-3d-realms-quake-engine-fps-nintendo-switch-pc-xbox-one-ps4|title=Wrath: Aeon of Ruin Is an FPS Made in the Original Quake Engine, but It Feels Brand New|last=Marks|first=Tom|date=March 7, 2019|website=IGN|access-date=2019-03-21}}</ref> The first episode was released on [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]] Early Access on November 22, 2019,<ref name="steam">{{Cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/1000410/WRATH_Aeon_of_Ruin/|title=WRATH: Aeon of Ruin on Steam|website=[[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]]|language=en|access-date=2019-03-21}}</ref> and scheduled for a full release on February 27, 2024.<ref name="full">{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2023-09-30 |title=WRATH: Aeon of Ruin launches February 27, 2024 for PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-launches-february-27-2024-for-pc |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=Gematsu}}</ref>

== Gameplay ==
The game continues in the tradition of 1990s first-person shooters like [[Software:Doom (1993 video game)|''Doom'']], [[Software:Blood (video game)|''Blood'']], [[Software:Hexen: Beyond Heretic|''Hexen'']], and [[Software:Quake (video game)|''Quake'']]; both thematically and in terms of fast-paced combat.<ref name="gamerevolution">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/506351-wrath-aeon-of-ruin-3d-realms-frederik-schreiber-interview|title=3D Realms' VP talks 'exceeding' Quake with Wrath: Aeon of Ruin and 'dumbed down' Call of Duty|last=Russell|first=Bradley|date=March 7, 2019|website=Game Revolution|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref>  To the classic first-person shooter formula, ''Wrath'' adds light [[Software:Role-playing video game|role-playing]] elements.<ref name="destructoid">{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/3d-realms-is-harnessing-the-power-of-the-quake-engine-for-wrath-aeon-of-ruin-545434.phtml|title=3D Realms is harnessing the power of the Quake engine for Wrath: Aeon of Ruin|last=Andriessen|first=CJ|date=March 7, 2019|website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|language=en|access-date=2019-03-21}}</ref>  Players can collect items and skills to upgrade the Outlander's abilities, which aid in exploration as well as combat.

Rather than a linear progression of levels, the game features three hub-worlds for the player to explore, each with its own central theme.  From the hubs players can access five levels (15 in total), each with a unique design based on the central hub theme. 3D Realms describes an "Open level design philosophy, where each level has multiple paths with all loop back into the main path to make each level feel more expansive."<ref name="gamerevolution" />  Within individual levels, the player must battle through a plurality of enemies and bosses.

The game features a unique save system based on Soul Tethers.  As in ''Quake'', the player can choose to save at any point in the game.  However unlike ''Quake'', the ability to save is a consumable resource.  Players must find Soul Tethers and then may use them to save before or after a particularly difficult section, for example.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/290658/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-channels-classic-fantasy-horror-fps-glory/|title=WRATH: AEON OF RUIN Channels Classic Fantasy/Horror FPS Glory!|last=Barkan|first=Jonathan|date=March 7, 2019|website=Dread Central|language=en|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref>  Soul tethers can be carried between levels, which allows players to accumulate an abundance of saves. There are also occasional shrine placements within levels that act as checkpoint saves.

There are nine weapons, ranging from a wrist-mounted blade to high-powered projectile weapons, each with alternate firing modes. Ammunition is discovered in-world or looted from the bodies of the fallen.  For example, the Retcher and Fangspitter are fed by pulling cysts and teeth from the corpses of enemies.  Such guns usually aren't as effective against the enemy type that provides the ammo, pushing the player to strategically select weapons based on the situation.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-is-a-bloody-quake-revival-using-the-original-engine/|title=Wrath: Aeon of Ruin is a bloody Quake revival using the original engine|last=Brown|first=Fraser|date=March 7, 2019|magazine=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-26}}</ref><ref name="ign" />

There are ten artifacts which can give offensive or defensive enhancements. For example, the Cruel Aegis which grants short-term invincibility but nearly wipes out the Outlander's health points.<ref name="variety" />

At launch, ''Wrath'' will feature basic deathmatch multiplayer modes based on ''QuakeWorld'' [[Netcode|netcode]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Soutter |first=Neil |date=March 7, 2019 |title=Duke Nukem 3D Dev 3D realms Reveals Wrath: Aeon of Ruin, A Quake 1 Engine-Powered FPS |url=https://www.game-debate.com/news/26722/duke-nukem-3d-dev-3d-realms-reveals-wrath-aeon-of-ruin-a-quake-1-engine-powered-fps |access-date=2019-03-26 |website=Game Debate}}</ref> 3D Realms has stated that additional multiplayer modes are planned post-launch, as well as a 4-player co-op campaign.<ref name="gamerevolution" />

