DA2 is, however, also where the goal posts kept moving. Things kept getting cut, even while we worked. I had to write that dialogue where Orsinio turned even if you sided with him, because his boss battle had been cut and there was no time to fix the plot. A real WTF moment.
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Thursday - April 22, 2021
Wednesday - April 21, 2021
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Saturday - April 17, 2021
17:26
Angelic - Announced
Friday - April 16, 2021
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
2021-04-15
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Early Access Review
Purpleblob has invested quite some time in the alpha and beta version of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and brings us now her findings up to now.
» Continue reading the article...
Comments (27)
Encased
2021-04-06
Encased: A Sci-Fi Post-Apocalyptic RPG, Early Access Preview
Redglyph checked out the Early Access version of Encased
» Read the article
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Recently Released
Apr: SaGa Frontier RemasteredApr: Hobo Tough Life
Apr: The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel IV
Apr: Trials of Fire
Apr: Viking Vengeance
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Expected Releases
Apr: NieR ReplicantApr: Ys IX: Monstrum Nox
May: Rise of the Third Power
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May: Praey for the Gods
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News Watch
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Beta Update by Hastar
Biomutant - 15 Things you need to know by Andrew23
Baldur's Gate 2: EE - Patch 2.6 released by Morrandir
Dragon Age 2 - David Gaider Reminiscences by Dolby
Lost Eidolons - Now on Kickstarter by Saintone
Forum Watch
What games are you playing now? by SirJamesWhat I've Been Watching: The Catch-All Film Thread by SirJames
Behind the Horizon by Jadawin1
What are you reading ? by Carnifex
The Totally NEW Team Corwin Thread by Cm
Thursday - April 22, 2021
We Are The Caretakers - Now in Early Access
by Silver, 23:19
We Are The Caretakers is now available in Steam Early Access and is described as a science fiction, squad management RPG game.
loading...We Are The Caretakers is an afrofuturist squad management RPG. Assemble an arcane team of protectors in squad-building systems inspired by Darkest Dungeon, Ogre Battle, and XCOM. Defend the endangered animals your world relies on in strategic turn-based combat. Define your approach to a global resistance by balancing your reputation, funds, research, animals and alliances. We Are The Caretakers is a challenging strategy RPG fusion that asks you to protect a planet by fighting for the people, animals and ecosystems that inhabit it.
FEATURES
- AFROFUTURIST UNIVERSE: Former Activision-Blizzard artist Anthony Jones brings breathtaking afrofuturist style and human empathy to a complex sci-fi world.
- REPUTATION SYSTEM: Every action affects how others see the Caretakers. Do they fear you? Or will they support your quest to protect the endangered Raun, and decide the fate of the world?
- TURN-BASED ENCOUNTERS: Balance force with diplomacy in an innovative turn-based combat system. Live with the consequences as you deal with the messy reality of animal conservation.
- SQUAD BUILDING: Assemble up to 9 squads of characters with diverse traits, weaknesses, abilities, and personalities. Train and upgrade your Caretakers across 20+ unique job classes.
- GROW YOUR HEADQUARTERS: Meet leaders, research technologies, and recruit allies in your sci-fi HQ. Balance their conflicting demands to save our world.
- NUANCED NARRATIVE: In our morally-complex world, the individuals outside your squad matter as much as the rangers you deploy on each map.
- GENERATED WILDLIFE: The challenging and procedurally generated survival mode brings never-ending ways to play.
- YOU GET A BABY RAUN: It will nuzzle against your bed long after it grows too large to reasonably do so. It is adorable.
General News
SP/MP: UnknownSetting: Unknown
Genre: RPG
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development
KotOR Remake - Aspyr is Developer
by Silver, 22:59
DSOGaming reports that the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake is being worked on by Aspyr.
In January 2020, we informed you about a rumored Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic game. And yesterday, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier claimed that this KOTOR game is real, and is basically a remake of the first title.
As Schreier said, Aspyr is currently working on a remake of the first Star Wars KOTOR game. Aspyr ported a number of Star Wars games on various platforms, so this should surprise most of us.
[...]
Tales of Arise - Release Date Trailer
by Silver, 22:53
Bandai Namco have launched the Steam page for Tales of Arise which shows the system requirements and a release date of 10th September.
loading...Players will be immersed in the story of Rena, the star that has been ruling the Dahna planet with an iron fist for the past 300 years. Renans have been depleting Dahna of its natural resources, enslaving most the planet’s population in order to do so. This tale follows the fight to free Dahnans of their fate and will be experienced through the eyes of Alphen, an iron-masked Dahnan fighting to free his people , and Shionne, a girl from Rena, who’s on the run from her countrymen. They will be joined through their journey by various characters, such as Rinwell and Law, that will help them in their fight for freedom.
[...]
Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit Only)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-2300 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 760 or Radeon HD 7950
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 45 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX compatible soundcard or onboard chipset
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10 (64-bit Only)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-4590 or AMD FX-8350
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 970 or Radeon R9 390
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 45 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX compatible soundcard or onboard chipset
Tales of Arise
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Biomutant - 15 Things you need to know
by Hiddenx, 20:49
GamingBolt collected some information about Biomutant:
Biomutant - 15 Things You Need To Know Before You Buy
loading...After a long period of development THQ Nordic's Biomutant is slated to release on May 25th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC. Developed by Experiment 101, the action RPG epic is chock-full of gameplay mechanics and systems. Here are 15 things you need to know before venturing through the New World.
