The closed beta for Blood Bowl 2 is now up and running. Cyanide's sequel is inspired by Games Workshop's famous board game. The beta test - open to those who pre-order the game on Steam - lets players learn more about the multiplayer mode, discover tactics and explore the various features coming to this unusual sport-themed strategy game.
During the beta, players will have opportunity to create their own teams with four races available in the game (Humans, Orcs, Skaven, Dwarfs) but, more importantly, "all the customised multiplayer league and the teams created during the beta will be preserved," as Cyanide reassured in the press release.
The start of the beta is also an opportunity for the outfit to show off a new race, the Bretonnians, this via a brand new gameplay video that you can see below. The Bretonnians will be among those factions available at release, which is scheduled for later this month, meaning players won't have the opportunity to try them early.
Here's the description that Cyanide has offered for the Bretonnians:
"Bretonnian teams are geared toward fighting. They benefit from very skilled Blitzer players and dirt cheap linemen boasting respectable characteristics and the Fend skill. Blitzers are their key players, and any action undertaken by Bretonnian teams will revolve around them. While Blitzers are indisputably fantastic Blood Bowl players, they are also very expensive. They are necessary for any action carried out by their team, with other players mostly there to provide them with support. Strong yet still rather fragile compared to more bashy teams, Bretonnian team also lack agility, impeding their passing and running game."
Blood Bowl 2 will be available on PS4, Xbox One and PC from September 22. If you pre-order the game you will receive a special bonus, one of two additional races (the Wood Elves or the Lizardmen).