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{{Nihongo foot|'''''Babylon's Fall'''''|バビロンズフォール|Babironzu Fōru|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} was an [[action role-playing game]] developed by [[PlatinumGames]] and published by [[Square Enix]]. The game was released for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], and [[Windows]] on March 3, 2022. It [[List_of_video_games_notable_for_negative_reception#Babylon's_Fall_(2022)|received generally negative reviews]] from critics, and was a significant [[List of commercial failures in video games|commercial failure]] for Square Enix, with the game only reaching a concurrent player count of less than 1,200 on release day and declining sharply afterwards.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Callum Bains |date=2022-09-13 |title=Square Enix is finally shutting down its biggest disaster of the year |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/square-enix-is-finally-shutting-down-its-biggest-disaster-of-the-year |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref> Six months after the game's release, Square Enix announced that they would be ceasing support of the game's servers, which later shut down on February 27, 2023.<ref name="ShutdownEG">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/babylons-fall-binned-after-less-than-a-year|title=Babylon's Fall binned after less than a year|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=September 13, 2022|accessdate=September 13, 2022}}</ref><ref name="ShutdownIGN">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/babylons-fall-shut-down-february-2023|title=Babylon's Fall Will Be Shut Down In February 2023|first=Ryan|last=Leston|work=[[IGN]]|date=September 13, 2022|accessdate=September 17, 2022}}</ref>
'''''Babylon's Fall''''' (バビロンズフォール) was an [[action role-playing game]] developed by [[PlatinumGames]] and published by [[Square Enix]]. The game was released for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], and [[Windows]] on March 3, 2022. It [[List_of_video_games_notable_for_negative_reception#Babylon's_Fall_(2022)|received generally negative reviews]] from critics, and was a significant [[List of commercial failures in video games|commercial failure]] for Square Enix, with the game only reaching a concurrent player count of less than 1,200 on release day and declining sharply afterwards.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |author1=Callum Bains |date=2022-09-13 |title=Square Enix is finally shutting down its biggest disaster of the year |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/square-enix-is-finally-shutting-down-its-biggest-disaster-of-the-year |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref> Six months after the game's release, Square Enix announced that they would be ceasing support of the game's servers, which later shut down on February 27, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/babylons-fall-shut-down-february-2023|title=Babylon's Fall Will Be Shut Down In February 2023|first=Ryan|last=Leston|work=[[IGN]]|date=September 13, 2022|accessdate=September 17, 2022}}</ref>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
''Babylon's Fall'' was an [[action role-playing]] [[hack and slash]] video game played from a third-person perspective. The player assumes control of a Sentinel, who must scale a massive tower known as the Ziggurat.<ref name="RPSCombat">{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/babylons-fall-combines-crispy-combat-with-the-destiny-power-grind|title=Babylon's Fall combines crispy combat with the Destiny power grind|first=Ed|last=Thorn|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=November 25, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> Players started at a hub area known as Sentinel Force HQ where they can interact with other players, visit shops or blacksmiths to purchase gear and upgrades, and access quests. Each quest can be played solo, though the game also supports four-player [[Cooperative video game|cooperative multiplayer]]. Players ascend three to four floors in each quest until they reach the summit of the tower. Along the way, players will unlock loot which can be used to enhance the strength of the characters.<ref name="shacknews preview">{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/127772/babylons-fall-closed-beta-preview-armed-ascension|title=Babylon's Fall closed beta preview: Armed ascension|first=TJ|last=Denzer|work=[[Shacknews]]|date=November 19, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref>
''Babylon's Fall'' was an [[action role-playing]] [[hack and slash]] video game played from a third-person perspective. The player assumes control of a Sentinel, who must scale a massive tower known as the Ziggurat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/babylons-fall-combines-crispy-combat-with-the-destiny-power-grind|title=Babylon's Fall combines crispy combat with the Destiny power grind|first=Ed|last=Thorn|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=November 25, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> Players started at a hub area known as Sentinel Force HQ where they can interact with other players, visit shops or blacksmiths to purchase gear and upgrades, and access quests. Each quest can be played solo, though the game also supports four-player [[Cooperative video game|cooperative multiplayer]]. Players ascend three to four floors in each quest until they reach the summit of the tower. Along the way, players will unlock loot which can be used to enhance the strength of the characters.<ref name="shacknews preview">{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/127772/babylons-fall-closed-beta-preview-armed-ascension|title=Babylon's Fall closed beta preview: Armed ascension|first=TJ|last=Denzer|work=[[Shacknews]]|date=November 19, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref>