Biomutant
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Post-Apoc
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Beta Update
by Hiddenx, 20:40
Owlcat Games has announced the date of the new beta: May 5. They also reveal a new, rather special companion:
Beta Update Announcement and a New Mini-Companion
Hello, crusaders!
We’ve been hard at work since we released the beta version of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous back in February. Not only were we watching your streams, reading your feedback, and fixing bugs, but we were also working on major improvements for some aspects of the game, we made new content, new art, and worked on some features that were added as our stretch goals. On the 5th of May, after we publish an update that everything is ready, you will be able to launch your Steam and download the new version of beta. We will soon tell you more about what has changed in the new version, but today we’ve prepared an update on one of the stretch goals you helped us meet!
Different people play RPGs for different reasons. Some like to make new friends. Others like to find powerful artifacts that will make enemies shake in fear. And we would like to introduce you to someone who both types of players might enjoy - Finnean. A friend, a companion, a curious soul. A talking weapon.
You will meet - or, perhaps, it’s better to say “find” - Finnean early in the game, and he will happily accompany you on your crusade. He’s a charming and friendly type, and won’t hesitate to speak up his mind when he feels strongly about something. There’s only one problem - he has no idea he’s a weapon. Travel with Finnean to uncover the mystery of his past, earn his friendship and unlock his hidden powers. And in return, Finnean will reward you by turning into any weapon of your choosing. That’s right - he can become any weapon! And you will be able to either fight with him yourself or give to one of your companions, but as long as Finnean is in the party, he will act like a party member, interrupting conversations, chatting when you stop to set up camp, and so on (unless you ask him to shut up, but why would you do such a thing?).Finnean will join you on your adventures very soon, after you download the new version of the beta! So if you have Early Access, you will be able to find a new friend on the crusade. Don’t forget to join our very active and friendly discord server before the next stage of beta begins, and save your discord name in the ‘Get a Discord Role’ field in your profile on our pre-order portal to get access to the beta chat. Additionally, please check what you see in the ‘Purchased Items’ tab when you log into your account. If you backed our game on Kickstarter, but can’t access your account or don’t see your Kickstarter pledge in it, please email us at team@owlcatgames.com, and we will help you. We also keep collecting shipping information from backers with physical pre-orders, and names for the game’s credits from those whose pledge includes it, so please update your account information on our portal if you haven’t done it yet.
To arms!
Owlcats.
Thanks Redglyph!
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Vagrus - Equipment Design Changes
by Myrthos, 13:33
In a new video the Vagrus development team shares information on the changes in equipment design.
The new mechanic allows players to use these items in more diverse and specialized ways. New types of equipment, like armaments, tools, and animals were added while we ironed out the older ones as well to make it more consistent and interesting. Many pieces of equipment are available for several slots, so you can mix and match in more ways than one.
Another change is that Deputies are now linked to equipment in a new way - they will open up extra slots for certain types when assigned to their post, further deepening the system. Now you'll be able to make use of more equipment at the same time and come up with combinations that better suit a large variety of situations in game. We also added a lot of new pieces of equipment with the last several patches, making the list of available ones fairly long by now, including some unique ones only acquirable through questing and faction reputation.
loading...
Vagrus: The Riven Realms
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Post-Apoc
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Wednesday - April 21, 2021
Behind the Horizon - Content Update 1.5
by Hiddenx, 15:44
The farming RPG Behind the Horizon got a major update:
Hello Community,
the time has come again and a new major update for Behind the Horizon is available.
loading...This time it's all about the graphics. I have integrated a new lighting system that creates very nice plastic effects with normal and specular mapping. Especially the caves have benefited enormously from this. On the surface, the effects are less noticeable because you are usually there during the day.
In addition, many textures (especially the paths and roads) have been improved or replaced, decorations added and transitions embellished.
The third major improvement concerns the starting map. There I went through the entire underground areas again and redesigned almost all the floors and stone tiles, so that there are now no more sprawling, monotonous areas. So I can only recommend everyone to try out the new starting map, i.e. to start a new game.
In addition, there are the usual minor adjustments and a few bugs that have been fixed.
You can see the list of all changes on my website or in the Steam Community section of Behind the Horizon.
Enjoy the gameJadawin
Behind the Horizon
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Wasteland 3 - Gets two DLCs
by Hiddenx, 15:31
Brian Fargo tweeted some days ago, that two expansions will be added to Wasteland 3. The Battle of Steamtown will be released on June 3:
There will two expansions in total for Wasteland 3 and we add content into Ranger HQ and provide extra audio throughout the main game to increase reactivity. Plus, we added quite a few more songs for the game. We hope you enjoy...
Thanks Henriquejr!
Wasteland 3
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Post-Apoc
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Avalom: Ancestral Heroes - Important Changes
by Hiddenx, 15:23
The open-world RPG Avalom: Ancestral Heroes got some important changes:
Game Master
Important changes in character design, professions, item creation system and a lot of additional content ...
Game MasterCurrently the game has approximately +200 hours of content and I am already preparing for the end game. The game will have a lot of content even after its final version, the possibility of content is endless telling several stories, in fact these stories will be coming from the updates that will come from this one.
