Gigantic: Rampage Edition – A Resurrected Dream for Hero Shooter Fans

Developer Abstraction Games, in collaboration with Gearbox Publishing, is bringing back the once shuttered 5v5 MOBA-hero-shooter hybrid, Gigantic, in a new avatar titled Gigantic: Rampage Edition. This revival aims to infuse new life into the game that saw its servers go offline in 2018, barely a year after its much-anticipated launch. Here’s a detailed look into what this means for the gaming community and the hero shooter genre.

What’s New in Gigantic: Rampage Edition?

The upcoming Gigantic: Rampage Edition isn’t just a mere rehash of the original game; it’s an evolved version promising an exhilarating experience. With the inclusion of two new heroes, additional maps, and a novel game mode named ‘Rush’, this edition is poised to offer a more accessible and action-packed gameplay. Furthermore, moving away from the free-to-play model, the game now comes with a $19.99 price tag but ditches microtransactions, allowing players to unlock all content through gameplay or in-game currency earned by playing.

Announced to hit the gaming world in April, with a closed beta session beginning in February, the game’s transformation seems to echo the changing dynamics of hero shooters. Keeping up with contemporary expectations, Gigantic: Rampage Edition also introduces console and PC cross-play, ensuring a broader player base.

But, will these changes be enough to attract and maintain a sustainable player base? A question that looms large as Gigantic attempts a comeback in a landscape vastly different from its original emergence.

Revival in a Changed Landscape

The original Gigantic was developed by Motiga, which sadly closed in November 2017. The mantle has now been passed to Abstraction Games, known for their work on various prestigious projects including Baldur’s Gate 3, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection. According to Bart Vossen, game design lead, the team is committed to preserving the essence of Gigantic while making it ‘bigger, better, and even more accessible’.
The move to a premium model is particularly notable. At a time when most big-budget games are leaning heavily into microtransactions, Gigantic: Rampage Edition’s approach could potentially set it apart. However, turning the tide on a game that, despite a warm reception, struggled to compete against heavyweights like Overwatch, and eventually saw its player base dwindle, is no small feat.

As it readies for relaunch, the question remains: With Overwatch no longer the behemoth it once was, and with the addition of cross-platform play, could Gigantic finally carve its niche?

A Community’s Anticipation and Developer Confidence

There’s been a palpable buzz in the gaming community, especially among those who remember the original Gigantic fondly. The announcement has sparked discussions on forums like Reddit, reflecting a cautious optimism for the game’s second coming. Moreover, the developers’ decision to finalize unused ideas from the original development team, including new heroes and a Rush Mode, shows a respect for Gigantic’s legacy while aiming for innovation.
As Abstraction Games and Gearbox Publishing get ready for the official launch, their confidence in the game’s revamped structure and content aims to rekindle the love many had for the original while attracting new players to its fast-paced, strategic battles.

Will Gigantic: Rampage Edition be able to ride the wave of nostalgia while making a compelling case for its revamped model? Only time will tell, but the excitement and intrigue are undeniably back in the air.