==Plot==
The game puts the player in control of the Outlander, a mysterious figure adrift upon the Ageless Sea.  He finds himself on the shores of a dying world where he is approached by the Shepherd of Wayward Souls, who tasks the Outlander with hunting down the Guardians of the Old World.  Once angelic protectors, the Guardians have fallen into corruption and are responsible for the destruction of this frightening and dangerous place.<ref name="steam"/><ref name="variety"/>

==Development==
''Wrath: Aeon of Ruin'' began as an independent project by Jeremiah 'KillPixel' Fox.  After discovering the [[Software:Quake (video game)|''Quake'']] modding community, he recognized the potential to use the freely available [[Software:Quake engine|''Quake'' engine]] development tools to create a new game. ''Wrath'' was conceived as a game that "draws heavily from the combat of [[Software:Doom (1993 video game)|''Doom'']], the interactivity of ''[[Software:Duke Nukem 3D|Duke Nukem 3D]]'', the spatial awareness of ''Quake'', and the darker theme of [[Software:Hexen: Beyond Heretic|''Hexen'']]."<ref name="variety">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/features/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-is-a-love-letter-to-classic-shooters-1203158742/|title='Wrath: Aeon of Ruin' Is a 'Love Letter' to Classic Shooters|last=Crecente|first=Brian|date=March 8, 2019|website=Variety|access-date=2019-03-21}}</ref> ''Wrath'' took shape as a modern game built with retro technologies, as opposed to a retro-styled game built with modern technologies, which was popular at the time. With this concept in mind, Fox quit his job and began developing the game himself with the help of a part-time coder.<ref name="quakecast">{{Cite podcast |url=https://quakecast.podbean.com/e/quakecast-18-jeremiah-killpixel-fox/ |title=Quakecast #18: Jeremiah 'KillPixel' Fox - Creator of Wrath: Aeon of Ruin |website=QuakeCast |publisher=Podbean |date=2019-03-21 |access-date=2019-04-30 |language=en}}</ref>

Several years into development, Fox was attracted to the 3D Realms [[Software:Discord|Discord]] channel after viewing the trailer for ''[[Software:Ion Maiden|Ion Maiden]]'', which he considered to be the closest competition for ''Wrath''. Eventually, Fox posted a short video of a weapon prototype which caught the attention of the company's management. 3D Realms Vice President Frederik Schreiber contacted Fox and brought him on board to continue developing ''Wrath'' with a professional team. Composer Andrew Hulshult (''[[Software:Quake Champions|Quake Champions]]'') was brought on to score the game, and Bjørn Jacobsen (''Eve Online'', ''[[Software:Cyberpunk 2077|Cyberpunk 2077]]'') to do the sound design.<ref name="destructoid" />

The choice of building ''Wrath'' on the (now antiquated) ''Quake'' engine presented somewhat of a problem for the company. Modern game developers generally lack expertise in the ''Quake'' engine development tools.  To fill this skill gap, 3D Realms recruited from the ''Quake'' modding community. Modeler Daniel “Chillo” Wienerson and mapper Romain “Skacky” Barrilliot are among those who have joined the development team.<ref name="rockpapershotgun">{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2019/03/07/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-announced-a-retro-fps-by-quake-modders/|title=Wrath: Aeon of Ruin is a new retro FPS built on Quake's bones|last=Tarason|first=Dominic|date=March 7, 2019|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|access-date=2019-03-21}}</ref>

According to Fox and Schreiber, the selection of the ''Quake'' engine is not intended to be needlessly self-limiting. Speaking to Game Revolution, Schreiber explains, "We’re not trying to make or look anything that feels retro, we’re just trying to make a fantastic first-person shooter that includes elements that ''Quake'' did so [well]."<ref name="gamerevolution" /> To Destructiod, Fox adds, "[We're] not just trying to imitate [''Quake''], but exceed it and expand on it. We’re not disregarding all of the advances made in shooters."<ref name="destructoid" /> To meet these goals for the project, ''Wrath'' is built on the [[Software:DarkPlaces engine|DarkPlaces engine]], which features many enhancements to the original ''Quake'' engine. For example, levels can be more open and include massive, sprawling rooms that would have been too much for home computers in the late 1990s. Textures are more detailed, and the game caps the framerate at 666 [[Frame rate|fps]].<ref name="ign" />

