Tag: RPG

  • Free-to-Play Steampunk RPG Prologue Now Live on Steam

    Free-to-Play Steampunk RPG Prologue Now Live on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Release and Access: Dead Weight: Prologue was released on December 17, 2025, as a free introduction to the upcoming RPG available on PC via Steam.

    2. Gameplay Experience: Players assume the role of Arn, a barbarian, and engage in tactical, turn-based battles in a steampunk-inspired world, focusing on strategy in grid-like arenas.

    3. Character Progression: The prologue allows players to enhance their flying pirate ship, recruit crew members, and unlock over 20 skills and items as they progress.

    4. Roguelite Features: The game incorporates exploration, random occurrences, and initial character customization, adding variety to the gameplay experience.

    5. Single-Player Focus: Dead Weight: Prologue is a standalone, single-player experience with an expected gameplay duration of 40-60 minutes, serving as a foundation for the full game set to launch in 2026.


    Dead Weight: Prologue, the free introduction to the upcoming RPG Dead Weight, is now available to play on PC through Steam. It was released on December 17, 2025, and serves as a complimentary early look at the complete game.

    Game Overview

    Developed by Klukva Games and published in collaboration with Spaghetti Cat, this prologue allows players to dive into the opening chapter of a tactical RPG inspired by steampunk. In this version, players take on the role of Arn, a barbarian, as they navigate the first area of the game on a mission to save a character named Berry from the clutches of the Mad Oracle.

    Combat and Mechanics

    The prologue includes turn-based tactical battles on compact, grid-like arenas where strategic movement and positioning are crucial. Players face off against goblins and various other enemies, utilizing mechanics to push foes (and possibly allies) into environmental dangers.

    As players advance through the early stages, they can enhance their flying pirate ship, recruit crew members, and unlock over 20 skills and items. The prologue also integrates several roguelite features, such as exploration, random occurrences, and initial character customization options.

    A Unique World

    Set in a world rich with steampunk fantasy elements, the game showcases floating islands, ancient gods, and a storyline that encourages both exploration and tactical combat. The primary goal of the prologue is to lay the groundwork for these essential themes and gameplay features before the full game is released.

    Dead Weight: Prologue is currently available as a standalone free-to-play experience on Steam. Players can expect to enjoy about 40-60 minutes of gameplay before the complete Dead Weight RPG is expected to launch, currently anticipated for 2026. This prologue is single-player only and is tagged with categories such as RPG, strategy, roguelite, turn-based tactics, and steampunk on Steam.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • New Roguelike RPG Hits Steam with 10% Launch Discount

    New Roguelike RPG Hits Steam with 10% Launch Discount

    Key Takeaways

    1. Player Choice Emphasis: The game allows players to approach challenges through various methods like combat, negotiation, crafting, or building, highlighting the importance of player decisions.

    2. RPG with Strategy Elements: Next Run blends RPG progression with strategy, encouraging party-building, planning, and resource management beyond just narrative quests.

    3. Technical Compatibility: The game supports 64-bit systems on Windows, macOS (including Apple Silicon), and Linux, with extensive language options for audio, interface, and subtitles.

    4. Community Engagement: The development team maintains active communication through community channels, providing updates on patches and balance changes, especially for non-combat options.

    5. Affordable Pricing and Demo: Next Run is priced at $8.99, with a free demo available for players to experience the game before purchasing, alongside a launch week discount.


    Next Run is a fresh turn-based RPG that merges strategy and roguelike elements, emphasizing the importance of player choices. The game is structured around various core systems that enable different methods of engagement—combat can be bypassed through bribery, crafting can take the place of trading, and building might replace spellcasting. This flexibility allows players to tackle most challenges in multiple ways, rather than sticking to just one approach. Developed and published by Clarus Victoria, it’s available on Steam and supports Windows, macOS (including Apple Silicon), and Linux, as indicated in the app details. A free demo is currently available, and the store page features an introductory discount that positions it below $10 for its launch week.

    Choice Matters

    The tagline “a game about choice” is more than just marketing; it highlights how players can opt for non-combat solutions and swap systems throughout their gameplay, leading to various risk profiles and resource requirements based on whether they decide to fight, negotiate, build, or craft their way through challenges. The main genre is RPG, with Strategy as a secondary aspect, suggesting that players will engage in party-building, planning, and resource management, rather than only following narrative quests. Feedback from players indicates that this design extends into the demo, which gained popularity during the festival in October, allowing users to experience the gameplay loop and performance before buying. Those who tried the demo characterized Next Run as RPG progression integrated with light 4X features such as open-world exploration, capturing points of interest, leveling up, and collecting artifacts.

    Technical Specifications

    The technical requirements state that the game must run on 64-bit systems across supported platforms. Additionally, it offers a wide range of language support for an indie title: full audio is available in English and Russian, with additional interface and subtitle options for major European and Asian languages including French, German, Spanish (Spain), Polish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Japanese, Portuguese–Brazil, Italian, and Korean. As expected, standard platform features like achievements, Steam Cloud, and a community hub are included. It’s worth noting that the developer has specifically mentioned the presence of AI-based assets in the game.