Corrections:
There were several corrections to make the game in its most stable version, I can say that this version is already a preparation for the official release. Recalling that the map is giant with possibilities to travel to others, thus having gaps that will be used for new content even after its final launch. Next update the chest will be removed from the game to avoid exploit or any annoyance.
Current Content:
Today the game offers a complete pen and paper role-playing system that the player is truly free to be or follow as they please. As always, it is ideal for each player to see the options on how to play and to understand a little about the rule system and basic tutorials.
All characters have been improved in their design;
Race System;
Improved professions:
Explorer has a chance to get extra treasure chest beyond the normal monsters, for those who like to create their equipment the creative profession collects material items from all monsters, the scholar profession can now create rune and golems equipment as companions and for In the end the merchant receives a reward from merchants for each mission he completes allowing him to use a special market in the trading post.Item creation system with hundreds of possibilities;
Passive and Active abilities that allow different character constructions;Order skills that further focus the character such as: Necromancers, assassins, archmage and berserkers;
System for creating your fort as a base of operations, the player can build a fortress from scratch and see his entire system evolving and interacting with the world of Avalom;
Companions, mounts and pet system;In addition to the above, there are many things in Avalom that the player will discover, requiring a lot of exploration in a vast world and strategies to fight dozens of enemies and bosses receiving glorious rewards and discover the secrets behind the whole plot.
Thanks Henriquejr!
Avalom: Ancestral Heroes
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Lost Eidolons - Now on Kickstarter
by Silver, 13:50
Lost Eidolons is live on Kickstarter. The goal is 45K with 29 days remaining. Below is a video to introduce the team at Ocean Drive Studio.
loading...Lost Eidolons is coming to Kickstarter on Wednesday, April 21st! The game is already fully funded and we're leveraging Kickstarter to build a larger community of passionate gamers to develop the game alongside! Please support our campaign.
Lost Eidolons
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Wasteland 3 - Patch 1.4.0 Feature Preview: Crafting
by Silver, 03:58
The latest update for Wasteland 3 talks about what to expect from patch 1.4 - crafting unique items.
Wasteland 3 Patch 1.4.0 Feature Preview: Crafting
The world in which the Rangers exist is a perilous environment filled with challenge at every turn, where desperation and despair wait just ahead and trail close behind. Survivors in this world do not get by with sheer luck or by accident. They maintain a will to survive that has been tempered for generations in this radioactive wasteland where life was meant to die.
Out here, the pieces of this broken world are your keys to rebuilding anew . . . or should at least prove helpful in prolonging your own grisly demise for another day.
CRAFTING THE APOCALYPSE
This year’s updates so far have included Permadeath, Difficult Skill Checks, new difficulty modes, new cosmetic options, and a host of quality-of-life changes and game improvements—but we’re not stopping there. With Patch 1.4.0 releasing in the next few weeks, your Rangers will soon be able to finally put much more of what they find across frozen Colorado to new use, and forge items that are oftentimes helpful, sometimes exotic, and occasionally, just batshit insane.
Wasteland 3’s Crafting system will introduce exciting new weapons and high-level mods for squads to experiment with. This is going to be especially beneficial for those of you coming back to play the expansions we’ve got coming. This is a true-to-Wasteland system, with new gear that celebrates the post-apoc theme, and packs other surprises that’ll keep you guessing. Along with all that new hotness, there’s also the obvious convenience of making your squads more self-sufficient in the field, as they’ll be able to make their own ammo and medical supplies on the run.Overall, this system is going to give new purpose to a lot of the vendor Junk you find in the world, allowing you to grind it all up and spit it all back out as a bunch of shiny new items.
The new craftable W.A.S.P. Gun is every bit as horrific as you imagine it to be.
RECIPES FOR DESTRUCTION
Whether you’ll be challenging Colorado’s tundra in a fresh playthrough, or are continuing from an existing save, this next update will immediately grant you access to this new feature. Crafting in Wasteland 3 doesn’t require a Crafting skill—all you need are recipes and the components to make them.
There are effectively three ways to get recipes:
1. By leveling up your Skills!
The most basic recipes are acquired automatically as your characters’ Skills are leveled up. Increasing your First Aid, for example, will also unlock recipes to craft Med Hypos, Medic Packs, and more. Skill-point recipes like these tend to offer the most basic and regularly useful items like ammo, healing items, as well as standard weapon and armor mods.
[...]
Wasteland 3
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Post-Apoc
Genre: Tactical RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Dark Moonlight - Interview @Gamingbolt
by Silver, 00:55
Gamingbolt have interviewed the developers of horror game Dark Moonlight and asked about combat, exploration, story, and more.
We’re always down for a good horror game, and though it’s too early to say anything definitively just yet, Silent Bear Studio’s upcoming Dark Moonlight definitely looks like it could be yet another survival horror game to watch out for. A classic combination of combat, horrifying enemies, psychological horror elements, inventory management, and puzzle solving- it sounds like Dark Moonlight is bringing together all the elements that make this genre tick in one single package. The elements for something interesting are definitely all there, and to learn more about the game, we recently reached out to its developers. You can read our conversation with Dark Moonlight lead game designer Marcin Kłosowski.
