The old classic FPS Tribes is back in town. We saw this game at PAX in Seattle this year and it was pretty exciting. It seems that they have revamped the game a lot, and also added new features. They let you download “High command” which is software and acts like an HQ pre-game, in-game store, in-game monetary system (Tribes Gold), and added variety of different play styles.

How much info do we have? Not too much, the game is set to launch in 2012. Why is this exciting? Because beta was just opened today and believe me from playing it at PAX it looks really fun.

This is what we do know:

Many features that are intended for the launched game will not be part of the initial Closed Beta. Other features will only be partially implemented, and may be buggy and/or lack the intended ease-of-use. A major purpose of the closed beta is to gather player stats and metrics related to combat gameplay balance and character progression. Based on this, players should expect that some weapons, classes, gamerules and features will undergo significant changes during the Closed Beta. The following features, although not necessarily at their intended level of final polish, are included: A subset of the classes intended for the final game, with additional classes being added over the course of the beta. Note that some weapon models, Special FX and other attributes of the art around the weapons may be temporary.

A subset of the maps intended for the final game, with additional maps being added over the course of the beta.

The initial Closed Beta will include the CTF and Rabbit gamemodes.

Initial system for player advancement

“Quick Matches” in which players simply hit “Play Now” and are slotted into a new or already-running match based on basic match-making rules.

A basic Friends List, that allows you to see whether or not your friends are online and to join the match they are currently playing in (if there is room in the match). Here are some features that will NOT be included in the initial Closed Beta (and are planned to be added into the game in phases over the coming weeks and months leading to launch): Private Servers

Clan Support

Ranking/Ladder System

Ability to view and browse your match history and detailed player stats/achievements.

Advanced Social Features — enhancements are planned to chat, the party system and many other aspect to make it easier for you and your friends to communicate and play with and against one another.

Ability to customize the look of your players with Skins.

In addition, over the course of the beta, we will add additional maps, classes, and other features.

There are a few different ways to get in. You can submit for a beta entry check out the FAQ here: Tribes FAQ

Another way to get into the beta guaranteed is to pre-purchase the game for $29.99 and this is what you’ll get.

The Tribes: Ascend VIP Starter Pack (29.99 USD, 24.99 EUR, 19.99 GBP) includes:

3,000 Tribes Gold (Value: $30 USD)

30-Day Booster (Value: $15 USD)

Lifetime VIP Status

Admission to Beta

I’ll be digging into the beta today and will post later what servers we’ll be on if you want to join the Gamegravy team on the battlefield.