    Community Engagement

    The app’s associated community channels (Discord, X/Twitter) provide regular updates for patch notes and balance changes, which will be important if the team adjusts non-combat options to keep them effective without making the game too easy. Priced at $8.99, Next Run shows a lot of potential. You can view the game on the Steam store page here.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Pokémon-Inspired RPG on Steam: 91% Approval, Under $1!

    Pokémon-Inspired RPG on Steam: 91% Approval, Under $1!

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Title and Price: Nexomon: Extinction is currently available for under $1 on Steam, making it an affordable option for gamers.

    2. Gameplay Features: Players can capture and train 381 monsters across nine elemental types while facing various enemies, requiring strategic tactics.

    3. Exploration and Challenges: The game features diverse regions to explore, each presenting unique challenges, along with side quests and unique characters.

    4. Dynamic Difficulty: Nexomon: Extinction includes a dynamic difficulty system that increases enemy strength as players level up, making battles progressively tougher.

    5. Player Reception: The game has a 91% positive rating on Steam from over 3,428 reviews, although some players criticize its mobile game resemblance and challenging controls.


    Steam frequently presents numerous fantastic offers for all users on the platform, letting them reap various advantages. Currently, a Pokémon-inspired RPG can be snagged for under $1.

    Game Overview

    This title is Nexomon: Extinction, created by VEWO Interactive Inc. In this game, players must capture and train 381 monsters across nine elemental types while taking on the tyrannical Nexomon. Throughout the journey, players will encounter a mix of foes, some easy and others quite challenging, requiring different tactics to reach their objectives.

    Explore Diverse Regions

    The game boasts many regions to explore, letting players navigate through tundras, dry deserts, lush forests, and deep valleys. However, each of these environments comes with its own set of challenges, so players need to be on their toes.

    Moreover, there are various side quests that players can undertake to earn rewards. Players will also meet a host of unique characters along the way. Importantly, Nexomon: Extinction includes a dynamic difficulty system, meaning as players level up, so do their enemies, making battles progressively tougher.

    Player Feedback

    Nexomon: Extinction has gained significant popularity among players, as evidenced by its 91% positive rating on Steam, based on over 3,428 reviews. Nevertheless, it’s not without its flaws.

    Some users mention that it resembles a mobile game, while others complain about the challenging controls, which can render the game almost unplayable. Additionally, the inability to adjust these controls in the settings could pose an issue for many.

    If Nexomon: Extinction piques your interest, it is currently priced at $0.99 on Steam. You only have a few days to capitalize on this deal, as it expires on September 29, 2025.

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck holds no responsibility for any price alterations made by retailers. The discounted price or deal referenced in this article was accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to time limitations and/or limited stock availability.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Discover the Best-Selling RPG on Steam with 98% Positive Reviews

    Discover the Best-Selling RPG on Steam with 98% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Successful Paid Expansion: Deltarune’s first paid expansion, including Chapters 3 and 4, launched on June 4, 2025, attracting 133,930 concurrent players and topping Steam’s sales ranking.

    2. Strong Fanbase and Free Chapters: The first two chapters were free and established a loyal fanbase, with the new chapters priced at $24.99.

    3. Gameplay Consistency: Deltarune retains its classic turn-based RPG combat system and humor, similar to Undertale, with distinct character abilities and an engaging narrative.

    4. Expanded Features: Chapters 3 and 4 introduce experimental mini-games, complex boss encounters, and new characters while exploring themes of violence and empathy.

    5. Positive Reception: The game has received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with over 16,000 reviews and a 98% approval rating.


    Deltarune, the episodic role-playing game crafted by Toby Fox, who is also the mind behind Undertale, saw its first paid expansion released on June 4, 2025. This exciting addition, comprising Chapters 3 and 4, quickly became a surprising success. The earlier chapters were free when they came out in 2018 and 2021, but on launch day, the indie project attracted an impressive 133,930 concurrent players, as reported by SteamDB. It even managed to top Steam’s sales ranking, momentarily surpassing popular games like Elden Ring: Night Rain.

    A Strong Fanbase

    The first two chapters remain accessible as a free demo and have already built a loyal fanbase. With the introduction of Chapters 3 and 4 priced at $24.99, Toby Fox continues the adventures of Kris, Susie, and Ralsei. They find themselves in a mysterious parallel universe where they must seal “Dark Fountains” to maintain the balance of light and dark. The announcement of the launch was unexpected, with the new chapters still marked as “Coming Soon” on Steam right up until the release day.

    Staying True to Its Roots

    In terms of gameplay, Deltarune remains faithful to its origins. The combat system mixes classic turn-based RPG elements with bullet hell-style dodging during enemy assaults, allowing players to either fight or spare their opponents, similar to Undertale. Each character on the team – Kris, Susie, and Ralsei – has distinct abilities that contribute to combat, while the narrative effortlessly shifts between humor and emotional resonance, showcasing Toby Fox’s unique flair. According to HowLongToBeat, the estimated time to complete the chapters is around 19 hours. On Steam, the game has received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” response, boasting over 16,000 reviews and a 98% approval rating.