Each sentinel is equipped with two weapons. However, the player is also equipped with a device known as Gideon's Coffin. The coffin allows players to carry two more spectral weapons. These weapons can no longer be used once the spectral energy bar is depleted, though it will gradually refill over time. The game features seven different weapons types, including sword, hammer, bow, rod, shield, <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/babylons-fall-first-preview-platinumgames|title=Babylon's Fall: The First Preview|first=Cameron|last=Hawkins|work=[[IGN]]|date=November 20, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> axe,<ref>{{Cite web |title=BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} Introducing the "Great Axe" Build! |url=https://www.platinumgames.com/official-blog/article/12206 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=PlatinumGames Official Blog |language=ja}}</ref> and pistol.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} Introducing the "Pistol" Build! |url=https://www.platinumgames.com/official-blog/article/12026 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=PlatinumGames Official Blog |language=ja}}</ref> At the end of each level, players would be awarded with loot and gear. The quality of the gear depends on the player's performance in a level. Players can achieve better performance by varying their attack style, eliminating enemies quickly, and dodging attacks.<ref name="shacknews preview"/>
Each sentinel is equipped with two weapons. However, the player is also equipped with a device known as Gideon's Coffin. The coffin allows players to carry two more spectral weapons. These weapons can no longer be used once the spectral energy bar is depleted, though it will gradually refill over time. The game features seven different weapons types, including sword, hammer, bow, rod, shield, <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/babylons-fall-first-preview-platinumgames|title=Babylon's Fall: The First Preview|first=Cameron|last=Hawkins|work=[[IGN]]|date=November 20, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> the great axe <ref>{{Cite web |title=BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} Introducing the "Great Axe" Build! |url=https://www.platinumgames.com/official-blog/article/12206 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=PlatinumGames Official Blog |language=ja}}</ref> and pistols.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} Introducing the "Pistol" Build! |url=https://www.platinumgames.com/official-blog/article/12026 |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=PlatinumGames Official Blog |language=ja}}</ref> At the end of each level, players would be awarded with loot and gear. The quality of the gear depends on the player's performance in a level. Players can achieve better performance by varying their attack style, eliminating enemies quickly, and dodging attacks.<ref name="shacknews preview"/>


== Plot ==
== Story ==
[[File:Babylon's Fall, featuring Sylvie (on the right, originally from Agafheim, west of Neo Babylon) next to Sophia (on the left, the Emperor's daughter).png|thumb|Babylon's Fall, a scene featuring Sylvie (right) next to Sophia (left)]]
[[File:Babylon's Fall, featuring Sylvie (on the right, originally from Agafheim, west of Neo Babylon) next to Sophia (on the left, the Emperor's daughter).png|thumb|Babylon's Fall, a scene featuring Sylvie (the female on the right who is originally from Agafheim, a city in the mountains, west of Neo Babylon) <ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Sentinel Creation {{!}} Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} SQUARE ENIX |url=https://hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com/playguide/pages/61f3607cacb86838588100 |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com |language=en}}</ref> next to Sophia (on the left, the Emperor's daughter who has drafted Sylvie and others against their wishes into the Sentinel force).]]


=== The Three Story Quests ===
Set in a fantasy world,<ref name="RPSCombat"/> the story of ''Babylon's Fall'' was split into three quests.
Babylon's Fall had three story quests. The main character is a character that the player creates. The player can create any name, gender, race, etc, etc, for their main character.<ref name=":2" />


=== Liberator ===
=== 1) The Liberator Quest ===
Prisoners are taken on board from a ship, where following a guard, become tested for the Gideon Coffin. Out of the many prisoners, only 3 of them managed to survive its installation and are then promoted as Sentinels. On their first battle, they fight blue forces known as Gallu, where upon facing their first large force, a mysterious angel comes down and unlocks their Gideon Coffin, allowing them to fight. Their main goal is to stop the plague which is being caused by the Blue Sun (which is an alien deity named Nergal). Bosses such as Zenon, Lord Bemus, Moira and Galenos with his giant dragon Antares stand in the way. At the end of the Liberator quest, the player and another character named Arwia defeat Nergal.
Prisoners are taken on board from a ship, where following a guard, become tested out on a weapon called the Gideon Coffin. Out of the many prisoners, only 3 of them managed to survive its installation and are then promoted as Sentinels. The Gideon Coffin serves as the Sentinel's main weapon and communication device. On their first battle, they fight blue forces known as Gallu, where upon facing their first large force, a mysterious angel comes down and unlocks their Gideon Coffin, allowing them to fight. Their main goal is to stop the plague which is being caused by the Blue Sun (which is an alien deity named Nergal). Menacing bosses such as Zenon, Lord Bemus, Moira and Galenos with his giant dragon Antares stand in the way. At the end of the Liberator quest, the player created main character and another character named Arwia defeat Nergal.


=== Resurgence ===
=== 2) The Resurgence (Returning Champion) Quest ===
Released on March 22, 2022,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Babylon's Fall Support Will Continue As Future Changes Detailed Through Season 3 |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2022/03/18/babylons-fall-support-will-continue/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=PlayStation LifeStyle}}</ref> Resurgence focuses on the Sentinel civil war, focusing on three factions struggling to win the civil war: Sophia's Sentinels (the player, Sylvie, Sophia and Eleon), Gallagher's The Creatures (alongside Elpis, Zogh, Lawi-Ghor and various dragons) and Urom-Baggel's Molzamites (alongside Ogo-Tallwa, and some unnamed Molzamites). It ends with most of The Creatures and Molzamites being murdered by the player as Urom-Baggel and Gallagher escape.
Added to the game on March 22, 2022 <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-18 |title=Babylon's Fall Support Will Continue As Future Changes Detailed Through Season 3 |url=https://www.playstationlifestyle.net/2022/03/18/babylons-fall-support-will-continue/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=PlayStation LifeStyle}}</ref> the story focused on the Sentinel civil war, focusing on three factions struggling to win the civil war: Sophia's Sentinels (the player created main character with Sylvie and Sophia and also Eleon of the Goat Knights and Lycus), Gallagher's The Creatures (with Gallagher, Elpis, Zogh, Lawi-Ghor and various dragons) and Urom-Baggel's Molzamites (with Urom-Baggel, Ogo-Tallwa, and some unnamed Molzamites). It ends with most of The Creatures and Molzamites being murdered by the main character as Urom-Baggel and Gallagher escape.


