The studio behind 2017’s LawBreakers has a new game coming to Steam Early Access tomorrow. Radical Heights is a free-to-play battle royale shooter set in 2023, yet presented with an ‘80s-inspired aesthetic.

Moving on after studio head Cliff Bleszinski said LawBreakers failed to reach an audience, Boss Key Productions announced Radical Heights today in a news release. In the statement, Boss Key describes their new free-to-play game as a “scavenger hunt survival shooter where cash is king," describing its development status as "X-TREME Early Access" and noting that the core gameplay experience is complete.

“This is a five-month passion project for the studio as we’re creating and publishing the game entirely by ourselves,” said Zach Lowery, Radical Heights’ creative director. “We’re huge fans of Battle Royale games along with the bright, inviting irreverence of the 80’s aesthetic. Because of that, we want to put our own spin on the genre and create a futuristic 80’s world that takes place in 2023 during an over-the-top game show where contestants battle it out for fame and prizes.”

Boss Key Productions is emphasizing the role that in-game currency, or “cash,” plays in the quest for survival. Cash can be collected and carried over into subsequent matches to buy ‘80s-themed cosmetics, weapons, and gadgets to use against opponents. Some of the gadgets include confetti bombs, inflatable decoys, and remote bombs.

Set within a Southern California game show, gameplay will center around gunplay, explosives, and traps, while contestants navigate the playing field on BMX bikes or on foot for a stealthier approach.

In the news statement, Boss Key explains that any in-game purchases made with real money will only be cosmetic and won't amount to any gameplay advantages, seemingly in an effort to avoid the perception of “pay-to-win” mechanics.

Despite this, the initial announcement garnered concerns over the details of the Founder’s Pack, a $14.99 package that includes $10,000 of in-game currency and a permanent 10% cash-earning boost. Boss Key has since responded to the criticism by removing the $10,000 in-game currency reward, however, the 10% cash boost remains an incentive as of this reporting.

Late last year, Bleszinski described LawBreakers' early player numbers as "humbling." Radical Heights' focus on battle royale gameplay may be an attempt to capitalize on the format's current popularity and reach a larger audience.

Radical Heights will be available for free on PC via Steam Early Access tomorrow.

Source: Boss Key Productions