    New Features and Expansions

    With the arrival of Chapters 3 and 4, Deltarune has expanded greatly – in both its story and its gameplay. Chapter 3 is more experimental, incorporating various mini-games and unique battle situations that diverge from the norm. Conversely, Chapter 4 advances the plot with more complex boss encounters and richer story developments. Both chapters introduce new characters, enemy types, and settings, while maintaining the game’s central theme of the ongoing choice between violence and empathy.

    Just a heads up: Undertale, which serves as the spiritual predecessor to Deltarune and has been hailed by the German gaming site GameStar as an “RPG masterpiece,” is currently on sale with a 75% discount on Steam. Until June 10, it’s available for only $2.50.

    Source:
    Link

  • New Dark Fantasy RPG on Steam: Open World, Free Demo, 4,000+ Reviews

    New Dark Fantasy RPG on Steam: Open World, Free Demo, 4,000+ Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Launch Success: Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon debuted on Steam on May 23 with over 25,656 peak concurrent players and an 85.45% positive review rating from more than 9,000 reviews.

    2. Gameplay Features: The game offers a mature dark fantasy RPG experience with a focus on player freedom, incorporating elements like crafting, mining, fishing, and home management in a morally ambiguous world.

    3. Combat Mechanics: Players can choose various combat styles, including close combat, ranged attacks, and magical abilities, with a strong emphasis on strategy involving dodging, parrying, and blocking.

    4. Narrative Exploration: Players shape the fate of Avalon, exploring four distinct regions filled with unique NPCs, missions, and challenges, featuring 250 NPCs and over 200 side quests for an estimated 50–70 hours of gameplay.

    5. Technical Requirements: The game runs on a minimum Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 and is optimized for performance, including support for Linux-based systems like the Steam Deck.


    Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon made its debut on Steam on May 23 after spending more than two years in Early Access. In its initial week, this open-world dark fantasy RPG drew a considerable number of players, achieving a peak of 25,656 concurrent users. Its Steam review rating is quite remarkable as well, sitting at 85.45% with over 9,000 total reviews on the platform—close to 4,000 of these were positive reviews given in the days following the game’s release from Early Access. You can purchase Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon on Steam for $44.99, and there’s also a free demo available if you want to test the game before buying.

    Gameplay Mechanics

    Tainted Grail expands upon the classic RPG structure, immersing players in a mature, dark fantasy realm inspired by Arthurian legends. The gameplay is presented in a first-person view, placing a strong focus on player freedom and progression as the game unfolds. It also incorporates elements from various genres, such as crafting, mining, fishing, and home management, leading to moments where difficult decisions must be made. The game does not clearly delineate good from evil, allowing players to navigate a moral gray area through their choices.

    Combat Options

    Players have the option to engage their enemies in close combat—using a variety of weapons like swords, shields, and throwable items—enhance their magical powers, or choose to fight from a distance with traditional bows and arrows. Combat is designed to be tough, requiring players to effectively dodge, parry, and block at the right moments to achieve victory.

    With an array of stats, perks, gear, and crafting options, you can customize your playstyle to your liking.

    Fancy being an alchemist-berserker who punches foes into submission? You got it.
    How about a mystical blacksmith-mage raising the undead? We’ve got that too.
    Or perhaps you prefer a stealthy archer hiding in the shadows? This game is definitely tailored for stealth archer fans.

    Story and Exploration

    In terms of narrative, players assume the role of deciding the destiny of Avalon, the realm associated with the legendary King Arthur Pendragon. At night, players will face “the Wyrdness,” an enigmatic primordial force that toughens enemies and introduces distinct survival challenges. There are four regions to explore and conquer: the Horns of the South, Cuantacht Village, and Forlorn Swords. Each area is home to unique NPCs, missions, and creatures to defeat. Overall, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon features 250 NPCs and over 200 side quests designed to keep players engaged. According to the developer Questline, the game promises 50–70 hours of gameplay, with a complex main story that is fully voiced and intricately connected to the side quests mentioned earlier.

    Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, driven by 9,152 positive reviews. Many players commend The Fall of Avalon for its stunning world and stylish graphics. The game’s writing is also highly praised, emphasizing player choice, which is essential for any good RPG. Furthermore, several reviews highlight the game’s excellent optimization, with many players managing to achieve high frame rates without pushing the upscaling technology to its limits.

    System Requirements

    From a technical standpoint, Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon requires a minimum of an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB. The recommended specification is an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super, making the game relatively easy to run. Reports suggest it also runs nearly flawlessly on Linux-based systems like the Valve Steam Deck and Lenovo Legion Go S (currently priced at $759.99 from Lenovo US).

    Source:
    Link

  • 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.

    Source:
    Link


  • 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.

    Source:
    Link

  • 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.

  • 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!

    Source:
    Link

  • 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.

    Source:
    Link