Tag: RPG

  • Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Publisher Responds to Oblivion Remaster

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Publisher Responds to Oblivion Remaster

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Timing Concerns: The launch of Oblivion Remastered shortly before Expedition 33 raised concerns in the gaming community about competition.
    2. Distinct Audiences: Expedition 33 targets a different group of gamers due to its JRPG elements, while Oblivion Remastered appeals to fans of Western RPGs.
    3. Strong Promotion and Pricing: Microsoft’s promotion and the game’s availability on Xbox Game Pass contributed to its attention, alongside an attractive price of $49.99 on Steam.
    4. Sales Success: Expedition 33 has sold over one million copies, showing strong performance despite being available on Game Pass.
    5. RPG Genre Viability: The success of both games suggests that the RPG genre can support multiple titles released close together.

    The release timing of the Oblivion Remastered was somewhat concerning for the lesser-known Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. After months of speculation, Bethesda surprise-launched its action RPG on April 22nd. Just a few days later, Sandfall Interactive’s Expedition 33 made its debut, raising worries in the gaming community. Nevertheless, both titles have seen remarkable sales figures and a strong player base. This positive outcome is not unexpected for Kepler Interactive, the publisher behind the French RPG.

    Different Audiences

    Matthew Handrahan, Senior Portfolio Manager, shared his insights with The Game Business about how Expedition 33 appeals to a distinct group of gamers. He said, “During my time in the press, I noticed that Western-style RPGs and Japanese-style RPGs attract different audiences and interests.” Although it’s developed in France, Expedition 33 has a JRPG feel with a defined storyline and primarily turn-based battles. On the other hand, Oblivion Remastered offers the freedom of an open world and real-time combat, akin to Western games.

    Strong Promotion and Pricing

    The publisher of Expedition 33 cites several factors that contributed to its notable attention. From the beginning, Microsoft helped promote the title at significant gaming events. Additionally, being part of the day-one Xbox One Game Pass gave subscribers an easy and low-cost opportunity to try out Expedition 33. However, with gaming costs rising, Steam’s pricing of $49.99 was quite attractive. As players engage with the Paintress, reviews indicate that the graphics and voice acting are on par with any AAA title.

    A Remarkable Achievement

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has achieved success by any standard. Even with its availability on Game Pass, the game has surpassed one million copies in sales. Moreover, Expedition 33 is reporting similar peak player counts on Steam within a 24-hour period as Oblivion Remastered. These results may suggest that the RPG genre is varied enough to enable games that are launched just days apart to flourish.

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    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Publisher Responds to Oblivion Remaster
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  • Next Week on Xbox Game Pass: Highly Anticipated AAA RPG Launches

    Next Week on Xbox Game Pass: Highly Anticipated AAA RPG Launches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fantasy Realm Influence: The game is set in a dark and beautiful fantasy world inspired by the Belle Époque cultural period.

    2. Key Character – The Paintress: Players follow the “Paintress,” whose cursed art leads to the annual disappearance of individuals based on a decremented number inscribed on a monolith.

    3. Combat Mechanics: The game features a blend of turn-based and real-time combat, requiring players to evade, counter, and exploit enemy weaknesses for powerful combos.

    4. Linear Storyline: While exploring enigmatic locations like islands and ancient battlefields, the game maintains a linear narrative focus rather than being an open-world title.

    5. Release Date and Availability: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released on April 24 and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day.

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 takes players on a journey to a fantasy realm influenced by the Belle Époque, a cultural period from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. The atmosphere is dark, sad, and incredibly beautiful. The key character is the “Paintress,” an enigmatic individual whose art brings about death. Every year, she rises to inscribe a cursed number on a monolith, leading to the disappearance of every person of that age. As the number decreases yearly, the fatalities increase. Players become part of Expedition 33, a group on a mission to break this deadly cycle.

    Engaging Combat Mechanics

    In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the battle system combines traditional turn-based elements with real-time action. Players must evade attacks, counter with perfect timing, and aim for enemy weak points. Executing well-timed actions lets you create powerful combos, adding a musical quality to the combat. When you’re not fighting, you’ll discover enigmatic islands, abandoned cities, and ancient battlefields. Although the game has a vast feel, Clair Obscur is not an open-world title; it maintains a linear storyline that emphasizes narrative and visual storytelling.

    Release Information

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be released on April 24 and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on the same day. This is thrilling news for many subscribers, particularly since the RPG is currently positioned 25th on Steam’s most-wanted games list.

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  • Game of Thrones RPG Early Access Release Date Announced

    Game of Thrones RPG Early Access Release Date Announced

    Key Takeaways

    1. Free-to-Play Model: Game of Thrones: Kingsroad will be free for all players upon official launch, with early access available for purchase starting March 26, 2025.

    2. Early Access Editions: Three different paid early access editions offer unique in-game currencies, cosmetics, and additional content, with the Ultimate Edition featuring premium battle passes and extra equipment.

    3. Co-op PvE Experience: The game combines third-person action with cooperative player vs. environment (PvE) gameplay, allowing players to engage in large boss fights and explore the world of Westeros.

