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Wednesday - July 17, 2024
Tuesday - July 16, 2024
Monday - July 15, 2024
Sunday - July 14, 2024
Saturday - July 13, 2024
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Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy

2024-04-03

Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy Interview

Couchpotato interviewed Alexander from Atom Team about their latest game, Swordhaven: Iron Conspiracy. A Kickstarter campaign for the game has already reached 2/3 of the funding goal.


» Continue reading the article...

RPGWatch

2024-01-07

Game of the Year Awards 2023 - Most Promising RPG

What is the most promising RPG of 2024? Like every year, you had your say. Check out the details to find out what games our visitors and editors think are most promising.


» Read the article

Recent articles










Picture Watch

Grotesque: Heroes Hunted
Box Art

Poll Watch

Are you concerned about the use of generative AI by game developers?
Yes, it will decrease the quality of games
15%

Yes, it will impact people's jobs / shift the industry
25%

Yes, but it is too early to say whether the net result will be negative
31.25%

No, it will increase the quality of games
11.25%

No, it will improve people's jobs
3.75%

No, it won't substantially change anything
3.75%

I don't have any opinion for or against it / don't know enough about generative AI to say
10%

Vote

Wednesday - July 17, 2024

RPG General News - Obscure RPGs @ C4G

by Hiddenx, 19:07

C4G continues his journey through obscure/lesser known games:

TOP 10 Obscure RPGs and Action Adventures that you Missed

0:00 Hello there my RPG lovers :)
0:05 Intro
1:03 10. Hard to be a God
6:00 9. Legend: Hand of God
13:47 8. Blades of Time
17:40 7. Depths of Peril
27:10 6. Nox
30:21 5. Seven
36:18 4. Knight's Contract
43:05 3. Shadows: Awakening
51:46 2. Sword Coast Legends
57:46 1. Blade of Darkness

Thanks Couchpotato!

 

RPG General News

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: RPG
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

Details

Black Myth: Wukong - Preview

by Hiddenx, 19:04

GamingBolt checked out Black Myth: Wukong:

Black Myth Wukong - 15 Things I CAN'T WAIT TO DO

Thanks Couchpotato!

Black Myth: Wukong

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Non-RPG General News - Star Wars Outlaws Gameplay

by Hiddenx, 19:02

Couchpotato spotted some gameplay of Star Wars Outlaws:

Star Wars Outlaws: 10 Minutes of Exclusive Gameplay - IGN First

Source: IGN

Non-RPG General News

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: Unknown
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

Details

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn - Reviews

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Tuesday - July 16, 2024

Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Preview

by Hiddenx, 20:50

Wccftech checked out Dragon Age: The Veilguard:

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Has the Most Complex, Fully Realized Companions We’ve Ever Crafted, Says BioWare

In a new interview published today by Game Informer, Dragon Age: The Veilguard Game Director Corinne Busche reckons the upcoming game has the most complex and fully realized companions ever crafted by BioWare.

That's a tall order, given the studio's legendary track of roleplaying games, which includes Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age itself. Busche has an explanation, though:

They're complicated, they have complicated problems, and that's what's interesting. As much as I adore the companions and the journeys I've been on with them in past Dragon Age titles – previously, it feels like companions are going on an adventure with me, the main character, whether it's the Hero of Ferelden or Hawke, you name it. But in Dragon Age: The Veilguard, in many ways, the companions are so fleshed out that it feels as though I'm going on a journey with them. I'm exploring how they think and feel; I'm helping them through their problems. We're working through their unique character arcs. They feel like my dear friends, and I absolutely adore them.

We've really moved into a place where you can have the highest of highs, and it can be colorful, it can be optimistic, but also, you can have the lowest of lows where it gets gritty, it gets painful, it gets quite dark. But throughout it all, there is a sense of optimism. And it creates this delightful throughline throughout the game.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Dragon Age: The Veilguard

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Rogue Trader - TactiCon 2024

by Hiddenx, 20:32

Owlcat Games announced TactiCon 2024 on Steam:

TactiCon 2024

Lord Captain!

All strategy game lovers rejoice! TactiCon is almost here.

A spectacular game digital convention on Steam is starting in just three days and will be held 

July 18-22, 2024

A whole 4 days of fun, your favorite games, discounts, streams, and much more await you.

And we’re excited to announce that we’ll take part in this glorious event as well!

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader will be presented with a 35% discount. Do not miss the opportunity to try the game if you haven’t yet or call your friends to share an adventure in co-op with them!

