Versus the Year: 2020 Edition

Whew.

Folks, we did it. Somehow, even though time defied all known laws this year, we’ve made it to the end. My lights are up, my gingerbread is baked, and all the presents are under the tree. Even though Christmas will look different this year and mostly be held over Discord, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.

Originally this blog was going to be a long post talking about how much everyone has fought, struggled, lost, uplifted others, come together, and just generally survived as best we could this year. But then I realized a couple of things: you’re probably sick of hearing about that, and we still have a ton of video game stuff to talk about. So I will just say this: I am so proud of you for getting through this year. Let’s take the lessons we learned in 2020 and use them to make 2021 a kinder, better place.

At Versus Evil we’ve had a VERY busy year, launching titles like Wintermoor Tactics Club on PC and consoles, Faeria on Switch, and Cardpocalypse on Steam. We’ve also announced some really cool titles like Almighty: Kill Your Gods, First Class Trouble, and Jumpala. And I want to give a huge shoutout to the many talented developers who have done some absolutely incredible things during a global pandemic. Making a game is hard enough, but making one in lockdown is seriously impressive.

So, let’s get into what we’ve still got happening and what you can expect from us heading into 2021!

Last week we announced a new title, a game about homicidal robot revolt where teamwork, tactical thinking, and murderous intent run rife. Meet First Class Trouble, a new social deception game that just as much fun to watch as it is to play.

First Class Trouble is a multiplayer social deduction game where six players must work together to shut down C.A.I.N., the rogue A.I. of a failing luxury space cruise-liner that is trying to kill them. Two of the six players are chosen at random to secretly play as Personoids, killer humanoids sent by C.A.I.N. to betray the other players. The human residents win by successfully eliminating all the Personoids, and reaching and shutting down C.A.I.N. Personoids win by killing all the humans before they reach C.A.I.N. or by reaching C.A.I.N. with the humans and foiling the shutdown.

Unique to First Class Trouble, the game will utilize proximity-based voice chat to elevate the social dynamics of actual conversations. This means friends will need to split off from the group to scheme and plot, and that you can’t hear a victim’s cry for help if they’re too far from you.  Friends will also need to collaborate with each other on different co-operative tasks to proceed through the maps and eliminate one another. The varied map environments allow for hilarious moments: players will be dumping each other out of airlocks, electrocuting each other in spa pools, locking each other into freezers, and tossing bottles of alcohol at each other’s heads.

The best news is that you can play FOR FREE right now. We’re currently running an alpha playtest through the end of the year, which means you too can laugh gleefully as you vent your friends into space. Click the image above or head the the game’s Steam page to request access into the alpha.

Critically Acclaimed YAGA is coming to Steam and it’s bringing the new (and free) “Spirits for Spirits” update with it!

We’re excited to be launching Yaga on January 12th at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 7pm CET.

This darkly funny action role-playing game allows you to smash, clobber and bash the murderous legends of Slavic mythology and changes every time you play. You play as Ivan, a one-handed blacksmith with incredibly bad luck, who must take on the impossible tasks given to him by the tzar. All the while the mysterious witch, Baba Yaga, watches over Ivan’s fate.

“If you want to play something different, something that will immerse you in an engaging world of Slavic folklore, I highly recommend playing Yaga. There’s no doubt in my mind that Yaga is one of the most creative indies I’ve played this year.” – IndieObscura

We will be launching with a main edition at $24.99, soundtrack at $7.99, and the “Bad Luck Bundle” at $29.99, which includes the game and the soundtrack.

In addition to the game launching on Steam, all versions of the game will be getting the brand new Spirits for Spirits update free. This update includes:

New Village Quest!: Spirits for Spirits

• Visit the Tavern after you finish the A Day to Dig quest

Tweaks and Improvements

• Favorites Menu for Hammers, Tools and Magic Items
• Sell Back option for merchants
• Removed Bad Luck boosting caused by having Curses or Blessings
• Mouse and Keyboard Controls Remapping
• General Stability and Performance Improvements
• Bugfixes

Jumpala is a fast-paced action puzzler with heavy fighting game vibes. While the core mechanics are simple, each game is a test of skill and strategy as you try to outscore and outplay your opponents. Features both local and online play.

4-player competitive action. Compete with your friends in fast-paced free for alls, or team up in 2v2 matches. No friends? Go up against challenging CPUs, or compete against others in online 1v1s

Easy to learn, tough to master. If you want to be the best, you’ll have to plan your routes, practice your timing, and perfect your positioning—all while being mindful of your opponents

The game features a wide variety of stages. Each stage has unique environments and hazards to watch out for. You’ll also be able to choose from an original set of characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyle, allowing you to master the game with your personal playstyle.

Expect to see Jumpala hit stores in early 2021.

Need to pick up some last minute gifts? We gotchu.

The Steam Winter Sale is live, which means huge savings on our entire library of games! Now through January 5, you can save up to 90% on our games including The Banner Saga, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, Faeria, and more.

It’s the perfect time to play some games with your friends, and we’ve got plenty to choose from.

Finally I just want to say, from all of us here at Versus Evil, Happy Holidays! It’s been such a delight getting to know everyone in the community that loves and plays our games. I can’t wait to see what badass stuff we get to do together in the new year.

As always, if you have any content to share or questions for the team please feel free to reach out via our socials. You can stay in touch with me and the team by joining our Discord and following us on Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook.

-Maevri