    4. Cross-Platform Play: Kingsroad supports cross-platform play, enabling mobile and PC gamers to team up for real-time cooperative missions.

    5. Player Feedback Focus: The early access phase aims to gather player feedback to improve gameplay before the full free-to-play launch, reflecting a trend in the gaming industry.

    Netmarble’s eagerly awaited free-to-play RPG, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, is set to offer paid early access starting on March 26th, ahead of its complete free-to-play launch. This game takes place in the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and will be available on several platforms, including PC through Steam and mobile devices.

    Early Access Options

    As previously noted, the game will be free for all players. However, those who wish to dive in sooner can opt for paid early access. There are three different editions available for this early access. Here’s how the tiers break down –

    Each tier provides early access, in-game currencies like Iron Bank Marks and Copper, along with unique cosmetics such as outfits, mounts, and emoji sets. The Ultimate Edition includes premium battle passes, extra mounts, and additional equipment. Kingsroad aims to deliver a rich co-op PvE experience, combining third-person action with large boss fights, reminiscent of Monster Hunter. Players will have the chance to explore Westeros, confront mythical beings like dragons, and meet well-known characters such as Jon Snow and Cersei Lannister. The game also focuses on cross-platform play, enabling gamers on mobile and PC to join forces in real-time cooperative missions.

    Industry Trends

    The choice to introduce Kingsroad as a paid early access title aligns with a growing trend in the gaming sector, where developers implement early access programs to collect player feedback and refine the gameplay before the official launch. Netmarble has reassured fans that the final free-to-play version will be open to everyone, with the early access stage intended to reward loyal players with unique content.

    For those interested, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is currently open for pre-registration on Google Play. Additionally, PC gamers can expect early access to be available via Steam starting March 26, 2025.

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  • Medieval RPG with Rich Storyline Now 75% Off on Steam

    Medieval RPG with Rich Storyline Now 75% Off on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a medieval vibe with third-person gameplay, appealing to those who prefer it over top-down RPGs.
    2. The Royal Edition includes the main game, five DLC packs, a soundtrack, and an art book for an enhanced experience.
    3. Players start as an unknown character and can shape their destiny through choices and combat, which leans towards realism.
    4. Current discounts on Steam offer 75% off for both the original game and the Royal Edition until March 13.
    5. The upcoming sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, is unlikely to be discounted soon, making it essential to experience the original first.

    If you’re not into top-down RPGs like Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous but still crave a game that gives off a medieval vibe with third-person gameplay, then Kingdom Come: Deliverance is just what you need. Even though it came out back in 2018, this game remains a hit today, offering hundreds of hours of engaging content.

    Special Edition Offer

    For a little bit more money, you can grab the Kingdom Come: Deliverance Royal Edition, which comes with the main game plus five DLC packs, a soundtrack, and an art book. Unlike many games that put you at the center of the universe, in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you begin as an unknown character, needing to climb the social ladder.

    Choices and Combat

    In Kingdom Come: Deliverance, you’ll face a variety of choices that can shape your destiny. Some players find the combat to be a bit frustrating, as it leans towards realism. Still, by balancing your stats and dialogue decisions wisely, you can often talk your way out of tough situations or become a fierce warrior who dominates the battlefield.

    Current Discounts

    Right now, both Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its Royal Edition are 75% off on Steam. The newly announced sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, is unlikely to see discounts in the near future due to its immense popularity. This makes it even more important to grab the original game and get to know its world before jumping into the sequel. The offer ends on 13 March, so don’t miss out!

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  • New Dungeon Crawler Revealed by Ex-Gothic Developers with Gameplay

    New Dungeon Crawler Revealed by Ex-Gothic Developers with Gameplay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players control Cralon the Brave, who seeks to defeat a demon causing chaos in a nearby village.
    2. The game features a dark maze-like mine with various biomes, requiring players to navigate dangers and find treasures.
    3. Players can engage with both hostile and friendly creatures using fully voiced dialogue options, allowing for different interaction choices.
    4. Cralon is developed by Pithead Studio, founded by former lead developers from Piranha Bytes, known for their work on the Gothic series.
    5. The game combines elements of 3D dungeon exploration with RPG and adventure, drawing inspiration from classics like Ultima Underworld.

    In Cralon, players take on the role of the main character, Cralon the Brave, who embarks on a quest to track down a demon that is causing chaos in a nearby village. As he follows the demon’s path, he accidentally falls into an ancient mine shaft, which serves as the main setting of the game.

    Exploring the Mines

    To escape back to the surface, players must make their way through a dark maze filled with both dangers and hidden treasures. This expansive cave system contains various biomes, such as underground forests, swamps, and graveyards. In addition to melee and ranged battles, players can utilize a dynamic stealth mechanic that relies on light sources to gauge visibility, similar to mechanics found in the Thief games.