Moreover, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous game, DLCs, and other components will be available with up to 80% off!

See you at TactiCon!

Thanks Couchpotato!

Rogue Trader

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Sci-Fi
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Baldur's Gate 3 - Community Update #28

by Hiddenx, 20:22

Couchpotato spotted community update #28 for Baldur's Gate 3:

Community Update #28 Closed Beta

Ah, the summer. Outside the temperature is rising, the chemical aroma of sunscreen is inescapable, and your dad is on his third day wearing the same sweat-stained tank top. What better time than now to retreat indoors and catch up on the latest updates arriving in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Coming to you this September, Patch 7 rolls out the perfect escape with split screen updates, brand new cinematics for evil endings, plenty of bug fixes, plus our official modding toolkit which we talked more about in our last Community Update!

Let’s take a look! And as always, beware - spoilers lay ahead.

Split Screen Updates

Dynamic split screen mode is incoming! With our next update, friends will no longer be eternally confined to their side of the screen - because the power of friendship transcends all obstacles, including screen partitions.

When playing in co-op, you’ll now have the option to have split screens merge into a single screen when you near one another. You can access this directly from the HUD and within the game settings, both in and out of combat.

Honour Mode Improvements

We’re continuing to make improvements to combat in Honour Mode too. With Patch 7, even more creatures have been bestowed additional Legendary Actions, including the bulette, everyone’s favourite neighbourhood surgeon, Malus Thorm, and githyanki Ch'r'ai Tska'an, Ch'r'ai Har'rak, and Ptaris.

Dror Ragzlin will now also be able to use a new spell called Arachnid Compulsion to rally the spiders that reside in the nearby pit to fight the real enemy - you.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Modding Toolkit

With this update also comes our official modding toolkit! Come September, you'll be able to load up your game with a range of new game mods, and even try your hand at making some yourself.

We recommend giving our Modding FAQ a look for more information on what modding support means for Baldur’s Gate 3.

We’re currently working with Baldur’s Gate 3 Mod Authors during our Closed Alpha, who have been busy testing out the toolkit. To find out what some of the Mod Authors have been working on during the Closed Alpha, keep reading!

[...]

Baldur's Gate 3

SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Forlorn Memories - Preview

by Hiddenx, 20:09

The Turn Based Lovers checked out Forlorn Memories:

ASTONISHING RETRO-INSPIRED JRPG WHERE YOU CAN ROMANCE, MARRY, AND EVEN HAVE A PERSONAL ROBOT

FORLORN MEMORIES IS A JRPG THAT PROMISES COMPLEX AND DEEP SOCIAL MECHANICS AND LOTS OF FREEDOM.

Lately, I’ve been focusing on JRPGs, and I recently compiled a list of 20 of the most promising Japanese Role-Playing Games set to be released in the coming months and years. The game I’m presenting you today wasn’t included in that article simply because it was discovered a few days later, but everything that Forlorn Memories has to offer is truly amazing.

Forlorn Memories is a fantasy JRPG packed with numerous features that go beyond the typical conventions of this genre. The first thing that stands out is the impressive graphic style, which is notable considering it’s the work of an indie studio, or rather, a solo developer named Forlorn Alex. Characters are in a chibi style during exploration and appear normal during combat and everything around it’s just impressive.

From what I could gather from the screens, the combat involves a behind-the-character perspective and showcases various moves in a cinematic style. There also seems to be a system of strengths and weaknesses to exploit.

Outside of combat, there is an extensive and complex exploration dynamic. Players can roam the game world in numerous ways, such as riding different creatures or even using their own robots. This robot can be upgraded by discovering and collecting resources within the game world.

There’s also the option to develop a private garden or focus on crafting and alchemy, everything accompanied by profound social mechanics that allow the 20 playable characters to form relationships with each other or with numerous NPCs, potentially even leading to marriage.

[...]

Forlorn Memories

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Steampunk
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn - Interview

by Hiddenx, 19:16

RPG Site interviewed the A44 Games development team about Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn:

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Interview - How A44 Games created the world of Kian with Creative Director Simon Dasan

July is full of smaller-scale RPG releases from all around the globe, including gunpowder action RPG Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn from the New Zealand team at A44 Games.

Ahead of its launch later this week, we had a chance to pass along some questions to the development team at A44 Games about the world of Kian. Our interview can be found below.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is set to release on July 18 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam, Epic).

