Here is the weekend trial overview, via IllFonic lead designer Jordan Mathewson on the PlayStation Blog:
The Map
Nestled deep in the South American mountains lies Overgrowth. As you enter the map you will feel the claustrophobic environment of the dense jungle. It will make you feel a bit lost as you try to make your way on the jungle ground or up in the trees, depending which character you are playing as.
This hot, remote jungle location harbors a significant presence of hostile guerrilla forces and operatives from the rogue Project Stargazer, a former government program now attempting to gain financially from discovering alien tech. Both Fireteam and Predator players will have to contend against these dangerous enemies while facing each other.
The occupation of this hidden valley has uncovered a wealth of hidden ancient ruins surrounding a winding river. Something about this location seems to allow temperatures to climb higher than just about anywhere else in these mountains… a perfect place for the Predator to hunt.
Team Up Against the Predator
If you choose to play as a member of the Fireteam, know this isn’t your average group of soldiers. This group is elite and extremely deadly. While taking on the Predator one on one is very difficult, as a group you can work together to turn the tables on the hunter, or to complete the mission and escape. Each time you enter the jungle, one of a number of missions is randomly selected to present a constantly shifting gameplay experience. Each mission consists of multiple smaller objectives that must be completed in order to get to the chopper.
In one mission, you and your team are asked to cut off fuel to the local guerrillas, who are buying massive fuel shipments from an elusive black market contact. You’re being sent in to find the fuel stores and destroy them, disrupting operations in the area for the foreseeable future. Once the fuel has been dealt with, you will need to find the black market operative and take them off the board. In addition to this mission, and hunting the Predator if you choose, you could be asked to accomplish multiple other random missions like sabotage an expensive solar array in enemy camps, destroy dangerous weapon stores, set fire to narcotics, clean up contaminated water sources, and many more.
There are four Fireteam classes in Predator: Hunting Grounds, and during this trial weekend we will be showcasing three: Assault, Scout and Support. The Assault class is a well-rounded specialist with an affinity for leading the mission. If staying light on your feet is important, choose Scout, a quick, agile soldier that can cover the combat areas at great speed. Lastly, you can choose to play as Support, this is the Fireteam member they call in to really soak up the damage with their extra health and damage resistance. In addition to choosing your Fireteam class, you can choose from a wide range of weapons providing different tactical options. During the trial weekend, you can choose from a selection from each weapon type category, eg. shotgun, assault rifle, sniper, etc.
As you level up weapons in-game you will be able to unlock upgrades like scopes, magazines, and suppressors to improve their efficiency. While you are playing over the trial weekend, keep in mind that as a member of the Fireteam there are perks, med kits, ammo bags, and other tools available to you. These tools will prove useful while in the midst of battles with the enemy AI forces, and the Predator who is somewhere hunting you!
Hunt as the Predator
Now, if you decide you want to jump into the jungle as the Predator, there is a lot happening for you in-game as well. You are the hunter, but do not forget you can be hunted too. Your mission in our game is to hunt for the best trophies. And by trophies, I mean the skulls of your prey. You want to take out the best of the best.
In Predator: Hunting Grounds there are three classes of Predator: Hunter, Berserker, and Scout. Every class of Predator has its strengths and weaknesses. During the trial weekend you will be able to navigate across treetops as the Hunter class. This Predator class is well-balanced and an adaptive warrior capable of taking on a number of situations with ease. Players will be able to choose between the Female and Male Hunter and even select different armor to customize their own look.
As the deadliest hunter in the universe, you have access to a plethora of off-world tech and weaponry. The classic arsenal will be the foundation of each Predator loadout. The Plasma Caster for ranged combat, the wrist blades for close encounters, infrared vision mode to track down your prey, and advanced cloaking for staying stealthy. Other weapons, perks, and gear will be available for unlock as players level up, such as the Smart Disc, Combistick, and more.
And, not to worry, if the Fireteam bands together and gives you a run for your money, you have one last chance to end their efforts, by using your self-destruct.
Predator: Hunting Grounds is due out for PlayStation 4 and PC via the Epic Games Store on April 24.