    Interacting with the Creatures

    The mine is inhabited by a range of creatures, and not all of them are aggressive towards Cralon. Fully voiced dialogue options provide players with multiple choices, enhancing the freedom in how they decide to engage with the game. Although there is no confirmed release date yet, the trailer already showcases some of the gameplay:

    Cralon marks the first game from Pithead Studio, which was established in July 2024 by experienced developers Jennifer and Björn Pankratz. Both were formerly lead developers at Piranha Bytes, the company behind the Gothic series, and their influence is clear in the trailer. The few lines spoken by the main character evoke the unique style of those beloved RPGs. However, unlike Gothic, Cralon is played from a first-person viewpoint.

    A New Take on Classic Inspirations

    Taking cues from classics like Ultima Underworld 1 & 2, the developers aim to create a fusion of 3D dungeon exploration with RPG and adventure aspects. With the closure of Piranha Bytes in June 2024, Cralon presents a potential alternative for fans who are feeling disheartened.

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  • RPG Game 75% Off – Only $5 on Steam Today!

    RPG Game 75% Off – Only $5 on Steam Today!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Immersive World: Gothic 2 offers an open-world experience in Khorinis, encouraging players to navigate the environment without minimaps or quest markers.

    2. Faction System: Players begin weak and choose from three factions (town militia, mercenaries, fire mages), each providing unique quests and storylines.

    3. Challenging Combat: The game features demanding combat that requires strategy and timing, making early encounters particularly tough.

    4. Positive Reception: Gothic 2 is highly regarded among RPG fans, with a 92% positive rating on Steam and an 8.9 user score on Metacritic, despite noted technical flaws.

    5. Limited-Time Offer: The game is currently on sale for 75% off on Steam, priced at $5, including the Gold Edition with the expansion, The Night of the Raven.

    Released in 2002 by Piranha Bytes, Gothic 2 is still considered one of the most significant action RPGs ever made. Players dive into the harsh, engaging world of Khorinis with minimal guidance, needing to create their own journey within society. Set on a medieval island, the game showcases thick forests, towering peaks, secret caves, and the expansive Mine Valley. Instead of using a minimap or quest markers, players must find their way through the world independently. NPCs have their own daily schedules, react to player actions, and remember past encounters, which adds to the game’s richness and authenticity.

    Faction Choices and Gameplay

    At the beginning, the nameless protagonist is weak and must select a faction: the town militia, the mercenaries, or the fire mages. Each faction provides distinct quests and a unique storyline. Players earn experience points that improve combat and survival abilities, including sword fighting, archery, magic, and alchemy. Combat is challenging and requires precise timing—early enemies can be quite lethal. Success hinges on careful planning and strategy rather than just charging in recklessly.

    Community Reception

    Gothic 2 is cherished by RPG enthusiasts, celebrated for its dark ambiance, captivating world, and demanding yet fulfilling character advancement. On Steam, it has received over 10,000 reviews, with a 92% positive score. On Metacritic, the game holds a Metascore of 79 and a user rating of 8.9. Although some have pointed out its technical flaws and steep learning curve, dedicated players often find its complexity and challenge rewarding.

    Special Offer

    For those new to Khorinis, the entry cost is low—until February 24, Gothic 2 is on sale for 75% off on Steam, priced at just $5 instead of the usual $20. This offer includes the Gold Edition, which features the well-regarded expansion, The Night of the Raven.

    By the way, if you haven’t tried the first game, it’s also available on Steam for only $5. Gothic 1 is currently 75% off for a limited period.

    Prices may vary. The offer was valid at the time of writing but could be time- or quantity-limited. All information is without guarantee.

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  • Heartfelt Dark Fantasy RPG Ranks #1 on SteamDB

    Heartfelt Dark Fantasy RPG Ranks #1 on SteamDB

    Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist brings players into a foggy world filled with danger, where the violent Homunkuli roam free. You take on the character of Lilac, a unique individual who can soothe the Homunkuli and help them regain control over their rage.

    Explore a Mystical Realm

    In this game, your mission is to venture through the treacherous land, confront stronger enemies, and ultimately save both the land of fumes and its people from destruction. Lilac has the ability to free the spirits of the Homunkuli she defeats, turning them into devoted companions. With more than 30 distinct abilities for these allies, players can customize their gameplay experience to suit their own style. The game utilizes a 2D sidescrolling format, offers skill-based combat, and features a dark art style influenced by anime.

    Development and History

    Ender Magnolia was crafted by Live Wire and Adglobe in collaboration with Binary Haze Interactive, serving as the second entry in the series after Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights, which debuted in June 2021 and received a remarkable 94% positive feedback on Steam.

    This dark fantasy RPG has eclipsed its predecessor in terms of success, accumulating 4,805 user reviews during our review period, with a fantastic 97% positive rating. It currently holds the top position in the “Hot Releases” section on SteamDB, earning acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling, demanding boss encounters, and captivating soundtrack. On Steam, the price for Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is $24.99, while the soundtrack can be purchased separately for $19.99.

    Critical Acclaim

    The game has been well-received by players, known for its intricate narrative and challenging gameplay. With a thriving community and an engaging world, it invites players to lose themselves in its charm. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist is not just a game; it’s an experience that resonates with many, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.

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