Dark Moonlight’s narrative premise is an interesting one, with its protagonist being burdened by a number of fears and phobias being one of its most intriguing aspects. How will that particular element play into the story? Can we expect this to have an impact on the gameplay as well?
Well, that element is extremely important for us, because we would like the player to make the deepest possible connection with our protagonist, which allows to intensify player’s fear to the limit. It’ll have a huge impact on the gameplay, however we don’t want to reveal too much in that matter for now.
Puzzles and exploration are usually core pillars of most survival horror experiences. What sort of a balance does Dark Moonlight strike between those two areas?
The answer is simple. We are huge fans of big horror titles where puzzles and exploration are very important factor in the gameplay. Obviously we are preparing a lot of content in that matter, but let’s be clear- we don’t want the exploration and riddles to completely dominate in the game.
Dark Moonlight promises encounters against all manner of demons and monstrosities. Given that, what can players expect from the game in terms of boss fights?
Players can expect a lot of fighting with various creatures in most unexpected moments, every encounter with a monster in Dark Moonlight we can call a boss fight.
[...]
Thanks Farflame!
Non-RPG General News
SP/MP: UnknownSetting: Unknown
Genre: Unknown
Platform: Unknown
Release: In development
Assassin's Creed Valhalla - Inspiration/Creation Video
by Silver, 00:51
A video looking at the inspirations for and creation of Assassin's Creed Valhalla.
loading...Video o tvorbě AC Valhalla a inspiraci vývojářů s českými titulky. Diary about development and inspiration for AC Valhalla with english subtitles.
Thanks Farflame!
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Historical
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem - Bloodstorm Update
by Silver, 00:46
PC Gamer reports that Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem has received a big content update called Bloodstorm. Additionally a second part to the Bloodstorm content is being worked on now.
Update 1.1.1.1, aka the Bloodstorm update four new environments—playable in Endgame expeditions, and 13 environment variations, including charming additions such as the "blood-curdling swamp" and "the stagnant graves". There are also 30 new difficulty levels and, perhaps most importantly, pets will now pick up gold for you. Thanks, little guy.
Damage type modifiers have been redesigned, new visual effects have been introduced for skills such as Annihilation, Anomaly, Mark of Impurity, and Tear of Etheliel. Expect new monster animations and significant skill rebalances as well.
[...]
Thanks Farflame!
Wolcen: Lords of Mayhem
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Fantasy
Genre: Hack & Slash
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Tuesday - April 20, 2021
Trials of Fire - Review @ Wccftech
by Hiddenx, 18:53
Wccftech checked out Trials of Fire:
Trials of Fire Review – An RPG and a Roguelike Walk Into a Bar..
It is usually complicated to mash different video game genres together. Many have tried over the years, but most have failed. It literally required a trial of fire, and plenty of time in Early Access, for one developer to accomplish a truly remarkable feat: create a role-playing game mixed with elements from tactical-turn-based, deck-building, and roguelike that is not just fun to play but also incredibly accessible for all sorts of players.
The odds couldn't have been stacked worse for Trials of Fire. Roguelikes aren't known for being accessible games, and adding role-playing game features on top was a recipe for disaster. And while some of the role-playing game mechanics aren't particularly deep, there's no doubt that developer Whatboy Games managed to masterfully blend them with features from different genres to create an incredibly engaging mix that many will enjoy for a very long time.
[...]
Trials of Fire is an amazing blend of RPG, turn-based, and roguelike mechanics that manages to be both deep and accessible at the same time. With a great storybook presentation, tons of different options to customize the experience, and the multitude of builds made possible by the great deck-building system, even those with a passing interest in roguelike and role-playing games will find plenty to like in the game.
Score: 8/10
Trials of Fire
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Baldur's Gate 2: EE - Patch 2.6 released
by Hiddenx, 18:45
After a very long testing phase, the much-expected patch 2.6 for Baldur's Gate, Baldur's Gate II, Siege of Dragonspear and Icewind Dale Enhanced Editions has been released by Beamdog:
Patch 2.6
We are launching Patch 2.6 for Baldur's Gate, Baldur's Gate II, Siege of Dragonspear and Icewind Dale Enhanced Editions on Steam, GOG, the mac App Store and the Beamdog Store (tablet/mobile updates coming soon).
This massive patch upgrades the games to 64-bit systems, fixes hundreds of bugs, and adds brand new portraits & voice sets to customize your heroes— including two sets from the legendary Mark Meer (voice of Commander Shepherd in Mass Effect)!
Huge thanks to our heroic community for their tireless adventuring in beta builds for this mammoth patch. Thank You!
Note: Patch 2.6 won't fix every issue in the games, but don't worry— we're still working on future updates!
Patch Highlights
- Upgrade to 64-Bit | A much needed upgrade for modern machines— this improves system compatibility
- 7 New Character Voice Sets | New player voice sets, including two from the legendary Mark Meer reprising his roles as Alveus Malcanter and Baeloth Barrityl
- 11 New Character Portraits | New character portraits to customize your hero’s look
- Hundreds of Bug Fixes | Includes scores of fixes to spells and hero abilities
- Improved Pathfinding | Smoother party movement and navigation
New Localizations
- Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition | Added French text localization (beta)
- Baldur’s Gate: Siege of Dragonspear | Added French (beta), Italian, German, Ukrainian and Polish text localizations
- Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition | Added Brazilian Portuguese and Chinese (Simplified) text localizations
[...]