''Wrath'' will feature mod support.<ref name="destructoid" />  According to Fox, well documented and easily available modding tools were always an important aspect of the project, inspired by his own history using the free ''Quake'' development tools.<ref name="quakecast" />

== Release ==
''Wrath'' was originally intended to release into Early Access with the first episode in "Summer 2019".<ref name="destructoid2">{{Cite web|last=Glagowski|first=Peter|date=March 29, 2019|title=Wrath: Aeon of Ruin is a great mixture of old and new|url=https://www.destructoid.com/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-is-a-great-mixture-of-old-and-new-548109.phtml|access-date=2019-03-29|website=[[Social:Destructoid|Destructoid]]|language=en}}</ref>  Though the Early Access game would require a full price purchase, using the first episode as a teaser is reminiscent of the [[Shareware]] model that was common in the 1990s.  However, the planned date was pushed back to make it "bigger and better," with the eventual release on November 22, 2019, featuring two of the five levels in Episode 1 and a roadmap for the completion of the first episode leading up to the full release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-11-22 |title=WRATH: Aeon of Ruin is available TODAY! |url=https://steamcommunity.com/games/1000410/announcements/detail/1610529315710776921 |access-date=2019-11-25 |website=[[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]] |language=en}}</ref> Being based on the open source [[Software:DarkPlaces engine|DarkPlaces engine]], the game's [[Source code|source code]] was also released under the [[Software:GPLv2|GPLv2]] via [[GitHub]] in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-15 |title=Wrath: Aeon of Ruin engine source code released - a quick look |url=https://www.gamingonlinux.com/2020/03/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-engine-source-code-released-a-quick-look/ |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=GamingOnLinux |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |author=KillPixelGames |title=wrath-darkplaces |url=https://github.com/KillPixelGames/wrath-darkplaces |website=[[GitHub]] |access-date=2023-12-20}}</ref>

With the second Early Access content update on March 28, 2020, the release roadmap was updated to push the expected final release into early 2021.<ref name="pcgamer">{{Cite magazine |last=Chalk |first=Andy |date=2019-11-22 |title=The Quake-powered shooter Wrath: Aeon of Ruin is live on Steam and it's really good |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/the-quake-powered-shooter-wrath-aeon-of-ruin-is-live-on-steam-and-its-really-good/ |magazine=PC Gamer |language=en-US |access-date=2019-11-23}}</ref> At the same time a "big box" physical release of the game was announced with a Founder's Edition containing the game on CD, the soundtrack, artwork, and metal figurines, among other pack-ins. The Founder's Edition is limited to 500 copies.<ref name="pcgamer" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Quake-like FPS Wrath: Aeon of Ruin gets pushed into 2021|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/quake-like-fps-wrath-aeon-of-ruin-gets-pushed-into-2021/|last=Chalk|first=Andy|date=2020-05-28|magazine=PC Gamer|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-29}}</ref> The full version was later pushed to 2022 in August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Glagowski |first=Peter |date=2021-08-23 |title=3D Realms Delays Wrath: Aeon Of Ruin Into 2022 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-delay-2022/ |access-date=2021-10-31 |website=TheGamer |language=en-US}}</ref> A further delay to Q2 2023 was announced in November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2022-09-16 |title=WRATH: Aeon of Ruin launches in spring 2023 for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/09/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-launches-in-spring-2023-for-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc |access-date=2022-11-11 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}</ref> However on June 26, 2023, after failing once again to meet the deadline, it was announced that the game would remain in early access for the remainder of 2023, with the full release being delayed until further notice.{{cn|date=July 2023}} On September 30, 2023, it was announced that the full game would be released on February 27, 2024.<ref name="full" />

== Reception ==
The initial Early Access release, though still in development, received praise in the gaming press for the graphics and level design.<ref name="pcgamer" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/gaming/news/wrath-aeon-of-ruin-looks-like-a-quake-engine-masterpiece-1203157358/|title='Wrath: Aeon of Ruin' Looks Like a Quake-Engine Masterpiece|last=Crecente|first=Brian|date=2019-03-07|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-11-25}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.wrath.game/ Official website]
*[https://3drealms.com/catalog/wrath-aeon-ruin_57/ ''Wrath: Aeon of Ruin'' at 3D Realms]
*[http://www.killpixelgames.com/ KillPixel Games]

{{3D Realms}}

[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Linux games]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:MacOS games]]
[[Category:Open-source video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Wrath: Aeon of Ruin}}