RPG Site: You've stated in the past that Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn was inspired by 'Flintlock Fantasy' books, as well as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Middle East. Can you elaborate on how you incorporated these inspirations into the game?

Simon Dasan, Creative Director at A44 Games: Flintlock Fantasy typically centers around Napoleonic era armies of mankind going up against magical gods, which sets the basis for our world. From there we did a lot of research into themes and cultures which we found really interesting and are rarely seen in games. With the Gods of Flintlock, we wanted them to run the gamut of inspirations, and the same with the world of Kian, where you’ll find clear Mesopotamian, Middle Eastern, and New Zealand influences.

RPG Site: A lot of stories use a general framework of having a main protagonist accompanied by a speaking 'familiar' of sorts, like Enki, who in this case often acts as a source of insight regarding the Gods. Did you have any specific inspirations for Enki, and how would you describe the relationship between Nor and Enki?

Dasan: Like all the different gods in Flintlock, Enki has his own set of inspirations behind his look and personality, some of which I won’t spoil as you’ll find things out during the story. However he has always been a fox-like God, but we found that having him be feathered instead of having fur gave a really distinct, sleek, and magical look. Gods vs Guns was core to Flintlock; Nor always had to personify the Guns and Enki’s look helps him to personify the Gods.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

CD Projekt RED - Podcast

by Hiddenx, 19:10

Couchpotato spotted a new CD Projekt RED Podcast:

AnsweRED Podcast - Episode 7: CD PROJEKT RED in Boston

CD Projekt RED

Details

Lies of P - Weapon Trailer

by Hiddenx, 19:06

Couchpotato spotted a new trailer for Lies of P:

Lies of P - Official Weapon Spotlight Trailer

Source: IGN

Lies of P

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Monday - July 15, 2024

Ruinlander - Preview @ TBL

by Hiddenx, 18:52

The Turn Based Lovers checked out the survival RPG Ruinlander:

POST-APOCALYPTIC SANDBOX SURVIVAL RPG RUINLANDER – OVERVIEW

I’ve been following this interesting survival RPG for a while now, but the lack of updates made me doubt its actual development. A few days ago, however, the indie developer Wineviper released a brief dev diary in which he talks about how encounters are managed in his promising game Ruinlander, which is inspired by games like Neo Scavenger and Artem Michurin’s book series “Food and Ammo” so I took the opportunity to introduce an overview of the game.

Let’s start by saying that Ruinlander is a sandbox experience set in a world devastated by a natural cataclysm. Few cities remain standing, and the populations are reduced to tribes and factions that players will have to deal with. Hunger, thirst, and rest comprise what seems to be a ruthless survival mechanic, not to mention the reputation that the player’s character will enjoy based on the choices made within the game.

According to the latest update, as expected in a post-apocalyptic world, there will be dangers everywhere: pirates, rival gangs, mutant monsters, and much more. The further the player ventures from populated places and cities, the more these dangers increase and the tougher the encounters become. These encounters are presented in a first-person view, similar to dungeon crawlers like the Might and Magic series, to be clear, and the player can use firearms or melee weapons according to character competencies.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

 

Ruinlander

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Post-Apoc
Genre: Survival-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Preview

by Hiddenx, 18:42

Epic Games gives an overview of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II:

How Kingdom Come: Deliverance II pushes the medieval RPG series even further

Kingdom Come: Deliverance made a major splash when it released back in 2018. The debut game from Czech developer Warhorse Studios embraced history more than the typical RPG, trading in the dragons and flashy spells of the Skyrims of the world for the colorful minutiae of real-life 15th-century Bohemia—including blacksmithing, bandit raids, and a civil war that actually tore the region apart more than 600 years ago.

It paid off, too. The original Kingdom Come: Deliverance has sold more than six million copies as of 2024. Now, six years later, its ambitious sequel aims to push its vision of the RPG even further, with bigger cities, smoother combat, and an even greater sense of freedom. As Lead Scripter Martin Ziegler puts it, Warhorse views Kingdom Come: Deliverance II as the game that the developer always wanted to make, with vast improvements across the board.

"We had our hearts set on making a sequel even before starting the first Kingdom Come: Deliverance, because we knew that we wanted to tell a story that would be larger than just one game," Ziegler explains. "Then during the development [of the original game] we had to leave a lot of really great ideas on the cutting room floor, which reinforced this idea even more, as we wanted to return back to them…Fortunately, the players drove the first game to a large enough success that we indeed have the opportunity to work on this sequel, and for that we’re very grateful to them."