Thanks Redglyph!
Baldur's Gate 2: EE
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Tainted Grail: Conquest - March Update
by Silver, 10:36
The March development update shows some of what you can expect from Tainted Grail: Conquest.
March Development Update!
Hi everyone! We've been silent for a while so we have something a bit different this time. It's a... development video Instead of a normal blog post :D
loading...Hi! Sorry for 1080p, only after uploading we've seen some quality issues... But, well, it's a development update so let's say that it's also a work in progress! Anyway, here's a quick video concerning Tainted Grail: Conquest!
Tainted Grail
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Warsim: The Realm of Aslona - Quality of Life Update
by Silver, 10:25
A new quality of life update for Warsim: The Realm of Aslona brings many new features.
Warsim 0.8.3.6 (The Quality of Life Update, 119 features)
Hey Everyone,
The last week and a half has been amazing, since the Overwhelmingly Positive update we've had a ton of new amazing reviews and nearly 1000 new Warsim players! To everyone new, Welcome :)
This update is a pretty broad one, lots of little fixes and quality of life additions. I'm still working through a mix of bug reports and backlogged suggestions while also working through the combat update plans.
NAME SUFFIX SYSTEM EXPANDED (3 features)
For a long time certain name suffixes have been able to have addons added to them 'Garbald the Sad' could also be 'Garbald the Sad Knight' or 'Garbald the Sad Raider' modified by Warsim's in-game suffix add on system. Unlike adding new name suffixes, adding new suffix addons was a harder process done only within the games code. I set out to completely replace that system and have it fully moddable and accessible just like the suffix system is, so now in a new text file called 'Name Suffix Addon.txt' in the main Warsim Data folder you can find all of the possible addons followed by the battlescore bonus they provide. While expanding this system I added a ton of new addon parts which has led to over a quarter of a million new possible random name suffix combinations. You'll see these as hirable champions, staff members, enemy rulers etc. This system is even more exciting for me because unlike the 3000ish current name suffixes, all of these will be random and unpredictable combinations that will even catch me offguard. Being caught offguard with random content in a game I've spent 5 years making and know like the back of my hand is always a bonus!
* Added new moddable system for name suffix addons
* Added 265 new name suffix addons (was 57 now 322 total) (With 1199 total modifiable name suffixes this means there are 386'078 possible random name suffix combinations now)
* Made name suffix addon system 2x more likely to be used when generating namesSome of the random names created by the new system
MILITIA GROWTH (2 features)
A good point was made on our discord by Paul-2020 about not being able to see Militia unit growth, I've now added mention of it to the end of turn report.
* Added ability to see how many peasants have joined the milita each year in end of turn report (credit Paul-2020)
* Added alternate text for militia recruiting a single peasant in end of turn report
New militia end of turn notice
[...]
Warsim: The Realm of Aslona
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Monday - April 19, 2021
Astria Ascending - 'Trying Something New'
by Silver, 21:17
Gamespot asked the developers of Astria Ascending what they are trying to achieve with the game.
Storytelling From The Perspective Of Kazushige Nojima
When asked about what makes Astria Ascending stand out, Nojima told me, "I would say it's the age of our heroes. They may be older than the typical party of heroes." That can be a tricky thing to reflect in a story, so I asked him about how he designed characters well into adulthood. "Regardless of the in-game world's design, if a character's age is close to your own, you must be careful so that they don't reflect your personal habits and behaviors; it will diminish the feeling of stepping into a fantasy world and your players will notice that," Nojima stated. He continued, "So, this time I paid special attention to creating a fantasy world with a strong consciousness [of that]."
Characters are, of course, always key to telling a meaningful story, and their backgrounds seem to be important to understanding the stakes of Astria Ascending. "We establish the elements required for each character and the game world--their individual techniques, how to obtain them, where they are needed, then [their place in the world] itself). Then we mixed them into the settings and scenarios to make that world real," Nojima explained. Although we've yet to see how these ideas manifest in the actual game, the expectation is that we'll see cohesion between narrative and gameplay.
Nojima explained that this story--said to be a grand tale of sorts--is contained within a few weeks' time in that world, but several complementary and heavy plot threads could lead your imagination in filling out the world. "Players will have some room to interpret and think about those details and elements. Allowing players to contemplate and consider these details is part of the game's spirit," Nojima said.
Although quite vague in specifics, he attributes this as "part of the reason why Astria Ascending can be thought of as a mature experience."
[...]
Astria Ascending
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: J-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Skyrim - An Elder Scrolls Analysis - Episode Three
by Hiddenx, 19:46
NeverKnowsBest has uploaded his 3rd episode on the Elder Scrolls series, this time he focuses on Skyrim:
An Elder Scrolls Analysis - Episode Three: The tragedy of Skyrim the wise
loading...
Thanks Redglyph!
Assassin's Creed - Next One in Brazil?
by Silver, 13:20
@Gaminformer Ubisoft devs reportedly want the next Assassin's Creed to be set in Brazil.
