Highlights
- Nyan Heroes is a unique movement-based team shooter with cats piloting giant robotic mechs, developed by 9 Lives Interactive.
- The game offers a 6v6 shooter experience with eight Guardian classes and customizable load-outs, aiming to create a fun and distinct experience for players.
- Nyan Heroes is set in the future metropolis of New Nekovia, where cats have evolved and created powerful robotic mechs, leading to a rebellion and ongoing battles for dominance.
Nyan Heroes is an upcoming competitive, movement-based team shooter featuring cats piloting giant robotic mechs. Created by veterans from Halo, Destiny, World of Tanks, and Microsoft Flight Simulator, 9 Lives Interactive aims to put a unique spin on the hero shooter genre by emphasizing augments and character abilities. Additionally, though Nyan Heroes is currently only available in early access, it's already garnering significant attention within the gaming community. Not only has the indie game achieved a position within the top five most wish-listed titles on the Epic Games store, but it has also ascended to the top thirty most-played games on the platform.
In anticipation of Season 3 of its Pre-Alpha phase, Game Rant sat down with the development team at 9 Lives Interactive to delve into the details of their third-person shooter, Nyan Heroes. Early playtest statistics suggest Nyan Heroes could be a major player in the potential hero-shooter resurgence of 2024. Combined with its intricate movement system for the feline heroes and rich lore, this indie shooter is certainly one to keep a watchful eye on.
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Nyan Heroes Locomotion Systems are Based On Real Life Cats
Based on the pre-alpha gameplay trailer and playtests, Nyan Heroes caters to both casual and competitive audiences. While the game provides casual enjoyment for all players, its ranked mode delivers a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping experience. Featuring a meticulously designed combat system and the cat-like traversal abilities of its characters, 9 Lives Interactive's flagship game promises a thrilling challenge for movement enthusiasts. Notably, the movement mechanics, inspired by real-life cat behavior, create a unique connection for players both inside and outside their mechs.
"Our animators thoroughly studied videos of cats, both domestic and large, like lions and cheetahs. Yes, you're piloting a robot's mech, but it also feels like an extension of the cat. Since they're built by cats, they should move like a cat would. This allows players to fully immerse themselves in the power fantasy of harnessing cat-like abilities."
The game's locomotion abilities, which are contingent upon dynamic verticality, significantly influenced the map design process. Design Director Niles Sankey explained that it was a challenge to create maps where these movement systems had a meaningful purpose. Players won't be running up walls just for the sake of it; instead, they'll need to understand the map layout to take high ground, secure vantage points, and strategically use their movement abilities to turn the tide of a battle.
Nyan Heroes is Carving Out Its Own Identity in the Hero Genre
"From a design perspective, I think what we're doing here is unique. We're a team-based hero-shooter, but we have a few exceptional features that I don't think anybody else is implementing."
Stemming from Max Fu's (CEO and Co-Founder) imaginative vision of feline mech pilots, Nyan Heroes, a passion project in development since 2021, offers a unique 6v6 shooter experience. Currently boasting eight Guardian classes, it's apparent that the game is leaving room for future class expansion. While the core functionalities of these Guardians are established, players can customize their load-outs and augmentations to suit their individual playstyles. For example, a Seraph, typically a healing-focused Guardian, could utilize an augment to modify their weapon for healing abilities.
Furthermore, John Walsh, Development Director for Nyan Heroes, emphasized the team's prioritization of the game's unique identity. They aim to cultivate a fun experience for their player base that includes spawning into a map with unique objective events while remaining distinct from comparisons to existing shooter titles. Regardless, he noted that they have been incredibly overwhelmed and grateful for the support received during the Season 1 and Season 2 playtests and are very excited for the debut of Season 3.
"The grassroots following and player numbers from Nyan Heroes' initial early access demo and subsequent playtests have been outstanding. While some games rely on larger corporations to achieve similar numbers, our success has been organic, and we're incredibly grateful for the support."
Nyan Heroes' Season 3 Pre-Alpha and Future Development Plans
9 Lives Interactive couldn't give a concrete date for the release of Season 3's Pre-Alpha. However, Walsh indicated that it would be sooner than players expect, considering that Season 2 ended in May. Fortunately, playtesting is underway for a classic shooter game mode, alongside the development of new maps, new mechs, MMR improvements, and a more robust cheat detection system.
Moreover, emphasizing fairness, the developers are dedicated to maintaining a balanced game environment. This could potentially include introducing new mechs or augments to ensure an even playing field for all players. In response to concerns about certain heroes exerting higher win rates in the Battledome, the studio has promised to prioritize player feedback to guide their decisions.
"If we feel there's a balance issue, we are equipping ourselves to have a frequent cadence of updates to ensure [the game is] as balanced as possible."
Similarly, while a concrete release date for Nyan Heroes remains under wraps, the development team at 9 Lives Interactive is working tirelessly to refine the game. Transparency and consistent communication are paramount to the team. They understand the eagerness of their player base and are committed to keeping everyone informed throughout the game's development timeline.
Nyan Heroes Developers Expand On The Lore of New Nekovia
Nyan Heroes takes place in the not-too-distant future on the feline metropolis of New Nekovia. Here, a curious twist of evolution has granted cats sentience and technological prowess. Their ingenuity led to the creation of colossal robotic mechs called Guardians, designed to serve and protect. However, in a shocking turn of events, the Guardians rebelled, forcing their feline creators underground.
Now, seeking refuge in hidden enclaves beneath New Nekovia's dazzling holographic sky, the once-dominant cat civilization tirelessly refines their technology. Fueled by a burning desire to reclaim their rightful place, they develop a new generation of Guardians even more powerful than before. However, the fight for dominance doesn't solely take place on the battlefield. Beneath the city's gleaming facade lies the Battledome, a high-tech training facility where skilled cat pilots hone their combat prowess. Not only does it serve as a constant reminder of the past rebellion, but it's also a beacon of hope for a future where cats once again reign supreme.
These battles are part of their preparation for a future narrative element that we're not quite ready to reveal yet but are actively developing.
Overall, the early stages of Nyan Heroes have demonstrated remarkable promise. This ambitious team-based hero shooter appears to be in the capable hands of passionate developers who are poised to deliver a satisfying experience. Available to download on both Epic Games and Steam, fans should keep a close watch on both platforms for Season 3's Pre-Alpha.
Nyan Heroes is currently in development.
