SEGA and Creative Assembly have revealed that the zero-G extraction-based shooter, HYENAS, is heading to a closed beta starting on August 31, 2023. For those interested, they can sign-up for the beta on Steam.
It’s been a while since we’ve heard about the game, mainly due to SEGA doing its best to ensure they didn’t reveal much about the game until they were ready. The last closed beta also had an NDA so no one could talk about it outside of some chatter. But now, that’s gone, and anyone who gets into the closed beta can stream the game and record whatever footage they want.
In addition, SEGA is bringing HYENAS to Gamescom 2023, which takes place from Wednesday, August 23 to Sunday, August 27, 2023, and will allow anyone who heads over to its booth to get some hands-on.
Consider that NDA gone💜 pic.twitter.com/B1RvMVxJl6
— HYENAS (@PlayHyenas) August 16, 2023
HYENAS is being developed by Creative Assembly, the game developer known for its Total War strategy series. So, seeing the developer work on a shooter is a bit weird. Despite that, it seems that the team is on the right path, and despite the NDA that was in place, I’ve seen some positive talk about the game.
Fingers crossed that I’ll get access to the upcoming PC closed beta so I can try it for myself.
HYENAS is a hero-based, multiplayer extraction shooter. Choose a Hyena to play as – each with a unique weapon, ability, and personality—to form a crew of three and steal valuable Merch. The action takes place on vast, themed ‘Plunderships’ returning to Mars from Earth, loaded with salvaged Merch for your crew to steal.
Competing with four other raiding crews, your goal is to find and crack secured vaults, then steal enough Merch to make your escape. Standing in your way are not only rival players but also the “MURFs”—security forces who will fight to the death to protect the precious cargo.
Once a team has stolen enough Merch, they activate the Plundership’s VIP Extraction, which is revealed on the map. You must find it and make your getaway or stop others from making theirs. The crew that escapes first is the winner, so make sure it’s you!
Fast and frenetic combat is enhanced by the unique weaponry and ability of each Hyena. Additionally, each Plundership features zero gravity areas, some of which can be toggled on and off. Gunfights take on an entirely new dimension, literally, when gravity is no longer a concern. Enemy players can come at you from any direction, so you’ll need to keep your head on a swivel—or make sure to ambush them first.
HYENAS will be released for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam in 2023.