That being said, he did add that in the immediate future, he'd love to see the culture of South America take center stage in the Assassin's Creed franchise. "From the Incas to the Spanish Conquistadors," Mercieca told the site that he would love to see this location explored more thoroughly and that the Assassin's Creed games are the perfect way to do just that.
While the Assassin's Creed franchise has always been fiction, its entirety has been rooted heavily in history. Becoming a Viking in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, taking on gods in Odyssey, exploring ancient Egypt in Origins, taking the streets of Jerusalem - the sky is limitless regarding where the Ubisoft staple can go next.
[...]
Thanks Farflame!
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Historical
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Dragon Age 2 - David Gaider Reminiscences
by Silver, 13:15
Gameinformer reported on David Gaider's responses about what he liked and disliked about Dragon Age 2 when asked on Twitter.
What was the deal with Orsino?
One of the prevalent themes of the Dragon Age franchise is the conflict between Mages and Templars, with the former being held captive against their will due to their magical abilities. Orsino is the Elven First Enchanter in the Circle of Magic within Kirkwall. He is meant to be in a powerful position to protect the mages under his charge, but Meredith, the Knight Commander of the Templar Order, was convinced that all magic was dangerous, evil, and that mages needed to be kept under heel. Throughout the three chapters of Dragon Age 2, the escalation between the two groups could be felt and Orsino could see the fate of all mages in Kirkwall hanging in the balance. Following the events that Anders kickstarted following failed negotiations between Meredith and Orsino, he did the unthinkable: he turned to blood magic, something he swore he would never do. This turned him into a disgusting abomination that ends up being a boss fight for Hawke and the gang.
This instance could be argued for, absolutely, but it always felt a little rushed, a little off. Understandable, given that much of this game was rushed due to the publisher's timeline, but Gaider added a little more perspective as to what the surrounding conversation was like when looking at the bigger picture.
David Gaider:
So I think it's safe to say DA2 is my favorite entry in the DA franchise and also the sort of thing I never want to live through ever again. Mixed feelings galore.
[...]
Thanks Farflame!
Dragon Age 2
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC, Xbox 360, PS3
Release: Released
Gamedec - Previews & Interview
by Silver, 13:05
Community Manager Mateusz Greloch live played through the backer build extended and talked to Marcin Serquisz Przybyłek who is the author of the Gamedec book saga.
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Additionally Rob Cram has also previewed the gameplay of the backer build.
loading...We take the latest Gamedec beta for a spin in this video and offer our thoughts. The game is a text heavy adventure game set within a dystopian, cyberpunk themed setting. The game comes to PC via Steam at some point this year.
Thanks Farflame!
Sunday - April 18, 2021
Elder Scrolls Online - Earnable Loot Boxes
by Hiddenx, 17:52
PC Gamer reports that if you like some grinding you can get ESO-loot-boxes for free:
Elder Scrolls Online loot box items will soon be earnable with in-game currency
Khajiit has wares if you have time to grind.
The forthcoming Update 30 for The Elder Scrolls Online, "Tentatively scheduled to launch in June", will add daily and weekly challenges called Endeavors. Completing these tasks will give players rewards like gold, experience, and a new currency called Seals of Endeavor that can be exchanged for items previously only available in crown crates—loot boxes that cost real-world money.
[...]
Thanks Henriquejr!
Elder Scrolls Online
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Fantasy
Genre: MMORPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Planescape: Torment EE - Review
by Hiddenx, 16:19
Mortismal Gaming has reviewed Planescape Torment EE:
Planescape: Torment EE - Review After 100%
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Thanks Redglyph!
Planescape: Torment EE
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: Released
Project Haven - Features | Highlights
by Silver, 13:35
Some feature highlights videos for Project Haven.
loading...Haven city is a dark place. But that doesn't mean you can't have some sweet highlights to lighten up your way!
loading...In our continual pursuit of improved player experience we have reworked our player detection indicators. You can now see where exactly in your path you will be detected by known enemies!
loading...Today we reveal a new challenge you and your Steel Dragons will be facing! In Project Haven cameras can pose as a roadblock for your path, but can also be an opportunity with the right skills!
Project Haven
SP/MP: Single + MPSetting: Modern
Genre: Strategy-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Glorious Companions - Upcoming Update 0.8
by Silver, 13:15
Ancient Forge Studio talk about what to expect from the upcoming update 0.8 for Glorious Companions.
Devlog: Upcoming Update 0.8
Let's talk about the upcoming update in detail!
Hello there, Companions!
It's been quite some time without any news on the development of Glorious Companions, which doesn't mean that there wasn't any progress being made. Anyhow, now when we're getting close to releasing the new update, we're back with a fresh development log.
Without any further ado, let's go over the biggest changes and new additions that this update will introduce into the game. Of course as usual there'll be some balance changes, bug fixes and QoL tweaks along with a few new abilities, but for now let's talk about the big stuff.
NPC Group Generator ReworkThis is a change that finally allows us to configure more interesting NPC groups. Thanks to this rework we can now easily adjust unit types, levels, equipment, skills, number of units, etc. With this backend change we've also tweaked the already existing groups of enemies, such as Bandits, Shadows, NPC Lords and the likes. Bandits will from now on yield weak and cheap equipment, while Shadows and NPC Lords will begin the game with higher levels and more expensive equipment.
