A new turn-based blobber in 2026? Please wake me, because I must be dreaming. As it seems, I’m not, and Underkeep is real. Now, this demo was a pure treat, as it’s a blobber without the dancing hell gameplay of Legend of Grimrock, being turn-based with combat more akin to the Wizardry series (but on a grid).
Continue reading “Underkeep – Demo Impressions”
It’s time to try Björn and Jennifer Pankratz’s (former Piranha Bytes) game Cralon from their newly established studio, Pithead Studio. Cralon is a first-person dungeon crawler that is clearly inspired by the classic title Ultima Underworld. After finishing the short demo, the exploration and atmosphere sure are there. However, the combat will require some serious polishing, as it felt clunky and not very satisfying. But mood is one of the fundamentals to get right for a game like this—so, I’m glad they nailed this important aspect in the demo.
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Today, the 27th of January, the Kickstarter for the Gothic-inspired RPG Sword Hero launches! It’s not out just yet, but soon. So this is a call to arms to everyone who wants to see this game become reality. Prepare yourself, lay down your mouse and grab your sword—it’s time for medieval limb-cutting battles in a PlayStation 1 retro-visual style!
I tried the demo back in September last year, and it took me by surprise, showing huge potential for the future. However, it was just an arena test that showcased the combat system, which was awesome—but it left me more than curious about how a real RPG would be in a system-heavy game like this. So please, let’s make it a real thing! You will find the Kickstarter link here!
Update:
Aaaaaand, it’s up! Make sure to check out the Kickstarter video too. Video after the click!
Welcome to this report on Knights of the Chalice. This is not a true review, since I’m far from the ending, as the game seemingly looks to be huge, with plenty of monsters and evildoers needing vanquishing. Treat this more as an ongoing field report in appreciation of what this title offers. The way I’m playing it, it fits better as an audiobook companion (don’t judge me!) than a full RPG experience that requires your complete attention—even if it does need it for success in the hairiest situations.
You see, this is a Dungeons and Dragons fighting simulator where the story only serves to take you from one challenging battle to the next. Knowledge of the DnD 3.5 ruleset is mandatory, or the orcs will make sheesh kebab out of your heroic group of adventurers before you even have time to unsheathe your sword.
Continue reading “Knights of the Chalice – Fireball, My Only Friend [Field Report]”
I decided to try the Ardenfall demo, which is an Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind-inspired RPG, set in a fantasy world that can best be likened to Vvardenfell—strange wildlife and all. The oddity of the place, just like Morrowind, comes from the familiar, mixed with the unfamiliar—and while I’m not entirely sold on the visual style, it does play a huge part in its oddness. So, if you love to explore bizarre alien worlds with an oriental cultural flavor, this will feel tailor‑made for you.
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