Here’s everything we know about Babylon’s Fall so far

Although fans still have time to wait before Bayonetta 3 launches, another PlatinumGames title should help fill the void. In 2018, developer PlatinumGames first announced their partnership with publisher Square Enix for the new original game Babylon’s Fall.

For the next couple years after its announcement, however, any and all news about the game fell silent. Then, at last year’s E3 presentation, Square Enix showcased a new trailer that gave fans a deeper look at its story and gameplay.

In this new action RPG, players will take on the role of a Sentinel and journey on a quest to reclaim the Tower of Babel. The gameplay will combine elements of standard RPGs, along with PlatinumGames’ famed combat mechanics. In addition, Babylon’s Fall will feature co-op with up to four players as they battle their way through the mystic narrative. With the game’s March 3 release date nearing closer, here’s everything we know about Babylon’s Fall.

NieR: Automata plants the seeds for Babylon’s Fall

PlatinumGames previously worked with Square Enix on the hack-and-slash RPG NieR: Automata. The well-received title from 2017 tells the story of four androids as they battle to reclaim their home from powerful machines. The game received praise for its fluid combat mechanics and tight controls.

According to the developers, the original concept for Babylon’s Fall came during NieR: Automata’s development. In the official Closed Beta announcement for Babylon’s Fall, Square Enix Producer Yosuke Saito states the initial idea was to develop a multiplayer game with NieR’s fluid controls.

The idea for this game [Babylon’s Fall] came about during the development of NieR: Automata when a thought occurred to us: how incredible would it be if players could enjoy PlatinumGames’ stylish action while sharing the experience with others?

Yosuke Saito

Beginning the fall

The first teaser for Babylon’s Fall came during Square Enix’s E3 presentation in 2018. The mysterious trailer begins by showcasing a timeline of historical events to establish the game’s universe. When the timeline gets to CE 5475, we see a beautiful cinematic of a giant being slain by his own sword. Following the title reveal, the trailer showcases PlatinumGames’ involvement, as well as the initial release date and platforms.

Originally, Babylon’s Fall was meant to release in 2019 for PlayStation 4 and PC. Although the first announcement revealed no gameplay, fans remained optimistic with the scheduled launch date only a year away. In addition, the mysterious nature of the teaser sparked lots of initial interest from fans about the game’s story as well.

However, 2019 came and went with no new game. In addition, neither the developer or publisher provided fans any update on its status. As time went on with no news, disappointment faded along with many peoples’ memories of Babylon’s Fall in the first place.

The long-awaited awakening

After three long years of silence, Square Enix finally returned with more information on Babylon’s Fall in 2021. The long-awaited awakening shed light on both the story and gameplay. In addition, the E3 2021 trailer also revealed the game will also head to PlayStation 5, along with PS4 and PC.

One major reveal at E3 2021 was the emphasis Babylon’s Fall will place on co-op. Although the game will feature single-player options, the title strongly encourages playing with friends. The cooperative campaign allows parties of up to four players to team up in order to reclaim Babylon.

As players ascend the Tower of Babel, they will travel through a series of uniquely breathtaking and intense locations. In addition, players can upgrade their characters throughout the game and attain new powerful weapons. Square Enix also announced the action RPG will feature, “a range of post launch game modes at no additional cost.”

Revelations from the Closed Beta

Arguably the most important announcement about Babylon’s Fall from E3 2021 was the reveal of a Closed Beta. Recruitment for the Closed Beta Test ran from June to July last year. Players who signed up would take part in three phases to test the game on its various platforms.

Overall, the purpose for the tests was to see how the game performed with large amounts of players and address any gameplay performance issues. As a result, the Beta limited access to certain features, including the story. Players who participated in the test were also encouraged to share their feedback in a special forum.

As restrictions loosened for testers revealing information, some notable details from the Closed Beta came to light. Many users described the gameplay as a marriage of styles between Final Fantasy XIV and Bayonetta. In addition, some testers pointed out that certain character models appeared reminiscent of Demon’s Souls.

Babylon’s Fall takes players on an epic co-op journey

In Babylon’s Fall, up to four players take on the roles of Sentinels. These once conscripted prisoners of the Empire are granted immense powers by a parasitic device called The Gideon Coffin. Players must master the powers granted by their Gideon Coffin to grow strong enough to survive the summit and discover the secrets of Babylon.

In addition, players have full access to a number of customization features. In the game, you can personalize your playstyle by choosing from multiple and varied weapon-types. You can customize your loadout and wield up to four weapons at a time. Each weapon has its own unique skills and abilities that directly influence how you play.

The Game Awards 2021 unveils new info

Square Enix and PlatinumGames unveiled even more information about Babylon’s Fall during The Game Awards 2021. Along with officially unveiling the March 3 release date, the latest trailer gives us an in-depth look at what The Gideon Coffin brings to the table. The video shows how the ancient relic snaps into the backs of the characters. Afterwards, the trailer shows off various gameplay scenarios that utilize the red energy tentacles emitted from The Gideon Coffin.

Various mechanics implement The Gideon Coffin throughout the trailer with a variety of uses. One apparent use is the ability to lift large items and hurl them towards enemies. In addition, the characters’ main weapons seem to be created directly from the contraption. At one point, The Gideon Coffin even acts as shield to block enemy attacks.

It’s time to ascend!

Babylon’s Fall launches for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC on March 3. The game is currently available for pre-order. You can pre-order the standard physical edition for either generation of PlayStation or the digital version on any of the three platforms. Pre-ordering the game gives you access to a special bonus.

In addition, you can also pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition. This version gives you early access to the main game, along with additional bonus content. The featured extras include the Gideon Attire Pack, Zu Attire Pack, Legatus Cape, Winged Cape and Acanthus Frontlet Accessory.

Are you excited for Babylon’s Fall? Let us know below!