Shadow Realms/Breach
Several years before BioWare started producing mediocre titles, it tried dipping its toes into the 4v1 online battle arena pool with Shadow Realms. This game would have set itself apart from similar titles such as Evolve, but even the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
Developed by BioWare Austin, Shadow Realms would have focused less on story and more on combat, which is a rarity in BioWare games. Shadow Realm’s gameplay sessions would have consisted of four player teams fighting their way through a dungeon or arena. While these players would have confronted plenty of AI enemies and bosses, their most dangerous opponents would have been Shadow Lords, monsters controlled by opposing players who could cast spells, place traps, and directly control other monsters.
While initial reception was lukewarm at best, the development team was seemingly confident it could improve Shadow Realms. Given BioWare Austin is the studio behind Star Wars: The Old Republic, odds are good the Shadow Realms team would have eventually released a stellar title. But, the game was silently shelved after other BioWare employees were less than impressed.
Shadow Realms eventually got a second shot at life as another 4v1 online battle arena titled Breach. The game, developed by a team of ex-BioWare developers (hint hint), was Shadow Realms in everything but name. Same teams of four fighting through dungeons filled with AI enemies; same opposing solo players who could lay down traps and possess monsters, same lukewarm reception.
History repeated itself with Breach, which is a shame since the game’s concept has potential. However, this time the development studio, QC Games, closed its doors when it canceled Breach.
Such a shame; I was really looking forward to Breach when it finally exited Early Access.
