It’s rare, but sometimes it happens. That rare stumble upon a game that both has a fantastic demo, and a release date not set in the far future of 2035. Of Ash and Steel is this game, and after giving it three hours, I couldn’t help but give it two thumbs up! It’s an old-school RPG in the form of Risen—and trust me, I did the test. I swung my sword at the back of my host as thanks for nursing me back from death, and he promptly kicked my ass. But see, he didn’t kill me, he just knocked me out, called me something foul and took my bow as compensation. If that isn’t old-school “living-world” mechanics, I don’t know what is!
Cartographer learns to fight
You play as a cartographer, recruited for an expedition by the Knights of the Order of Seven, who are set on a crucial mission of delivery. You don’t get told much, except that your expertise is needed, because of the treacherous waters ahead on the journey. In a classic RPG manner, things go south quickly, which leaves you as the sole survivor on an island that is as rough as it gets. Think the kill-or-be-killed prisoner colony from Gothic, and you are in the right area.
What is genius here is that you are an academic with not much combat experience, so the game sets you up for a great adventure with the typical: zero to hero. You better learn to fend for yourself fast, or you will be chow for the next giant rat that you come across!
Much to do!
First off, I just want to say that the demo seems to be pretty massive, letting you roam, explore and fight whoever you want, and as much as you like until you reach the gates of the big city. I was satisfied after three hours, as to not spoil too much of the main game when that finally arrives. Being an RPG of the style of Risen, Gothic and even Skyrim, it’s very free-form in what you can do, and learn—forming your own cartographer into whatever suits your playstyle.
From what I saw, there are tons of crafting and skills available. You will be able to create your own armors, weapons, brew your own potions, and cook food. It’s all very impressive, and looks to be right up my alley, with every piece of gameplay mechanic having an importance. See, food is more than just a health-restore, you actually need to eat and sleep not to get penalties, like fatigue, which will drain your stamina.
Combat is RPG stat-based, but will be dependent on your actual gamer skill (and special perks). Not to come off as that guy that compares everything to this game, but the fighting in itself reminded me a bit of Dark Souls (the first game specifically), with its heavy focus on maintaining your stamina for blocks, avoidance, and attacks. It felt pretty slow and weighty, which suits my preference of blow-trading.
The video below that is made by the publisher goes over the different aspects pretty well:
The visuals & sound
Now, Of Ash and Steel does not look like an AAA powerhouse, but the graphics are more than adequate. It’s very charming, with the world coming off as really pleasant, inviting you in for a good old adventure romp. Voice acting and music hold up too, with very fantasy esque tunes, perfectly accompanying the deadly combat. All around quality work, especially considering the budget.
In conclusion, this demo took me by surprise, as I had no idea of its existence. It was just pure chance I tried it, and I’m really glad I did, because I think this will be the cozy winter RPG of the year. On Steam, it says it will be released in three weeks—so, sometime in November if everything goes right. I highly recommend you give the demo a try!
Thanks for reading.
– Thomas
Tom's Gaming Vault 