The basic premise of Kingdom Come: Deliverance is one that is sadly rare in big-budget RPGs even today. You aren't a prince, a king, or a chosen hero. You are Henry, the humble son of a blacksmith. Henry seeks revenge against the Hungarian king Sigismund after his family is killed in an ambush.

In the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Henry allies himself with supporters of the Bohemian King Wenceslaus IV in order to help fend off Sigismund's continued raids on the region. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will continue this story—though Ziegler indicates that you don't need to play the first game to follow what's going on in the sequel.

"We crafted the story of the sequel from its inception in such a way that it also stands on its own and makes it easy for new players to jump right in, and we’re gently reminding players of the major plot points from the first game through natural exposition in the first several hours," says Ziegler. "The two main threads continuing on from the first game are Henry’s quest for personal revenge and the national political conflict between [Wenceslaus] and Sigismund and its implications for the region—they intertwine a lot."

Ziegler describes the core mission of Kingdom Come: Deliverance as "inviting people to immerse themselves in a real medieval Bohemia." He notes that the original game focused on smaller villages, castles, and natural landscapes in this setting, due in part to the complications involved with crafting a large, lived-in city in an RPG like this. However, because Warhorse is much more experienced now—the studio has more than doubled in size since 2018—the team wanted to include the big regional city of Kuttenberg as one of Kingdom Come: Deliverance II's signature features.

"One major goal definitely was to bring the game to a large city," Ziegler says. "First of all, I think that it was a natural evolution of our core concept, because the cities were the heart of the society and naturally the place that we as modern players are attracted to visit. I feel that moving to a major regional city is a crown jewel of this idea. I’m really happy with how we portray Kuttenberg in Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, especially with how deeply researched it is - and consequently, how it feels like a real, lived-in city."

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Historical
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

King Arthur: Legion IX - Review

by Hiddenx, 18:38

MP1st checked out King Arthur: Legion IX:

King Arthur: Legion IX Review – Dawn of the Roman Undead

There’s no rest for the undead, as King Arthur: Legion IX clearly proves. A tactical game with a grim style and a dark fantasy take on the Arthurian myth, you control Gaius Julius Mento and his growing army of the undead in a succession of RPG exploration and turn-based battles. But is this follow-up to 2022’s King Arthur: Knight’s Tale an improvement over the original or simply more of the same?

The dark atmosphere and occult penchant of King Arthur: Legion IX is noticeable since the first moments of the adventure. The first area serves as a tutorial of sorts for movement and combat, and does a decent enough job of showing you the ropes, as you move to the next area, searching for Nova Roma and setting up a colony, expanding it by embarking in various missions and moral choices.

One debatable thing about this game is that you are restricted to finding and unlocking a few new heroes for your party, out of a total of six, with some missions limiting you to five characters. Considering that you start with a group of three and quickly stumble upon the fourth member, this offering will feel a lot on the slim side, as it doesn’t really goes into detail about unit choices and dilemmas; you simply reassemble your old legion and go with it. There is a nice but somewhat shallow leveling system for the heroes, with various active and passive skills, gear, and more, which while not going into great depth, does provide some potential for interesting choices and builds.

[...]

King Arthur: Legion IX doesn’t represent a true step forward from King Arthur: Knight’s Tale, and in some regards it’s even a simplified version of said game. The value for those who own the first one is debatable, but if they are looking for more of the same, this is a good option although it may disappoint in some aspects; on the other hand, new players may get more enjoyment from this tactical game, assuming they are looking for a challenge and aren’t bothered by the lack of playable characters or the middling writing.

Score: 7.5/10

Thanks Couchpotato!

King Arthur: Legion IX

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Fallout London - Not playable via Epic Games

by Hiddenx, 18:35

VG247 reports that Fallout London will not be playable on Epic Games, because a downgrade for Fallout 4 is needed.

Thanks Couchpotato!

Fallout 4

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Post-Apoc
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Larian Studios - Relocated Russian Studio

by Hiddenx, 18:29

According to Gamesradar Swen Vincke relocated most of the staff of the St. Petersburg studio:

Baldur's Gate 3 CEO says Larian was "fighting with embassies" to relocate developers after closing its Russian studio in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine

"The decision was instant: We can't stay here"

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Baldur's Gate 3 CEO Swen Vincke says that Larian was "fighting with embassies and consulates" to relocate developers at the developer's Russian studio after the invasion of Ukraine.

