Nyan Heroes, a team-based hero shooter developed by Singapore-based 9 Lives Interactive, has announced the addition of new game modes and guardians in its upcoming open pre-alpha Playtest 3. This playtest, scheduled to run from September 4th to September 25th on the Epic Games Store, offers a range of fresh features that are set to enhance the gameplay experience.

Nyan Heroes Cover Banner on X

About 9 Lives Interactive

Singapore-based game development studio 9 Lives Interactive was established in 2021. The team is made up of accomplished industry professionals from renowned gaming studios such as Electronic Arts, Bungie, and Ubisoft.

Additionally, the studio benefits from the guidance of senior advisors affiliated with Riot Games and Twitch, leveraging their extensive experience in crafting top-tier multiplayer shooter and live service titles such as Halo, Destiny, Fortnite, Marvel’s Avengers, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six.

Previously known as Rude Robot Studios, 9 Lives Interactive recently secured $3 million in funding - bringing their total raised to an impressive $15 million. The latest investment round was spearheaded by Mechanism Capital, with participation from various other notable investors, including Sfermion, 3Commas Capital, Momentum 6, Kosmos Ventures, Devmons GG, and CSP DAO.

Over $15 Million Raised

Features in Pre-Alpha Playtest 3

In the latest iteration of Nyan Heroes, players can expect the introduction of the Payload game mode, set against the backdrop of the arctic map Erebus. The game mode pits two teams of six against each other, with one team attacking and the other defending a payload as it progresses through three key checkpoints. The mode emphasizes strategic gameplay, where teams must leverage high and low ground, guardian abilities, and areas accessible only in Nyan form to secure victory.

Building on the success of previous playtests, which saw the game climb to No. 5 on the Most Wishlisted Games chart and rank among the Top 30 Most Played Games on the Epic Games Store, Playtest 3 also features randomized matches. These matches will alternate between the fan-favorite Stronghold mode, where teams compete to capture objectives, and the new Payload mode.

Top 30 Most Played Games on the Epic Games Store

New Guardians and Mechanics

Two new guardians, Scout and Mage, are being introduced in this playtest. Ayana, the pilot of the Scout Guardian, specializes in the exploration and early detection of threats, making her a crucial asset in team compositions. Meanwhile, Yuri, piloting the Mage guardian, brings powerful spells and curses to the battlefield, offering strong defensive capabilities.

In addition to these new characters, Playtest 3 introduces a novel "embark" mechanic, which allows small nyans to mount and ride alongside their teammates' mechs, contributing to the fight while remaining in cat pilot form. This mechanic is expected to add a new layer of depth to team strategy.

Enhanced customization is another key focus in this update, with the introduction of player Augments. These passive character add-ons provide various boosts, such as increased health, armor, or speed, and can even introduce unique modifiers like explosions and bleeding effects. Furthermore, players will now receive character reward add-ons at the end of each match, along with community-demanded character emotes.

Nyan Heroes Pre-Alpha Playtest 3 

Development Team and Community

9 Lives Interactive, formerly known as Rude Robot Studios, is composed of 60 employees and is leveraging Unreal Engine 5 to create its debut title. The game's unique combination of cat-inspired characters, giant mechs, and blockchain technology has garnered significant interest, with the developers aiming for widespread adoption.

Max Fu, the creative director and CEO of 9 Lives Interactive, expressed enthusiasm for the new playtest, stating, “Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver the next chapter of Nyan action to life. We’re excited for players to compete in the Battledome with new strategies and experiences that are unique to our vibrant, cat-centric world. Thank you to the community for your feedback and support. It’s time to suit up and face off, and of course, let us know what you think. Good luck, heroes!”

Post by Epic Games Store on X (Twitter)

Final Thoughts

Players eager to dive into the new features can download Nyan Heroes Playtest 3 through the Epic Games Store. The playtest will be available until September 25th, offering a limited-time opportunity to experience the latest updates in the game. Nyan Heroes’ Playtest 3 promises to deliver an enriched gaming experience with its new modes, guardians, and customization options.

As 9 Lives Interactive continues to refine and expand the game, players can look forward to more engaging and strategic gameplay in this unique, cat-mech universe. For further details on Nyan Heroes and to stay updated, visit the official website and follow the game on X.