Exploring the Fusion of Genres in Mistfall Hunter
In a bold move that reimagines the essence of FromSoftware’s renowned titles, Mistfall Hunter emerges as a fresh contender in the gaming landscape, blending the intricate mechanics of extraction games with the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. This innovative approach is set to captivate players as the game gears up for its next closed beta, scheduled to launch soon.
Recently, I had the opportunity to engage with David Brevik, president of Skystone Games and a celebrated co-creator of the iconic Diablo series. Our conversation delved into the publisher’s venture into the live-service arena, particularly in light of Mistfall Hunter’s upcoming third beta test.
From the outset, Mistfall Hunter distinguishes itself from other extraction RPGs, such as Dark and Darker, which often adhere to a more traditional dungeon-crawling format. Instead, this new title exudes a dynamic flair reminiscent of the best soulslike games. Jamie’s recent hands-on preview highlighted Bellring Games’ success in merging “the challenge of FromSoft-style combat with the high stakes of the extraction game,” showcasing a unique gameplay experience that promises both excitement and depth.
Brevik shared insights on the appeal of the extraction genre, noting, “Extraction is a fairly new genre, and a lot of people are drawn to it because it’s a really fun and exciting way to play. It’s not quite PvP, it’s not quite PvE – it has this bit of a mix, which I think a lot of people enjoy.” His extensive background in live-service games, particularly with MMORPG Marvel Heroes, equips him with a nuanced understanding of this evolving format.
As Skystone Games continues to grow, Brevik emphasizes their dual identity as both an indie publisher and an emerging larger entity. “In a lot of ways, we’re still an indie publisher, but then also kind of growing into a bigger publisher,” he explains. The studio is exploring mobile titles and innovative projects, with Mistfall Hunter serving as a prime example of their commitment to the live-service model. Reflecting on his experience, he notes, “I personally did Marvel Heroes, so I have some experience with this. Obviously, we didn’t really do the same kind of thing back in the Diablo days, but the plans were always keeping it up and running and allowing people to play at any time.”
The upcoming beta, commencing on Tuesday, September 16, invites players to immerse themselves in both solo and trio modes, featuring two distinct difficulty tiers: normal and chaos. For those who participated in previous tests, adjustments have been made to the sorcerer class, enhancing survivability while maintaining their signature burst damage capabilities.
The Mistfall Hunter beta begins Tuesday, September 16, but you’ll need to request access via Steam before Monday, September 15, for a chance to join. If you were in previous tests, you’ll be automatically granted access. For those eager to dive into this captivating world, head over to the sign-up page.
For enthusiasts of the genre, exploring the best Elden Ring mods can offer additional ways to enrich your experience in the Lands Between. Alternatively, a glance at other top fantasy games may also pique your interest.
Join the conversation in the PCGamesN community Discord server to share your favorite extraction games and discuss what makes the PvPvE genre so compelling.