When Russia invaded in February 2022, development on Baldur's Gate 3 was well underway, including at the company's studio in St. Petersburg. After the war started, however, that studio was quickly closed. Speaking to Edge, Vincke says that he was already prepared for that eventuality. "I had already thought about what we were going to do if it actually happened," he begins.

"The decision was instant: We can't stay here." Simply closing down the studio wasn't enough, however, as Larian worked quickly to relocate its staff. "We needed to move people away because, as these things go, you can almost predict that eventually there's going to be mobilization, and that meant that all of my team was going to go to war."

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Larian Studios

Details

Crown Wars: The Black Prince - Review

by Hiddenx, 18:22

MP1st checked out Crown Wars: The Black Prince:

Crown Wars: The Black Prince Review – Not a Hundred Years In the Making

Turn-based games can be quite the challenge, with their diversity of units and skills providing many ways of approaching the battlefield. And a true battlefield it is in Crown Wars: The Black Prince, a game set in medieval times where the Hundred Years’ War is revisited but with a supernatural twist. In theory, this is a recipe for some interesting skirmishes where steel and magic collide, but ultimately this game is brought down by some issues that are impossible to ignore.

[...]

Ultimately, the battles in Crown Wars: The Black Prince end up being extremely long, somewhat dull, and worrisome due to some of the issues described above. It’s not necessarily a bad game and the gameplay loop can be interesting if you stick to it, but it lacks polish and fine-tuning, resulting in a flawed offering that will quickly make fans of the genre start looking elsewhere for better alternatives.

Score: 6/10

Thanks Couchpotato!

Crown Wars: The Black Prince

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Metal Slug Tactics - Developer Diary

by Hiddenx, 18:16

Couchpotato spotted a developer diary for Metal Slug Tactics on IGN:

Metal Slug Tactics - Official 'The Legacy' Developer Diary Video

Metal Slug Tactics

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Modern
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Sunday - July 14, 2024

Baldur's Gate 3 - Adam Smith Interview

by Hiddenx, 19:03

Sector interviewed Adam Smith about crafting narratives, balancing rich lore with innovative storytelling:

Unveiling Baldur's Gate 3: The Art of Crafting an Acclaimed RPG

Having spent three and a half decades playing games and the best part of a decade writing about them, Adam Smith embodies a lifelong passion for gaming. His journey led him to Larian Studios during the nascent stages of Baldur’s Gate 3's production.

Having spent three and a half decades playing games and the best part of a decade writing about them, Adam Smith embodies a lifelong passion for gaming. His journey led him to Larian Studios during the nascent stages of Baldur’s Gate 3's production, where he now serves as Writing Director. In this exclusive interview, Adam shares profound insights into crafting narratives, balancing rich lore with innovative storytelling, and his vision for the future of interactive narratives in video games.

How does it feel to work on probably the most acclaimed game ever made?

It's been such a long development process, and we've spent so much time working on it, caring about it, trying to make it as good as it could be, that once it came out, my overwhelming feeling was relief. I thought to myself, 'I think we did it, I think it's good.' And I felt very confident in it, but it was still scary. The most important thing for me is that we found the audience, we found a really big audience.

And I've said this many, many times, but it's very true, that my biggest, most powerful emotion on release day was, 'I think we get to do this all over again,' and that was so exciting. But I also see everything that was not great in the game, because I spent so long looking at all the problems. The entire last six months of development were spent saying, 'This is broken, this is broken, this isn't as cool as it could be,' and trying to fix them. So, to me, it's something I'm exceptionally proud of, but the response is just surreal, it's really surreal. I think we made a good game, and I'm really proud of it. But I also see every single problem with it.

In your opinion, what makes Baldur's Gate 3 special?

I think it's a million things. For me, the standout aspect is that we made a game where we didn't put a lot of filler into it. We wanted to ensure that players cared about what they were doing in the game. But what's magical about Larian, I believe, is that we have a lot of people who are very talented at what they do. During Baldur's Gate 3, everyone was performing at their peak or close to it. I think we can always strive to do better, but everyone was doing great. So it's the combination of writing, music, cinematics, performances, the scripters who make it all work, and the engineers who ensure we can achieve all the cool things we do. Everyone brought their best.