Then there'll be three new neutral group types running across the world map: Sword Sisters, Iron Hammers and Swamplings. The first two groups are higher tier enemies that should make for some interesting encounters in the later stages of the game, while the Swamplings are Bandit-level units based on the Scarres race to spice up the early game.
Tavern units also received some tweaks. Now aside form the regular level 1 newbies, sometimes you'll come across more experienced and better equipped mercenaries, which of course will cost a lot more gold to recruit.
[...]
Glorious Companions
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Saturday - April 17, 2021
Angelic - Announced
by Hiddenx, 17:26
Angelic is an upcoming narrative turn-based strategy RPG:
Angelic
Angelic is a single player narrative turn-based strategy RPG, set in a dark science fiction universe.
loading...Angelic combines turn-based strategy combat with distinctive and colorful heroes you often see in narrative games. Angelic has an equal emphasis on storytelling and party-based RPG elements, all backed by a dark and compelling science-fiction setting in which you are often mesmerized by the complexity of the events happening around you.
In the 28th century, 200 years after the interhuman war between the corporations and neo-humans, long forgotten "angels" returned from deep space. The corporations dominated the Earth long ago and the neo-humans' arrival raised a red alert for them. Especially after they discovered there was a dreadful and hostile fungus spreading in their deep-space colonies, a plague that can infect any kind of living organism.
Get ready to join a massive conflict, where you will have to question the morality of humanity, and struggle to make the right decision most of the time.
- Gather your team of spectacular heroes, gain their love and respect, upgrade and customize them.
- Immerse yourself into the deep lore and an epic story, experience unforgettable journeys with multi-layered, unique characters.
- Command your one-of-a-kind spaceship and explore a dark and unforgiving universe.
- Fight with your team to protect your allies, harass the interests of suppressive corporations and investigate the horrific infestation phenomena.
Evolve, adapt, advance… Love, hate, shun…
Exploit, aid, hide.
Take action, and rise!
- Half of your time will be roughly spent on battles, where you lead your team for hit&run missions based on Angelic's novel turn-based combat mechanics.
- You will also command a one-of-a-kind spaceship, which is a home for you and your allies. You spend the other half of your time in your ship, and will be able to talk with your companions, customize and upgrade them. Additionally, you can make researches to upgrade your gear or ship, or to learn secrets of your enemies.
- Universe of Angelic is quite a dark and unforgiving place. You may need to forge alliances with dark characters, or might be forced to make some painful decisions time to time. Your decisions might not make all your friends happy, and you will need to be extra careful to keep them motivated and loyal.
- Your companions are all unique and colorful characters, and make no mistake, they are NOT your soldiers. Most of them are actually far more powerful than you, and each one of them have different motivations and goals. They might like you, hate you, or fall in love with you... Even if they love you, they may still leave you. Even if they hate you, they may still remain with you... Things are quite complicated and your job will not be easy as their leader to keep them in line. They have all unique abilities and powers, so it is best to convince them to stay with you; otherwise combats can become much more difficult for you.
- Osiris, the ship you command, is a very special ghost ship which was engineered by Iset the Mother, a goddess and a legendary character. Its capabilities are beyond your comprehension, but you will be able to unlock its features and even customize it along the way!
- And finally YOU, main hero of the game... You are also very special. You were a human pilot once, until you are killed by an archangel (a powerful neo-human) and then saved by Iset the Mother. Now you are a neo-human, but not just a regular one. You are a prototype, and only Iset knows your true potential. It will be up to you how you are going to evolve, but one thing is for sure. You will become the next archangel!
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous - Level Design QA Write-up
by Hiddenx, 17:03
On April 7, Owlcat Games made a stream on level design. It's quite long (2h44'), but forunately ilkarius made a very good illustrated summary with video pointers in their forums.
Thanks Redglyph!
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Path of Exile - Ultimatum Expansion
by Hiddenx, 16:58
Henriquejr spotted that the expansion Path of Exile: Ultimatum has been released:
Path of Exile: Ultimatum Official Trailer
loading...In Path of Exile: Ultimatum, you must undertake the trials of Chaos and choose whether to risk it all for ultimate power. Our April expansion contains the Ultimatum challenge league, eight new Skill and Support Gems, improvements to Vaal Skills, an overhaul to past league reward systems, dozens of new items, and much more. We've also just released a new trailer and gameplay showcase for Path of Exile 2.
Path of Exile
SP/MP: MassiveSetting: Fantasy
Genre: Hack & Slash
Platform: PC
Release: Released
SKALD: Against the Black Priory - Early Access August 2nd
by Silver, 11:48
SKALD: Against the Black Priory is coming to Steam Early Access and GOG In-Development August 2nd.
loading...You drag yourself from the black tides, across the corpses of drowned men, and onto the unwelcoming, craggy shoreline. Gulls cry overhead and the stink of seaweed fills your nose. By some miracle you have made it to Idra. It will take all your skill to survive and unravel the eldritch mysteries of the Black Priory. Pray your sanity holds.
‘Skald: Against the Black Priory’ is an old-school roleplaying game that combines modern design and a fully realised narrative with authentic 8-bit looks and charms.
Delve into a dark fantasy world, full of tragic heroes, violent deaths and Lovecraftian, cosmic horror. Explore an engaging, branching story mixed with rich exploration and crunchy, tactical, turn-based combat that will seem familiar yet innovative to RPG fans, old and new.