=== Tale of Two Ziggurats ===
=== 3) The Tale of Two Ziggurats (Another Ziggurat) Quest ===
The final quest released on May 31, 2022, as part of the update titled "The Light of Auru",<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=Babylon's Fall Season 2 "The Light of Aaru" to begin May 31 |url=https://novacrystallis.com/2022/05/babylons-fall-season-2-the-light-of-aaru-to-begin-may-31/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Nova Crystallis |language=en-US}}</ref> the Tale of Two Ziggurats serves as the conclusion to the ''Bablylon's Fall'' story. The final fates of several characters are revealed as Gallagher kills Eleon, the player killing Gallagher out of revenge, and Urom-Baggel being defeated. While the plot focuses on the new Kuftaali faction who is seeking help from the player to stop the new plague, the ending shows a Kuftaali character named Shamilka being revealed to be the true final boss of the game known as Ereshkigal (who is of the same alien deity race as Nergal). The game ends with the player killing Ereshkigal, permanently ending the plague.
Added to the game on May 31, 2022, part of the season two update known as the Light of Auru. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-20 |title=Babylon's Fall Season 2 "The Light of Aaru" to begin May 31 |url=https://novacrystallis.com/2022/05/babylons-fall-season-2-the-light-of-aaru-to-begin-may-31/ |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=Nova Crystallis |language=en-US}}</ref> While not intended to be the final quest, this third story mode serves as the conclusion to the story. The final fates of several characters are revealed as Gallagher murders Eleon, the main character murders Gallagher out of revenge, and Urom-Baggel is permanently defeated. While the plot focuses on the new Kuftaali faction who is seeking help from the player created main character to stop the new plague, the ending of the quest shows a Kuftaali character named Shamilka being revealed to be the true final boss of the game known as Ereshkigal (who is of the same alien deity race as Nergal). The game ends with the main character murdering Ereshkigal, which permanently ends the plague.

== Special Events ==
A Babylon's Fall and Nier Automata crossover event occurred in the game Babylon's Fall from March 29th, 2022 till April 26th, 2022. <ref>{{Cite web |title=The NieR:Automata™ Collaboration begins in BABYLON'S FALL |url=https://square-enix-games.com/en_US/home/nier-automata-collaboration-begins-babylon-s-fall |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=square-enix-games.com |language=en}}</ref> The Amusement Park Rabbit from Nier Automata serves as the main boss of this crossover event. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} SQUARE ENIX |url=https://hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com/ranking?rankingId=17 |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com |language=en}}</ref> Other special events happened during the course of Babylon's Fall, such as "The Festival of the Sun" event taking place during July 19th, 2022 till August 16th, 2022. <ref>{{Cite web |last=Seeto |first=Damien |date=2022-07-12 |title=Babylon's Fall Update 1.07 Out for Bug Fixes This July 12 |url=https://mp1st.com/news/babylons-fall-update-1-07-out-for-bug-fixes-this-july-12 |access-date=2023-02-21 |website=MP1st |language=en-US}}</ref> Serving as a short epilogue story taking place after the defeat of Ereshkigal, the "Festival of the Sun" is a large celebration being thrown. It introduces a young female Sentinel named Gaselne, who is visiting from "Sentinel Unit 2" and the highly corrupt Governor Magrabus (appointed into his position by the Emperor) who is secretly aiding the Igigi (local troll like enemies) to sabotage Sophia's Sentinels. The festival ends with the Sentinels arresting the emperor's appointed corrupt governor and with some of the characters (Sylvie, Sophia, the player created main character, etc) enjoying one last moment in the sun near the water with Sylvie proclaiming that they should all enjoy the summer with some fun in the sun.