So it's that collaboration. I think from a writing perspective, we got the characters right. We created characters that people care about, that they want to kill in some cases, want to fuck in others, and want to spend time with. I think we got that right. I'm very proud of that. But I think it's a very rich game. There's a lot to do. I'm the writing director, but my favorite part of an RPG is combat. Combat is the thing that I love. And I love some of the boss fights, some of my favorites ever in an RPG, and the vistas we get to see. I think it's a combination of all of that.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Baldur's Gate 3

SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

RPG General News - Weekly RPG News

by Hiddenx, 18:58

Couchpotato spotted two weeklies:

Turn Based Lovers: EVERYTHING TURN-BASED: WEEKLY RPG NEWS AND RELEASES 13 JULY 2024

RPGFan: RPGs Coming This Week, 7/14/24

RPG General News

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: RPG
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

Details

Zoria: Age of Shattering - Playable on Steam Deck

by Hiddenx, 18:53

Couchpotato spotted that Zoria: Age of Shattering is now playable on the Steam Deck:

Experience Zoria: Age of Shattering on the Go with Steam Deck

Greetings, Commanders! 

We’re excited to share some fantastic news: Zoria: Age of Shattering is now playable on the Steam Deck! While the experience might not be perfect just yet and may require a few tweaks from you, it’s still a thrilling way to enjoy our game on the go.

[...]

Zoria: Age of Shattering

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Dungeons of the Amber Griffin - Experiments

by Hiddenx, 18:49

Couchpotato spotted an update for Dungeons of the Amber Griffin:

Dungeons of the Amber Griffin - Experiments

We invite you to watch a short video of our experiments with the mechanics of two new buttons: All Attack and Slowmotion.

The first button, "All Attack," allows all characters to perform a melee attack. We are trying to set a separate cooldown for this option so that it is not too easy (to prevent players from pressing this button all the time). Additionally, we are testing the mechanics of binding keys 1, 2, 3, 4 – appropriately for 4 players, for example, 1 – all attack of the first character, etc.

The second button, "Slowmotion," allows time to slow down. This is very interesting because this button not only makes gameplay easier during difficult battles but also helps in overcoming logical traps. We are trying to set a separate cooldown for this button to prevent players from abusing it, as it would ruin the gameplay.

In the musical mode of the game on the Percival map, unfortunately, after pressing the slowmotion button, the remaining time until the end of the game is counted correctly, but the music ends too quickly. We are trying to use Meta Sounds to modulate the sound to slow it down, and once we manage this, we will let you test it.

We invite you to test the Benchmark mode and join Discord for the #benchmark role, for which you will get something nice in the future :)

Dungeons of the Amber Griffin

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Dungeon Crawler
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Fable - 2024 Impressions

by Hiddenx, 18:46

Mortismal Gaming checked out the original Fable:

Fable 1 - 2024 Impressions

Thanks Couchpotato!

Fable

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Enotria: The Last Song - Preview

by Hiddenx, 18:41

GamingBolt checked out Enotria: The Last Song:

This NEW Soulslike Could Be This Year's Lies of P

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Enotria: The Last Song

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

RPG General News - Kingdom Hearts Overview

by Hiddenx, 09:40

IGN gives an overview of the Kingom Hearts series:

Kingdom Hearts - Official 'What Order Should You Play Kingdom Hearts' Overview Trailer

 

RPG General News

SP/MP: Unknown
Setting: Unknown
Genre: RPG
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development

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Zenless Zone Zero - Review

by Hiddenx, 09:35

Gamesradar reviewed Zenless Zone Zero:

Zenless Zone Zero review: "Wholesome stories in a stunning anime world"

Zenless Zone Zero welcomes you to New Eridu, a post-apocalyptic metropolis inhabited by humans, cyborgs, catgirls, furries, and space bunnies. Taking on the role of a 'proxy', a type of hacker with a space bunny disguise, this action role-playing game has you mingling with corporations and gangs in the last bastion of civilization. It's a weird setup, but it's not like we've come to expect anything less from Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail developer HoYoverse. 

As the second HoYoverse game launched in a post-Genshin world, Zenless Zone Zero undoubtedly felt it had to make an impression when it dropped me in the middle of a police-chasing-gang-chasing-terrorists opening sequence. However, while the slick combat and loveable band of a bossy pink-haired girl, quiet trooper, and trigger-happy cyborg were indeed enough to have me hooked, Zenless Zone Zero suffers from a few flaws that can lower the good time vibe. 

[...]

