Ubisoft’s Roller Champions is heading into a Closed Alpha test this month, rolling out on 11th March for PC, while planning for a full launch later in 2020.
The test starts on 11th March at 5PM GMT, running until 23rd March, and is playable on Windows PC via Uplay. You can head here to sign up.
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal with Ubisoft Winnipeg and Ubisoft Pune alongside, the game takes roller derby as its foundations, blends it with ball sports in a Rocket League fashion, and throws in a handful of dirty looking attack moves that would make fans of 1975 Rollerball proud. The Closed Alpha follows on from the open demo that was available following the game’s E3 reveal last year, and it definitely feels like it’s picked up a softer, less futuristic tone to the character designs.
Two teams of three face off, trying to grab the ball, pass it around and dodge or tackle opponents in an attempt to score through the hoop above the rink. The Alpha will include a new arena, Chichén Itzá, with plenty of curvature and elevation changes in what’s the biggest arena created for the game so far. There’s also new moves, the extended tackle and air tackle, while you can team up with a grapple boost, grapple double jump and grapple double pump (which sounds a bit naughtier than the others). As you play, you’ll have character customisation options to earn, including gloves, skates, clothes and helmets or hairstyles.
Ubisoft will be hoping to get plenty of feedback to shape the game as it skates toward release later this year, before opening it up as a free-to-play experience. It’s currently just heading to PC, but we’ll have to wait and see if a console release doesn’t also crop up in the future.
Source: Ubisoft