On 2/24/2023, Square Enix made their last reminder announcement to Babylon's Fall players that Babylon's Fall would be permanently closing down on February 27, 2023, at 11:00 p.m Pacific time (February 28th, 2023 at 2:00 a.m Eastern time). <ref>{{Cite web |title=End of Service Notice (Feb. 27) {{!}} Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} SQUARE ENIX |url=https://hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com/news/pages/63f83ef0ede2d211613744 |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com |language=en}}</ref> For a few months starting November 29th, 2022 (the start of the third and final season of Babylon's Fall) <ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Season: Finale Special Rewards {{!}} Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} SQUARE ENIX |url=https://hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com/news/pages/636e05910e9a4124829563 |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com |language=en}}</ref> leading to the final day were a series of multiple "Season 3" special competitive events such as the Finale Boss Duels (a boss rush competition where winners would win a free "Davchina the Proud" coffin spirit voice which allowed Davchina to talk to players personally), <ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Mission 2: Finale Duel {{!}} Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} SQUARE ENIX |url=https://hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com/news/pages/638d637a0517d882750131 |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com |language=en}}</ref> the Ereshkigal rankings (players would compete for points to see who would be the top ranking players against the final boss on the hardest difficulty), <ref>{{Cite web |title=Rankings Open for Ereshkigal: Very Hard {{!}} Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL {{!}} SQUARE ENIX |url=https://hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com/news/pages/638d66b660a6e110041374 |access-date=2023-02-25 |website=hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com |language=en}}</ref> and other competitive events. On the final day of Babylon's Fall, during the final minutes before the permanent server shutdown, using emotes which each player had for their player created Sentinel character for the purpose of communicating with other players, <ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Dearing |first=Christian Lee |date=2022-03-06 |title=Babylon's Fall: How to Emote |url=https://gamerant.com/babylons-fall-how-to-emote-guide/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> players on the North American server gathered together to say their good byes, say their thanks to each other, and some even danced with each other till the end.<ref name=":3" /> <ref>{{Cite web |author1=Hope Bellingham |date=2023-02-28 |title=Babylon's Fall players say their depressing final farewells |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/babylons-fall-players-say-their-depressing-final-farewells/ |access-date=2023-03-01 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref>


==Development==
==Development==
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Production on the game began in 2017, around the time of ''Nier: Automata''{{'}}s release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=『バビロンズフォール』開発インタビュー。紆余曲々々々折ありつつ、4つの武器を同時にブン回せるプラチナゲームズらしい尖ったオンラインアクションとして完成 {{!}} ゲーム・エンタメ最新情報のファミ通.com |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202203/04253476.html |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=ファミ通.com |language=ja}}</ref> The game was revealed at [[E3 2018]] during Square Enix's own press conference and was originally slated to release in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/11/17449562/babylons-fall-platinumgames-e3-2018-square-enix|title=Babylon's Fall is a new game coming from the creator of Bayonetta|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|work=[[The Verge]]|date=June 11, 2018|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> The first look at gameplay would be seen at Sony's December 2019 State of Play presentation. It was shown again at [[E3 2021]], now labeled a "[[game as a service]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/e3-2021/2021/06/13/babylons-fall-rerevealed-is-a-live-service-game|title=Babylon's Fall Rerevealed, Is A Live Service Game|first=Blake|last=Hester|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=June 13, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> This means that the game would be supported with free updates, new gameplay modes and content upon release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/22532269/babylons-fall-platinum-games-live-service-ps5-beta|title=Babylon's Fall from PlatinumGames is now a live-service game|first=Austen|last=Gosling|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 13, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> PlatinumGames opened a new Tokyo studio in 2020 to help the studio make live service games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/platinumgames-tokyo-studio-to-develop-live-service-games-for-consoles/|title=PlatinumGames' Tokyo studio to develop live service games for consoles|first=Tom|last=Ivan|work=Video Games Chronicle|date=February 27, 2020|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> The developers have stated that the game was always envisioned as a multiplayer, live service title, and expressed regret over some players having the false impression that it was a single player game because of previous footage only showing solo combat.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://jpgames.de/2022/02/interview-with-kenji-saito-and-takahisa-sugiyama-on-babylons-fall-from-platinumgames/|title=Interview with: Kenji Saito and Takahisa Sugiyama on Babylon's Fall from PlatinumGames|last=Tony|work=JPGames|date=February 24, 2022|accessdate=April 8, 2022}}</ref> One of the game's directors, Takahisa Sugiyama, stated that the challenge of creating an online, live-service game was "a lot harder to do than we thought". This, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the release of new hardware, are cited as reasons for the game's lengthy delay.<ref name=":0" />
Production on the game began in 2017, around the time of ''Nier: Automata''{{'}}s release.<ref>{{Cite web |title=『バビロンズフォール』開発インタビュー。紆余曲々々々折ありつつ、4つの武器を同時にブン回せるプラチナゲームズらしい尖ったオンラインアクションとして完成 {{!}} ゲーム・エンタメ最新情報のファミ通.com |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202203/04253476.html |access-date=2022-08-02 |website=ファミ通.com |language=ja}}</ref> The game was revealed at [[E3 2018]] during Square Enix's own press conference and was originally slated to release in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/11/17449562/babylons-fall-platinumgames-e3-2018-square-enix|title=Babylon's Fall is a new game coming from the creator of Bayonetta|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|work=[[The Verge]]|date=June 11, 2018|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> The first look at gameplay would be seen at Sony's December 2019 State of Play presentation. It was shown again at [[E3 2021]], now labeled a "[[game as a service]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/e3-2021/2021/06/13/babylons-fall-rerevealed-is-a-live-service-game|title=Babylon's Fall Rerevealed, Is A Live Service Game|first=Blake|last=Hester|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=June 13, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> This means that the game would be supported with free updates, new gameplay modes and content upon release.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/22532269/babylons-fall-platinum-games-live-service-ps5-beta|title=Babylon's Fall from PlatinumGames is now a live-service game|first=Austen|last=Gosling|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=June 13, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> PlatinumGames opened a new Tokyo studio in 2020 to help the studio make live service games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/platinumgames-tokyo-studio-to-develop-live-service-games-for-consoles/|title=PlatinumGames' Tokyo studio to develop live service games for consoles|first=Tom|last=Ivan|work=Video Games Chronicle|date=February 27, 2020|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> The developers have stated that the game was always envisioned as a multiplayer, live service title, and expressed regret over some players having the false impression that it was a single player game because of previous footage only showing solo combat.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://jpgames.de/2022/02/interview-with-kenji-saito-and-takahisa-sugiyama-on-babylons-fall-from-platinumgames/|title=Interview with: Kenji Saito and Takahisa Sugiyama on Babylon's Fall from PlatinumGames|last=Tony|work=JPGames|date=February 24, 2022|accessdate=April 8, 2022}}</ref> One of the game's directors, Takahisa Sugiyama, stated that the challenge of creating an online, live-service game was "a lot harder to do than we thought". This, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the release of new hardware, are cited as reasons for the game's lengthy delay.<ref name=":0" />


