paragon phoenix

Paragon Phoenix: A Comprehensive Overview

The Paragon Phoenix was a planned free-to-play MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) video game in development by Epic Games. It was cancelled before its official release, however, Epic Games released all assets from the game, valued at $12 million, for free to developers, artists, and others to use in their own projects.

While the original game never saw the light of day, its legacy continues to influence the gaming industry through the freely available assets and community-driven initiatives to revive the core gameplay. This article delves into the history, gameplay, and lasting impact of Paragon Phoenix.

History and Development

Epic Games initially launched Paragon in 2016 as a paid early access title. The game aimed to differentiate itself from established MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2 with its third-person perspective, stunning visuals, and strategic card system. Despite garnering a dedicated fanbase, Paragon struggled to gain significant traction in the competitive MOBA market. Epic Games made the difficult decision to cancel Paragon in 2018 to focus on their wildly successful game, Fortnite.

However, recognizing the potential of Paragon’s assets and the passion of its community, Epic Games took the unprecedented step of releasing all game assets for free. This included character models, environments, textures, sound effects, and more. Wikipedia’s Paragon (video game) page provides further details on the game’s development and cancellation. This allowed independent developers to experiment with the assets and potentially create their own versions of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

Paragon’s gameplay featured a standard three-lane MOBA map with objectives such as towers, inhibitors, and a core. Players controlled heroes with unique abilities and roles, such as tanks, damage dealers, and supports. A distinctive feature was the card system, which allowed players to customize their hero’s stats and abilities by equipping cards obtained during matches. This added a layer of strategic depth to the game, as players could adapt their builds to counter enemy strategies.

The third-person perspective provided a more immersive experience compared to traditional top-down MOBAs, requiring players to aim their abilities and manage their positioning more carefully. Teamwork and communication were crucial for success, as players needed to coordinate their attacks and defend their base.

Revivals and Community Projects

Following the release of Paragon’s assets, numerous community-led projects emerged aiming to revive the game in some form. These projects, often referred to as “Paragon revivals,” utilize the original assets to create new games or rebuild the original Paragon experience. Examples include projects like Predecessor and Overprime, which are still actively developed and have attracted a significant player base.

These revivals often involve significant modifications to the gameplay mechanics, balance changes, and graphical enhancements. The community’s passion for Paragon continues to drive these projects forward, showcasing the enduring appeal of the original game’s vision.

FAQs

Why was Paragon canceled?

Paragon was canceled due to Epic Games’ decision to focus resources on Fortnite, which was experiencing explosive growth at the time. They felt they couldn’t adequately support both games simultaneously.

Are there any Paragon revivals?

Yes, several community-led projects are actively working to revive Paragon. Popular examples include Predecessor and Overprime.

Can I still play Paragon?

The original Paragon game is no longer playable. However, you can play some of the community-developed revival projects.

Are Paragon assets free to use?

Yes, Epic Games released all Paragon assets for free, allowing developers and artists to use them in their own projects.

What kind of game was Paragon?

Paragon was a free-to-play, third-person MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game.

Summary

Paragon Phoenix, despite its cancellation, left a significant mark on the gaming industry. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and Epic Games’ decision to release its assets for free have inspired numerous community projects and continue to shape the landscape of MOBA games. While the original Paragon is gone, its spirit lives on in the hands of passionate developers and dedicated fans.