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We used Fraps to measure frame rates during a minute of gameplay from Tribes: Ascend Training, Target Practice mode. We installed an overclocked Intel Core i7-2600K in our testbed to remove any CPU bottlenecks that could influence high-end GPU scores. The latest official drivers were used for each. We'll spare you the trouble of counting the list below: we're testing 24 AMD and Nvidia graphics cards across all price ranges. Considering those requirements, we're hoping the game gives our test hardware a nice workout. Anyhow, back on topic: the game only supports DirectX 9 graphics but the recommended specs are relatively high, calling for a GeForce GTX 560 or Radeon HD 6950 with a quad-core processor. For instance, it lacks built-in voice communication though it lets players issue audible commands to each other. Tribes: Ascend is built on a modified Unreal Engine 3 and interestingly, it shares some similarities with UT3. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments, but we'll focus on the game's performance from here on.
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We imagine nostalgia-enamored old school gamers wrote some of the reviews, but they can't all be wrong. The title has straight positive feedback on Metacritic and our own Product Finder Players can either unlock weapons and such through in-game experience, or by purchasing them outright with real money.ĭespite its freemium additions, reviews from both users and critics seem to be overwhelmingly positive – glowing, even.
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There are nine classes spread across three armor tiers (light, medium and heavy) with switchable load-outs that have different gear and deployables. At the same time, it adds a new class-based system.
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The series has lain dormant since, but Hi-Rez hopes to revive the classic shooter with a 21st century monetization scheme.Ĭonsidered a successor to Tribes 2, Tribes: Ascend embraces its heritage by incorporating the same fast-paced combat, tons of maps, weapons, vehicles and unique traversal mechanics. The Tribes franchise has deep roots in multiplayer shooter history, with Starsiege: Tribes making huge waves in the late 90s and two other PC entries following in 20. Most of our game performance reviews feature triple-A blockbusters, but we're changing pace for this write-up as we examine Tribes: Ascend, a free-to-play shooter released by Hi-Rez Studios on April 12.
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