The game was released on March 3, 2022, for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Windows]], with [[cross-platform play]] support. Players who purchased the game's Digital Deluxe version could access the game on February 28, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-babylons-fall-trailer-reveals-release-date-of-march-3-early-access-february-28/1100-6498837/|title=New Babylon's Fall Trailer Reveals Release Date Of March 3, Early Access February 28|first=Jason|last=Fanelli|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=December 9, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> In September 2022, PlatinumGames and Square Enix announced that the game's servers would be shut down on February 27, 2023.<ref name="ShutdownEG"/><ref name="ShutdownIGN"/>
The game was released on March 3, 2022, for [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Windows]], with [[cross-platform play]] support. Players who purchased the game's Digital Deluxe version could access the game on February 28, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-babylons-fall-trailer-reveals-release-date-of-march-3-early-access-february-28/1100-6498837/|title=New Babylon's Fall Trailer Reveals Release Date Of March 3, Early Access February 28|first=Jason|last=Fanelli|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=December 9, 2021|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> In September 2022, PlatinumGames and Square Enix announced that the game's servers would be shut down on February 27, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/babylons-fall-binned-after-less-than-a-year|title=Babylon's Fall binned after less than a year|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=September 13, 2022|accessdate=September 13, 2022}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
Line 66: Line 72:


On Steam, the game has an all-time high of 1,166 concurrent players, which fell to just one player in May 2022.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2022-05-08 |title=Babylon's Fall's concurrent PC player count fell to just one this week |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/babylons-falls-concurrent-pc-player-count-fell-to-just-one-this-week |access-date=2022-05-08}}</ref> In Japan, the physical PlayStation 4 version of ''Babylon’s Fall'' sold 2,885 copies within its first week of release, making it the twenty-fourth bestselling retail game of the week in the country. The PlayStation 5 version sold 2,224 copies in the country during the same week, making it the twenty-seventh bestselling Japan retail game throughout the week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano|first=Sal|date=March 10, 2022|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/03/famitsu-sales-2-28-22-3-6-22|title=Famitsu Sales: 2/28/22 – 3/6/22 [Update]|publisher=Gematsu|accessdate=June 30, 2022}}</ref>
On Steam, the game has an all-time high of 1,166 concurrent players, which fell to just one player in May 2022.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2022-05-08 |title=Babylon's Fall's concurrent PC player count fell to just one this week |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/babylons-falls-concurrent-pc-player-count-fell-to-just-one-this-week |access-date=2022-05-08}}</ref> In Japan, the physical PlayStation 4 version of ''Babylon’s Fall'' sold 2,885 copies within its first week of release, making it the twenty-fourth bestselling retail game of the week in the country. The PlayStation 5 version sold 2,224 copies in the country during the same week, making it the twenty-seventh bestselling Japan retail game throughout the week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano|first=Sal|date=March 10, 2022|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/03/famitsu-sales-2-28-22-3-6-22|title=Famitsu Sales: 2/28/22 – 3/6/22 [Update]|publisher=Gematsu|accessdate=June 30, 2022}}</ref>

{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 16:03, 1 April 2023

Babylon's Fall
Developer(s)PlatinumGames
Publisher(s)Square Enix
Director(s)
  • Kenji Saito
  • Takahisa Sugiyama
Producer(s)
  • Junichi Ehara
  • Yosuke Saito
Designer(s)
  • Isao Negishi
  • Kazuma Fujii
Artist(s)Kouji Tajima
Writer(s)Kenichi Iwao
Composer(s)Hiroshi Yamaguchi[1]
Platform(s)
ReleaseMarch 3, 2022
Genre(s)Action role-playing, hack and slash
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Babylon's Fall (バビロンズフォール) was an action role-playing game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Square Enix. The game was released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows on March 3, 2022. It received generally negative reviews from critics, and was a significant commercial failure for Square Enix, with the game only reaching a concurrent player count of less than 1,200 on release day and declining sharply afterwards.[2][3] Six months after the game's release, Square Enix announced that they would be ceasing support of the game's servers, which later shut down on February 27, 2023.[4]

