Subterranea - A New Fantasy Turn-Based RPG

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Subterranea is a new fantasy turn-based RPG being developed by a one man studio called Cloud Nine Games. The developer describes his inspiration for the game below
Undoubtedly, my biggest CRPG inspiration is Pool of Radiance, an absolute classic from the Gold Box series by SSI. I misspent many hours of my youth, with a mate, trying to liberate Phlan. So what did I enjoy about PoR? Creating your own party – each and every character. The in-depth tactical combat, where character position really mattered (i.e. blocking doorways with fighters and putting wizards out of harm’s way). The story, the intrigue of the council, the classes, monsters and items all made for a classic D&D CRPG experience.
If you're interested in the story here is a snippet of the plot.
Your party has answered the call and are gathered in the entry room of Gimlet Hall. You and the other adventuring parties eye each other nervously – will you help or hinder each other? A staff strikes the marble floor, the two massive doors swing open and a guard summons you to be addressed by the cabal…
I even have a few videos you can check out with more promised to come. The first video shows off some pre-alpha gameplay. The second video shows off the games character creation.

Well that's all if you have any questions the developer uses the name JMab on the RPGWatch forums. Just visit his game thread here. Stay tuned for future news of a possible crowd-funding campaign, and other news.

More information.
 
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The site also has a FAQ to answer some questions some of you might have.

What is Subterranea?

It is a 3D, Fantasy, Computer Role-Playing Game (CRPG).

When will it be released?

When it’s done! We are aiming for late 2014, or early 2015.

What platforms will I be able to play it on?

Windows, Mac or Linux.

How will the combat work?

Combat is turn-based, to allow for great tactical depth.

What ruleset will the game use?

Subterranea is implementing the Open Game Content, as per the requirements of the Open Game License.

Can I create my own characters?

Yes! You can create up to six characters to adventure with together.

Can I heavily customise my characters?

Yes, you can tweak abilities, looks, feats, skills, spells and other attributes to get specialists, or jacks-of-all-trades, as you wish.

What makes Subterranea different to other CRPGs?

Our twist is using physics more heavily in a tactical RPG, to create emergent gameplay with dynamic traps, falling rope bridges, rolling barrels, etc.

Is Subterranea very combat heavy?

There is plenty of combat, however it’s just as important to pack a rope as it is a sword, as the underground environment will provide plenty of its own puzzling challenges for you to overcome.

What about the story?

Check out the Story page. This is the background to whet your appetite for the intrigues you’ll encounter within.
 
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Crowd funding campaign? Totally backed. Sounds great.
 
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Crowd funding campaign? Totally backed. Sounds great.
It's a possibility at this point, and it may not happen at all. The developer is looking to get the game on Steam Greenlight with Early Access also.
 
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Sounds pretty promising.
 
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Thanks guys, I've added these Q&A's to the Subterranea FAQ page to answer your questions:

Will Subterranea be on Steam Greenlight?
Yes – Steam Greenlight is a no-brainer. For a bit of effort in setting up a campaign page and video, you get the opportunity to distribute on the world’s biggest Windows, Mac and Linux game distribution platform, and all it will cost Subterranea backers is a click of a button. So yes, we’ll be on Steam Greenlight by the end of February, 2014.

If it’s green-lit, will Subterranea be available on Steam Early Access?
Almost certainly. It’s very tempting as a small indie developer to get access to loads of alpha and beta testers, testing the game on a variety of OS and hardware configurations. This needs to be balanced by ensuring any bugs found are fixed promptly by us and puzzle/plot content is not revealed too early to future players outside of the Early Access program.

What about crowdfunding (e.g. Kickstarter)?
Most likely. Incorporating fees, it will cost an additional $2K to finish Subterranea. That will introduce deferred rendering (many more lights and realtime shadows – essential for megadungeons), nice effects like depth-of-field, realistic water (the game is partially set in a swamp after all), and other things that range between necessity and nice-to-have. An additional $2-4K would bring enhanced animations, better 2D/3D art and custom music. So a crowdfunding target would be reasonably modest, however we’re not planning on creating a crowdfunding campaign before all gameplay systems are finished and a good chunk of the content is complete, which is looking like mid-2014.
 
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Definitely looks promising, and we need something other than Knights of the Chalice to continue to break that OGL Curse after the infuriating fate of the last game that tried and got all gummed up in publisher nonsense.
 
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Definitely looks promising, and we need something other than Knights of the Chalice to continue to break that OGL Curse after the infuriating fate of the last game that tried and got all gummed up in publisher nonsense.

Yes, I was very disappointed when Chaos Chronicles was cancelled, that game had a huge amount of potential. Luckily for Subterranea, I'm currently relying on no one but myself, so it will be delivered with continued hard work...
 
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There's been at least 5 great-seeming RPGs cancelled because of publisher issues or failed Kickstarter campaigns recently... hell, even more I'm sure. I'm just glad for the new wave of RPGs.
 
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