Aesthetes, petrologists, and art historians rejoice! They say that the past is etched in stone, but it’s time to smash those preconceived notions into oblivion because Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder will be coming digitally to Steam, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One end of August! Release dates for each platform below:
- Steam – Americas and Europe on Aug. 28, 2017
- PlayStation 4 – Americas on Aug. 28, 2017 and Europe on Aug. 29, 2017
- Xbox One – Americas and Europe on Aug. 29, 2017
This part Tower Defense, part Racing, part Art History lesson, and all-smashing game from ACE Team is the rocks to the wall – or should I say rocks to the wall, am I right? – sequel to 2011’s deliciously off-beat Rock of Ages. In the game, players navigate artistic worlds, taking turns in defensive and offensive roles in an attempt to bash open the enemy’s castle and stomp them into a historical footnote.
In Bigger & Boulder, Atlas (no relation), the Greek Titan that’s tasked with the eternally dreary job of holding up the sky, has literally dropped the ball and must run through different periods of Art History to escape the consequences. And he’ll take all of the support he can get, because prominent figures throughout history are getting in his way; there’s no time to gather moss – start smashing down those gates! The conquerors in the game are each representative of their different periods of Art History, from Early Renaissance to Surrealism, and are presented in the series’ quirky, Python-esque, cut-out animation style.
One of the major changes to the gameplay in Rock of Ages 2 is the emphasis on co-op and competitive play, where up to four players can strategically plan their victory by way of merciless destruction via boulder! There’s also been a complete revamp of how resources are accrued in the game, so players will not just have to defend their own castles, but resource nodes as well!
Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder features include:
- Up to 4-person Multiplayer – A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, so that’s why ACE Team decided to up the gate-smashing stakes by beefing up the multiplayer features of the game. Play with up to four players online or locally in a 2v2 match to the crushing death with the ability to customize banners and colors for your “units.” Plus, the tracks now intersect, so you can knock the enemy rocks to get an advantage.
- Utter Chaos – Expanding on the first game with a more diverse selection of units and a larger focus on rock-smashing strategy in Bigger & Boulder, chaos reigns supreme! Just don’t take each turn for granite!
- Improved Physics and Destructible Environments – Developed in Unreal Engine 4, Rock of Ages 2 has upgraded physics. Crack, crush, slam and flatten more! It’s the most fun you can have rolling rocks down a big hill!
- ACE Team’s Trademark Quirkiness – With humor turned up to 11, players will literally (well, digitally) rock and roll through the ages. Famous historical and mythological figures beware.
- Historically Inaccurate Bosses – Take on works of art come to life in boss battles featuring the likes of The Thinker and the Great Sphinx, leading up to the all-powerful final boss in a showdown like you’d never imagine!
Rock of Ages 2: Bigger & Boulder will be available digitally on Steam, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The standalone game will be priced at $14.99 on all three platforms. The game will also be available in a bundle on PS4 and Steam which contains:
- Rock of Ages 2 + Classic DLC Pack + Rock of Ages ($19.99) – This package includes Rock of Ages 2; the Classic Pack which features the Smiley Boulder; Sisyphus avatar and three army banners; and the original Rock of Ages.
There will also be two DLC packs available at launch as well:
- Binding of Isaac Pack (Free) – This DLC contains a very special Isaac boulder, three avatars (Isaac, Azazel, Blue Baby), and three Isaac-themed banners. This pack will be available for four weeks following release with all purchases of the game.
- Classic Pack ($1.99) – This DLC is free for those on Steam and PS4 who own Rock of Ages and sees the return of the Smiley boulder and Sisyphus avatar, as well as three new banners. For Steam players, a bonus soundtrack is also included.