Gameplay

Babylon's Fall was an action role-playing hack and slash video game played from a third-person perspective. The player assumes control of a Sentinel, who must scale a massive tower known as the Ziggurat.[5] Players started at a hub area known as Sentinel Force HQ where they can interact with other players, visit shops or blacksmiths to purchase gear and upgrades, and access quests. Each quest can be played solo, though the game also supports four-player cooperative multiplayer. Players ascend three to four floors in each quest until they reach the summit of the tower. Along the way, players will unlock loot which can be used to enhance the strength of the characters.[6]

Each sentinel is equipped with two weapons. However, the player is also equipped with a device known as Gideon's Coffin. The coffin allows players to carry two more spectral weapons. These weapons can no longer be used once the spectral energy bar is depleted, though it will gradually refill over time. The game features seven different weapons types, including sword, hammer, bow, rod, shield, [7] the great axe [8] and pistols.[9] At the end of each level, players would be awarded with loot and gear. The quality of the gear depends on the player's performance in a level. Players can achieve better performance by varying their attack style, eliminating enemies quickly, and dodging attacks.[6]

Story

File:Babylon's Fall, featuring Sylvie (on the right, originally from Agafheim, west of Neo Babylon) next to Sophia (on the left, the Emperor's daughter).png
Babylon's Fall, a scene featuring Sylvie (the female on the right who is originally from Agafheim, a city in the mountains, west of Neo Babylon) [10] next to Sophia (on the left, the Emperor's daughter who has drafted Sylvie and others against their wishes into the Sentinel force).

The Three Story Quests

Babylon's Fall had three story quests. The main character is a character that the player creates. The player can create any name, gender, race, etc, etc, for their main character.[10]

1) The Liberator Quest

Prisoners are taken on board from a ship, where following a guard, become tested out on a weapon called the Gideon Coffin. Out of the many prisoners, only 3 of them managed to survive its installation and are then promoted as Sentinels. The Gideon Coffin serves as the Sentinel's main weapon and communication device. On their first battle, they fight blue forces known as Gallu, where upon facing their first large force, a mysterious angel comes down and unlocks their Gideon Coffin, allowing them to fight. Their main goal is to stop the plague which is being caused by the Blue Sun (which is an alien deity named Nergal). Menacing bosses such as Zenon, Lord Bemus, Moira and Galenos with his giant dragon Antares stand in the way. At the end of the Liberator quest, the player created main character and another character named Arwia defeat Nergal.

2) The Resurgence (Returning Champion) Quest

Added to the game on March 22, 2022 [11] the story focused on the Sentinel civil war, focusing on three factions struggling to win the civil war: Sophia's Sentinels (the player created main character with Sylvie and Sophia and also Eleon of the Goat Knights and Lycus), Gallagher's The Creatures (with Gallagher, Elpis, Zogh, Lawi-Ghor and various dragons) and Urom-Baggel's Molzamites (with Urom-Baggel, Ogo-Tallwa, and some unnamed Molzamites). It ends with most of The Creatures and Molzamites being murdered by the main character as Urom-Baggel and Gallagher escape.

3) The Tale of Two Ziggurats (Another Ziggurat) Quest

Added to the game on May 31, 2022, part of the season two update known as the Light of Auru. [12] While not intended to be the final quest, this third story mode serves as the conclusion to the story. The final fates of several characters are revealed as Gallagher murders Eleon, the main character murders Gallagher out of revenge, and Urom-Baggel is permanently defeated. While the plot focuses on the new Kuftaali faction who is seeking help from the player created main character to stop the new plague, the ending of the quest shows a Kuftaali character named Shamilka being revealed to be the true final boss of the game known as Ereshkigal (who is of the same alien deity race as Nergal). The game ends with the main character murdering Ereshkigal, which permanently ends the plague.

Special Events

A Babylon's Fall and Nier Automata crossover event occurred in the game Babylon's Fall from March 29th, 2022 till April 26th, 2022. [13] The Amusement Park Rabbit from Nier Automata serves as the main boss of this crossover event. [14] Other special events happened during the course of Babylon's Fall, such as "The Festival of the Sun" event taking place during July 19th, 2022 till August 16th, 2022. [15] Serving as a short epilogue story taking place after the defeat of Ereshkigal, the "Festival of the Sun" is a large celebration being thrown. It introduces a young female Sentinel named Gaselne, who is visiting from "Sentinel Unit 2" and the highly corrupt Governor Magrabus (appointed into his position by the Emperor) who is secretly aiding the Igigi (local troll like enemies) to sabotage Sophia's Sentinels. The festival ends with the Sentinels arresting the emperor's appointed corrupt governor and with some of the characters (Sylvie, Sophia, the player created main character, etc) enjoying one last moment in the sun near the water with Sylvie proclaiming that they should all enjoy the summer with some fun in the sun.

