Ascend_Beta

The forthcoming free-to-play action-RPG Ascend: Hand of Kul has finally opened its doors for a closed beta. Developer Signal Studios today announced that would-be testers who previously applied to participate should be on the lookout for a confirmation email within the next 24 hours. In the event you’re not selected, fear not, this is just the first pass and future beta opportunities may become available.

Ascend: Hand of Kul, until recently titled Ascend: New Gods, is the highly-anticipated action title that pits your customizable character against enemies of all sizes — from mammoth titans to puny humans. The game features persistent multiplayer, allowing you to help or hinder other players in the battle for controllable territory all in the name of your god.

When you’re satisfied with your progression, Ascend offers the ability to go the route of ascension, converting your character into a powerful enemy that roams the worlds of other players. This sacrifice doesn’t just wreak havoc among the general population, ascending bestows additional powers and heirlooms upon your next hero, beginning the cycle anew.

Though there’s no official release date just yet, Ascend: Hand of Kul is slated to launch this year on Xbox Live Arcade.