Gunpowder Games has announced that Maelstrom, it's fast-paced naval combat game, is ready to set sail into Steam Early Access on April 11th. The game is a variation of the battle royale them that pits sixteen players against one another as they work to remove the fog of war from the map, collect treasure and powerups.
Players begin on the outer edge of a map that is under "fog of war". Once the battle begins, sail off in pursuit of boons (powerups) and treasure accomplished by sinking NPC ships or other players' ships. As players' ships are sunk, the play area is reduced "forcing a climactic showdown".
Entering Dead Waters is not an instant death sentence, but no captain can avoid the wrath of the beasts which lurk there for long. Only one ship will be left afloat. All players receive rewards based on gold collected during battle, bounties claimed by sinking others, and how long they survived.
Prior to the start of the battle, players choose any one of nine ships, each with strengths and weaknesses, and equip it with up to three crew, again each offering stat boosts and a captain that provides a special ability. Additional feature choices will provide customization in battle and can influence everything from "how the cannons work to providing a speed or maneuverability advantage".
Learn more on the Maelstrom Steam page.