Because of this, I feel I can forgive the hint of boredom that pops up every now and then. Zenless Zone Zero is an ARPG, but I'm playing it more for the 'RPG' part and less for the action, which is probably why I like it so much. If you're looking for a game to test the limits of your combat prowess, ZZZ isn't it, but if you want to experience wholesome stories in a stunning anime world with over a dozen different side activities, Zenless Zone Zero has got you covered. 

Zenless Zone Zero is a visual delight served with loveable anime characters in a vibrant urban fantasy world. Bangboo bunnies, graphic novels, and arcade games give the game a lot of character, but it occasionally suffers from repetitive challenges and shallow dungeon mechanics.

Score: 4/5

Zenless Zone Zero

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

KAKU: Ancient Seal - Review

by Hiddenx, 09:16

Wizard Worm checked out KAKU: Ancient Seal:

KAKU: Ancient Seal Review - Mysteries Of The Prehistoric Era (Action-RPG)

KAKU: Ancient Seal

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Dungeons of Hinterberg - One Week to go!

by Hiddenx, 09:12

The adventure RPG Dungeons of Hinterberg will be released on July 18:

1 week to go!

We’re 1 week out from the launch of Dungeons of Hinterberg! Hopefully you’ve had a chance to get to grips with the game so far through our demos and all the information in our Hinterblogs. If you haven’t seen them, now’s a great time to go back through them and get clued up before you land in Hinterberg next week!

And, as if you didn’t have enough of a reason to dive into Hinterberg on day 1, we’re also throwing in some extra goodies if you buy within the first two weeks (as well as a 10% discount on the game itself)!

Firstly, you’ll receive the official game soundtrack. Written by Austrian natives Wobblersound, this soundtrack has been written exclusively for Dungeons of Hinterberg. Let them take you on an audible journey through Hinterberg!

Next, you’ll get ‘The Slayer’s Guide to Hinterberg!’, as seen in game! This book helps Luisa understand life in Hinterberg and its history, and it can help you too! Featuring gameplay tips, concept art from the developers and real-life inspiration for the in-game world!

Finally, you will be able to download exclusive wallpapers of all your (soon-to-be) favourite places in and around Hinterberg!

Dungeons of Hinterberg

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Modern
Genre: Adventure-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

RPG Crawler - RPG News Roundup

by Hiddenx, 09:07

Like every week the RPG Crawler sums up the computer and tabletop RPG news:

RPG News Roundup (7-13-2024)

RPG Crawler

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Saturday - July 13, 2024

The Thaumaturge - Signature Edition announced

by Hiddenx, 20:49

The Signature Edition of The Thaumaturge will be available in Q4/2024:

Signature Edition Games | The Thaumaturge - Pre-order Now

The Signature Edition includes: - Signature Edition Box - Outer Sleve - Playing Cards - Set of Pins - Postcards - Notes from the Grimoire - Original Soundtrack - Poster.

Thanks Couchpotato!

The Thaumaturge

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Turn Based Lovers - Top 20 upcoming turn-based JRPGs

by Hiddenx, 20:44

The Turn Based Lovers compiled a list of upcoming J-RPGs:

Top Upcoming Turn-Based JRPGs 2024 up to 2026

HERE ARE ALL THE MOST SIGNIFICANT JRPGS WITH A SCHEDULED RELEASE DATE BETWEEN 2024 AND 2026:

JRPGs are by far my favorite genre of games. This preference stems from a very long time ago when the PlayStation was churning out title after title, each one better than the last. Those were the years of Final Fantasy VII, Legend of Dragoon, Shadow Hearts, Dragon Quest, Xenogears, and many others.

[...]

CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33
QUARTET
PENNY BLOOD
ARMED FANTASIA
MARIO & LUIGI: BROTHERSHIP
LIGHT FAIRYTALE EPISODE 3
SWORD OF CONVALLARIA
GUNS UNDARKNESS
DECAPOLICE
ALZARA: RADIANT ECHOES
SACRIFIRE
DEMONSCHOOL
BLOOMTOWN: A DIFFERENT STORY
PERSONA 6
PHANTOM BRAVE: THE LOST HERO
LUMENTALE: MEMORIES OF TREY
METAPHOR: REFANTAZIO
PRISMA
LEGENDS OF STARKADIA
LOST HELLDEN

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Turn Based Lovers

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SKALD: Against the Black Priory - Interview

by Hiddenx, 20:37

Game Developer interviewed Anders Lauridsen about SKALD: Against the Black Priory:

SKALD: Against the Black Priory is an old school CRPG with modern sensibilities

Developer Anders Lauridsen talks about balancing contemporary expectations with the look and feel of a retro genre.

SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a retro CRPG filled with unsettling stories and monstrosities, capturing the dark, eerie feel of the genre while making many of its elements more accessible to modern players.

Game Developer caught up with Anders Lauridsen, the game's developer, to talk about capturing the look and feel of retro CRPGs without some of the issues that came with the classics of the genre, the design challenges that come from creating a world filled with quests and things to do as a single developer, and how they worked to weave a sense of horror into a genre that is normally focused on power fantasies.

Game Developer: SKALD: Against the Black Priory is a celebration of retro party-based RPGs from years ago. What appealed to you about returning to this style of game and creating something of your own in this genre?

Lauridsen: First of all, the games that inspired SKALD (RPGs from the early '90s) have a lot going for them that appeal to me: Turn-based combat, lots of exploration, wonderful pixel art, etc. I genuinely think they had qualities that hold appeal to this day and that have become a bit less prevalent in modern RPGs. As RPGs developed as a genre, there were some features that were "thrown out with the bathwater."

[...]

SKALD: Against the Black Priory

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

Paraside: Duality Unbound - Announced for 2025

by Hiddenx, 20:31

The Strategy RPG Paraside: Duality Unbound has been announce for 2025:

Paraside: Duality Unbound Announcement Trailer

In the wake of an apocalypse, lead Earth’s remnants to combat extraplanar threats in a double-sided world of cosmic horror and desperate struggle. Explore unknown territories. Evolve your task force. Manipulate space and minds ingeniously to reignite hope in this new strategic RPG.

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Paraside: Duality Unbound

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Larian Studios - Baldur's Gate, Fallout and Ultima

by Hiddenx, 20:16

PC Gamer reports that Swen Vincke was interested in three major game series to work on:

Larian CEO Swen Vincke says there were only two other RPG series he was interested in working on if he couldn't get Baldur's Gate: Fallout and Ultima

Vincke "felt like there was a glass ceiling" holding Larian back, and he wanted a big title to break through it.

It's hard to overstate how big Baldur's Gate 3 is. It's a massive sales hit, it claimed all the awards, and it turned Larian, already a well-respected studio thanks to its outstanding Divinity: Original Sin games, into RPG royalty. I think it's fair to say that nobody could have predicted this, but in the latest issue of Edge (via GamesRadar), Larian CEO Swen Vincke said he had big ambitions for the studio, and that there were only three games he felt could make it happen.

The Divinity games are great, and they carry a lot of weight among dedicated RPG fans, but they don't have the brand recognition of Baldur's Gate, and more broadly, Dungeons and Dragons. Vincke felt that snagging the rights to work on an established property like that would work for Larian on a couple levels: "It would be great for attracting other people to the studio," he said, and it would also—hopefully—elevate Larian into the big leagues.

"I felt like there was a glass ceiling that we wouldn't be able to break through unless we have triple-A production values, budget, marketing, all the triple-A things," Vincke said. And only a few big-name games could make that happen.

"It would have been Ultima, it would have been Fallout, it would have been Baldur's Gate," he said. "There was not a lot to choose from."

[...]

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Larian Studios

Details

Coridden - Menu Soundtrack Preview

by Hiddenx, 20:08

Couchpotato spotted some music of Corridden:

Coridden - Menu Soundtrack Preview

Coridden

SP/MP: Single + MP
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Review

by Hiddenx, 19:57

Mortismal reviewed Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous again:

Pathfinder: WotR - The Re-Review

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Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: - Preview

by Hiddenx, 19:52

GamesRadar checked out S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:

We played S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and it’s still a super brutal immersive FPS!

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S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2:

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Apocalypse
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

Black Myth: Wukong - Mythology and Story

by Hiddenx, 19:50

GamesRadar checked out Black Myth: Wukong:

What's the mythology and story behind Black Myth: Wukong?

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Black Myth: Wukong

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development

Details

KAKU: Ancient Seal - Released

by Hiddenx, 19:22

The action RPG KAKU: Ancient Seal has been released:

OUT NOW!Open-world ARPG Game - KAKU: Ancient Seal Official Launch Trailer

An Open world Action adventure combining exploration with puzzles and dynamic combat. Go on a journey across a sprawling continent as Kaku, a boy tasked to restore balance to the land. Brave the four elemental regions with the help of Piggy, his powerful companion and conquer their lords.

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KAKU: Ancient Seal

SP/MP: Single-player
Setting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released

Details