On 2/24/2023, Square Enix made their last reminder announcement to Babylon's Fall players that Babylon's Fall would be permanently closing down on February 27, 2023, at 11:00 p.m Pacific time (February 28th, 2023 at 2:00 a.m Eastern time). [16] For a few months starting November 29th, 2022 (the start of the third and final season of Babylon's Fall) [17] leading to the final day were a series of multiple "Season 3" special competitive events such as the Finale Boss Duels (a boss rush competition where winners would win a free "Davchina the Proud" coffin spirit voice which allowed Davchina to talk to players personally), [18] the Ereshkigal rankings (players would compete for points to see who would be the top ranking players against the final boss on the hardest difficulty), [19] and other competitive events. On the final day of Babylon's Fall, during the final minutes before the permanent server shutdown, using emotes which each player had for their player created Sentinel character for the purpose of communicating with other players, [20] players on the North American server gathered together to say their good byes, say their thanks to each other, and some even danced with each other till the end.[20] [21]

Development

Babylon's Fall was developed by PlatinumGames. According to producer Junichi Ehara, the team wanted to expand on the combat system of Nier: Automata and experiment with multiplayer with Babylon's Fall.[22] The game's brushstroke visual art-style was inspired by classic European oil paintings, and the graphics were created using canvas-like texture.[23] The game also borrowed assets from Final Fantasy XIV, a massively multiplayer online video game created by publisher Square Enix.[24] The protagonist of the story was compared to a Roman gladiator by scenario writer Kenichi Iwao.[25] The first closed beta was held in July 2021 in Japan and August 2021 in Europe and North America.[26] The beta received a lukewarm reception, with players complaining about the game's illegible visual style. The development team evaluated players feedback and adjusted the game's graphics to ensure that they are less blurry and pixelated.[27]

Production on the game began in 2017, around the time of Nier: Automata's release.[28] The game was revealed at E3 2018 during Square Enix's own press conference and was originally slated to release in 2019.[29] The first look at gameplay would be seen at Sony's December 2019 State of Play presentation. It was shown again at E3 2021, now labeled a "game as a service".[30] This means that the game would be supported with free updates, new gameplay modes and content upon release.[31] PlatinumGames opened a new Tokyo studio in 2020 to help the studio make live service games.[32] The developers have stated that the game was always envisioned as a multiplayer, live service title, and expressed regret over some players having the false impression that it was a single player game because of previous footage only showing solo combat.[33] One of the game's directors, Takahisa Sugiyama, stated that the challenge of creating an online, live-service game was "a lot harder to do than we thought". This, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the release of new hardware, are cited as reasons for the game's lengthy delay.[33]

The game was released on March 3, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Windows, with cross-platform play support. Players who purchased the game's Digital Deluxe version could access the game on February 28, 2022.[34] In September 2022, PlatinumGames and Square Enix announced that the game's servers would be shut down on February 27, 2023.[35]

Reception

Babylon's Fall received "generally unfavorable" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.[37][36] Metacritic listed Babylon's Fall as the third-worst game of 2022.[48]

Destructoid liked the combat, praising the "coffin combos" and "slick" dodges, but felt the actual structure of the game was boring; "most of the challenges are the same hallways, remixed, and the same enemies, slightly tweaked".[38] Rock Paper Shotgun disliked the progression of the game, writing that it was needlessly confusing; "You rush through corridors and into progressively harder arenas... Occasionally there are yellow orbs to collect on your way, although I haven't been told what these do. Beat an arena and the game will give you a rank, like Stone or Bronze or Pure Platinum, which also nets you... nothing?".[49]

On Steam, the game has an all-time high of 1,166 concurrent players, which fell to just one player in May 2022.[2] In Japan, the physical PlayStation 4 version of Babylon’s Fall sold 2,885 copies within its first week of release, making it the twenty-fourth bestselling retail game of the week in the country. The PlayStation 5 version sold 2,224 copies in the country during the same week, making it the twenty-seventh bestselling Japan retail game throughout the week.[50]