Do you have what it takes to lead a company of broken heroes from the tainted shores of Idra to the gates of the Black Priory - and beyond?
Lovingly crafted retro-style art
- Experience a richly illustrated world of authentic pixel art using thousands of hand-drawn tiles and images
- A palette inspired by the legendary Commodore 64 computer.
- Optional CRT filter for that authentic old-school experience.
Deep character creation
- Build your main character and recruit a party from among a dozen diverse characters, each with their own skill-set, agenda and personality.
- Choose from a dozen classes and backgrounds as well as heaps of feats, spells and equipment as you take your party from level 1 to 20.
Crunchy tactical combat
- Engage in challenging, fast-paced, turn- and grid-based combat.
- Play it your way, with fully customizable difficulty and feedback settings. Or hit ‘auto-resolve’, lean back, and (hopefully) watch your party cleave a bloody path through their foes.
A richly detailed, living world
- Explore the vast expanse of Freymark and the Outer Isles and watch your actions spell doom or salvation for the region.
- Focus on the rich, branching narrative… Or live the life of a mercenary and explore varied sidequests and encounters - the plot will wait for you.
- Manage your party as you make camp, recruit hirelings, travel by land and sea, and interact with powerful factions and their visions for the world.
SKALD: Against the Black Priory
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Friday - April 16, 2021
Alaloth - Sound Design and Music Creation
by Hiddenx, 21:59
Henriquejr spotted development update #7 for Alaloth: Champions of The Four Kingdoms:
Development Update #7 - Sound Design and Music Creation
Forging the Soundtrack of a High Fantasy World
In our previous Development Updates, we’ve had the chance to talk about many different topics such as animation, VFX, narrative, and more, explaining our approach to Alaloth’s development so far. Now it’s time to talk about music and sound design! A variety of epic games and movies inspired us in many different ways so we wanted to share how our audio team approached the challenge of bringing our huge RPG world to life.
The Blessed Kingdom of Edherest
To create the loops for areas in Edherest, we found inspiration from the lore description of each city, their aspects and inhabitants, as well as from other great video game soundtracks. We started with the main theme, improvising a melody with the idea that this was for the ‘capital city’. Then, we added some basic harmony, following the root key. What came next was the tricky part. In fact, it was not easy to create six different variations (based on the city lore and appearance) because it could be easy to fall into repetitions resulting in the tracks being a bit boring. Therefore, while staying faithful to the theme, we decided to use different rhythms and changed instruments’ timbre to get around the problem.
- Goldport [Main Theme]: Solemn and epic music, with a dark and medieval melody. All variations must follow the melody. It starts with theme presentation (string section only), and goes through to the climax with percussion and brass sections.
- Winterleaf: A very dark track with only a string section and viola. The first part of the theme is with a cello; the second part is with the string section.
- Baystone: Creates a shady and mysterious mood using only a dulcimer. Very rhythmic with bass; melody goes “crescendo”.
- Coldwood: Similar to the main theme. The brass section introduces the melody, then percussion and string sections in “crescendo”.
- Mayfalls: A soft mood, due to the presence of nature sounds and the presence of a waterfall. String and expressive flute.
- Westwall: A “military” mood, ready for war. Great importance to the brass and percussion sections.
Whitewind: Similar to the mood of Winterleaf. String section and two cellos that overlap each other.
The Republic of LarastirIn composing the main theme of Larastir and its variation cycles, we mostly read the description of the introductory lore for inspiration, trying to understand what kind of melody, harmony, and mood could fit its stories. The main external reference and inspiration came from The Lord of the Rings and elven music in general, although in this case, we preferred to improvise more. This led us to experience some challenges, especially with creating the variations, but by changing timbres, rhythm, and mood, we were able to come up with something we were pleased with.
- Thilaris [Main Theme]: Solemn music but creating a very magical atmosphere: horn and string sections and an emphasis on the choir, which fills the background. The string section dominates in the first part while the horn section dominates in the second
- Lindorwin: A sad and melancholy mood, but still solemn. Rhythm and harmony with the string section, while the melody is carried by the horn section. A choir in the background maintains a magical mood.
Edhenen: A darker mood. The harp and horn section carry the melody with the "magic" choir in the background.- Tirothas: Very rhythmic due to the connection between the elvish and dwarven races. Short violins and the horn section carry the melody with the ever-present choir in the background .
Val’Rhain: An expressive flute and horn section symbolize a bow and arrow. Rhythm is carried by the string section and choir.- Forlariath: A battle-ready mood, supported by the horn section. The string section and choir fill the background.
- Nir-Lathias: A secret and mysterious mood, with the harp and string section carrying the rhythm, and the choir singing a sort of melody.
[...]
Alaloth
SP/MP: Single-playerSetting: Fantasy
Genre: Action-RPG
Platform: PC
Release: In development
Turn Based Lovers - Keep an Eye on It: 5 Turn-Based RPGs
by Hiddenx, 17:19
The Turn Based Lovers found five upcoming turn-based games, again:
5 Promising RPGs & Strategy Games KAEOI#17
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- Full Circle
- Manafinder
- Mist Legacy
- Delphyq
- Deepest Chamber