A THQ domain name buy prompted speculation about what "Red Faction: Battlegrounds" might be last week, but a Monday morning program at GDC Europe this week pulled back a few of the curtains and confirmed that the title will be a downloadable Xbox Live and PlayStation Network release that will support "Red Faction: Armageddon."
The topdown combat title with mechs and rovers will allow up to four players onto the same screen, according to a recap of THQ Digital creative director Don Whiteford's presentation on Gamasutra. As far as the game's relationship with "Armageddon" goes, Whiteford indicated that actions in "Battlegrounds" will unlock unspecified features in the core franchise sequel.
No release date was given, but "Armageddon" is expected in March 2011, so interpret that as you will. Multiplayer vehicular combat can be a good time, and if THQ plans on leveraging "Battlegrounds" to support its larger sibling's release next year, that may mean a smaller price tag that makes it more impulse-buy friendly.
Do you think you'll give "Battlegrounds" a go when it hits? What do you make of THQ's general direction with the Red Faction franchise right now? Let us know in the comment section or on Twitter! You can also follow me, MTV Multiplayer writer Brian Warmoth, on Twitter!