References

  1. ^ Lada, Jenni (December 23, 2021). "Babylon's Fall Soundtrack Will Be Out in March". Siliconera. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Babylon's Fall's concurrent PC player count fell to just one this week". Eurogamer.net. May 8, 2022. Retrieved May 8, 2022.
  3. ^ Callum Bains (September 13, 2022). "Square Enix is finally shutting down its biggest disaster of the year". TechRadar. Retrieved September 30, 2022.
  4. ^ Leston, Ryan (September 13, 2022). "Babylon's Fall Will Be Shut Down In February 2023". IGN. Retrieved September 17, 2022.
  5. ^ Thorn, Ed (November 25, 2021). "Babylon's Fall combines crispy combat with the Destiny power grind". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Denzer, TJ (November 19, 2021). "Babylon's Fall closed beta preview: Armed ascension". Shacknews. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  7. ^ Hawkins, Cameron (November 20, 2021). "Babylon's Fall: The First Preview". IGN. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  8. ^ "BABYLON'S FALL | Introducing the "Great Axe" Build!". PlatinumGames Official Blog (in Japanese). Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  9. ^ "BABYLON'S FALL | Introducing the "Pistol" Build!". PlatinumGames Official Blog (in Japanese). Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Sentinel Creation | Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL | SQUARE ENIX". hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  11. ^ "Babylon's Fall Support Will Continue As Future Changes Detailed Through Season 3". PlayStation LifeStyle. March 18, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  12. ^ "Babylon's Fall Season 2 "The Light of Aaru" to begin May 31". Nova Crystallis. May 20, 2022. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  13. ^ "The NieR:Automata™ Collaboration begins in BABYLON'S FALL". square-enix-games.com. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  14. ^ "Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL | SQUARE ENIX". hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  15. ^ Seeto, Damien (July 12, 2022). "Babylon's Fall Update 1.07 Out for Bug Fixes This July 12". MP1st. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  16. ^ "End of Service Notice (Feb. 27) | Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL | SQUARE ENIX". hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  17. ^ "Final Season: Finale Special Rewards | Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL | SQUARE ENIX". hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com. Retrieved February 26, 2023.
  18. ^ "Final Mission 2: Finale Duel | Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL | SQUARE ENIX". hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  19. ^ "Rankings Open for Ereshkigal: Very Hard | Hanging Garden - BABYLON'S FALL | SQUARE ENIX". hanging-garden.babylonsfall.com. Retrieved February 25, 2023.
  20. ^ a b Dearing, Christian Lee (March 6, 2022). "Babylon's Fall: How to Emote". Game Rant. Retrieved February 28, 2023.
  21. ^ Hope Bellingham (February 28, 2023). "Babylon's Fall players say their depressing final farewells". gamesradar. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
  22. ^ Smith, Graham (June 13, 2021). "Babylon's Fall aims to be a Nier Automata that never ends". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  23. ^ McWhertor, Michael (June 14, 2021). "Babylon's Fall could be good, actually". Polygon. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  24. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (November 27, 2021). "Babylon's Fall contains gear and emote assets "borrowed" from Final Fantasy 14, Platinum confirms". Eurogamer. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  25. ^ Harris, Iain (November 19, 2021). "The Babylon's Fall beta is promising: why am I still not excited for it?". PCGamesN. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  26. ^ Cyer, Hirun (July 26, 2021). "Babylon's Fall beta dates and contents outlined". GamesRadar. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  27. ^ Saed, Sherif (October 7, 2021). "Babylon's Fall updates visuals so they're no longer a blurry mess". VG 247. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  28. ^ "『バビロンズフォール』開発インタビュー。紆余曲々々々折ありつつ、4つの武器を同時にブン回せるプラチナゲームズらしい尖ったオンラインアクションとして完成 | ゲーム・エンタメ最新情報のファミ通.com". ファミ通.com (in Japanese). Retrieved August 2, 2022.
  29. ^ Farokhmanesh, Megan (June 11, 2018). "Babylon's Fall is a new game coming from the creator of Bayonetta". The Verge. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  30. ^ Hester, Blake (June 13, 2021). "Babylon's Fall Rerevealed, Is A Live Service Game". Game Informer. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  31. ^ Gosling, Austen (June 13, 2021). "Babylon's Fall from PlatinumGames is now a live-service game". Polygon. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  32. ^ Ivan, Tom (February 27, 2020). "PlatinumGames' Tokyo studio to develop live service games for consoles". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  33. ^ a b Tony (February 24, 2022). "Interview with: Kenji Saito and Takahisa Sugiyama on Babylon's Fall from PlatinumGames". JPGames. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  34. ^ Fanelli, Jason (December 9, 2021). "New Babylon's Fall Trailer Reveals Release Date Of March 3, Early Access February 28". GameSpot. Retrieved December 26, 2021.
  35. ^ Phillips, Tom (September 13, 2022). "Babylon's Fall binned after less than a year". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  36. ^ a b "Babylon's Fall for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  37. ^ a b "Babylon's Fall for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved April 27, 2022.
  38. ^ a b Carter, Chris (March 4, 2022). "Review: Babylon's Fall". Destructoid. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  39. ^ Helm, Jordan (March 7, 2022). "Review: Babylon's Fall". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  40. ^ Koreis, Justin (March 8, 2022). "Babylon's Fall Review". IGN. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  41. ^ Ayden_ (March 10, 2022). "Test Babylon's Fall : Une chute inévitable face à Elden Ring ?" [Babylon's Fall Review : An inevitable fall against Elden Ring ?]. Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  42. ^ Coyle, Anne-Marie (March 16, 2022). "Babylon's Fall review". PC Gamer. Future plc. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  43. ^ Hoffmann, Simon; Schmid, Lukas (March 10, 2022). "Babylon's Fall im Test: Eine Vollkatastrophe von Platinum Games" [Babylon's Fall Review: A total disaster from Platinum Games]. PC Games (in German). Computec Media GmbH. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  44. ^ Gipp, Stuart (March 12, 2022). "Babylon's Fall Review (PS5)". Push Square. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  45. ^ Erskine, Donovan (March 12, 2022). "Babylon's Fall review: An unworthy endeavor". Shacknews. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  46. ^ Robuschi, Majkol (March 7, 2022). "Babylon's Fall – Recensione" [Babylon's Fall – Review]. The Games Machine (in Italian). Retrieved March 12, 2022.
  47. ^ Middler, Jordan (March 4, 2022). "Launch Review: Babylon's Fall is a dull and cynical service game". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved March 4, 2022.
  48. ^ "The 10 Worst Video Games of 2022". Metacritic. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
  49. ^ Thorn, Ed (March 4, 2022). "Babylon's Fall review: a live disservice". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved March 8, 2022.
  50. ^ Romano, Sal (March 10, 2022). "Famitsu Sales: 2/28/22 – 3/6/22 [Update]". Gematsu. Retrieved June 30, 2022.
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