Turn-based - IndieGames https://www.indie-games.eu/en All about Indie Games Thu, 19 Jun 2025 18:26:36 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.indie-games.eu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-logo-ig-novo3-32x32.png Turn-based - IndieGames https://www.indie-games.eu/en 32 32 Guards II: Chaos in Hell – Turn-Based Strategy with a Unique Spin https://www.indie-games.eu/en/guards-ii-chaos-in-hell-turn-based-strategy-with-a-unique-spin/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/guards-ii-chaos-in-hell-turn-based-strategy-with-a-unique-spin/#respond Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:37:05 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=26452 It brings something new to turn-based strategy genre, forcing you to move your characters around a grid.

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  • DEVELOPER: Battlecruiser Games
  • PUBLISHER: HeroCraft PC
  • PLATFORMS: PC
  • GENRE: Turn-based / Strategy
  • RELEASE DATE: June 19, 2025
  • STARTING PRICE: 15,79 €
  • REVIEWED VERSION: PC
  • I was surprised by how much fun Guards II: Chaos in Hell is. It brings something new to turn-based strategy genre, forcing you to move your characters around a grid to activate their abilities and attacks. You’ll assemble a squad of four heroes from eight unlockable options (like a wizard, monk, or dark priest), which you earn by progressing through the campaign. Your goal is to defeat demons, but the game is not without its flaws.

    Core mechanics are easy to understand

    The game start with a brief tutorial that teaches you the core mechanic: to activate a hero’s ability, you must strategically swap them around a 7×3 grid. However, only the first two rows are actively used by the player. The second row holds your three attacking heroes, while the single position in the first row is for healing and activating abilities when you move a hero out of it.

    This is a really cool and interesting idea that keeps evolving. Each hero has unique attack methods: short-range, long-range, or elemental attacks. They also have second stances, for example, a wind elementalist mage can switch to a more powerful fire stance, unleashing special meteor fireballs. Healing is crucial too, and swapping a character from the back row is highly recommended.

    After the tutorial, you’ll start playing through a campaign that takes you through five distinct circles of Hell, each inspired by myths from various cultures, and every unlocks a new heroe. You’ll face a variety of enemies: they start weak, like simple mummies and grotesque creatures, but quickly become more deadly, throwing shurikens, attacking multiple times, and multiplying each level, making all biomes much harder to clear. My biggest bonus feature is the speed-up button. This lets you quickly complete playthroughs and levels in about six minutes, but it still keeping the strategic thinking fun and fast-paced.

    “You’ll face a variety of enemies: they start weak, but quickly become more deadly.”

    You can experiment with heroes and their talent trees

    Every enemy in Guards II is weak to something, whether it’s fire or physical attacks, making them easier to defeat with the right strike. After clearing a level, you can use demon essence (earned from completing levels) to get temporary boosts to stats like attack or health. Each circle of Hell has about 4-5 levels. However, a frustrating aspect is that to advance to the next level, you often have to replay previous ones within the terittory. This means clearing the same content again just to progress. This design choice was likely made to extend the game’s length and ensure you have enough time and resources for upgrades.

    All heroes have their own talent or upgrade tree, allowing you to buff their attacks, abilities, and boost their health and power, with multiple upgrade tiers available. You upgrade them using gems earned by completing levels and each level also offers higher difficulty settings, from easy to extreme, keeping the game fun and challenging. Additionally, you can unlock extra skills with feathers, such as heroes recovering more health in the back row or earning more demon essence after each level.

    There’s ability to conjure certain items for one-time or limited use during battle, like reviving a fallen hero (since it’s an instant game over if one dies) or dealing extra damage. But my biggest issue with Guards II is that it plays too safe with its content, offering not so much variety. While some heroes have unique stances, like the alchemist’s gun, most simply shift into a fiery form that’s often even weaker than their initial one.

    “All heroes have their own talent or upgrade tree.”

    Fast-paced and fun, you won’t be dissapointed

    It’s also unclear how many gems you’ve saved for each hero, since each character has their own separate pool for upgrades. While Guards II: Chaos in Hell boasts nice pixel graphics, they are too pixelated. This makes ability information, on-screen numbers, and even the initial tutorial text very difficult to read. Most enemies have distinctive looks and there’s a good variety, but bosses surprisingly don’t stand out. They lack unique characteristics, feeling more like regular enemies.

    However, despite these visual drawbacks, the game’s fast-paced turn-based strategy, combined with each biome introducing unique tactics and new heroes, makes it a really solid choice if you enjoy this genre. There’s even a special “hell mode” at the end for an extra challenge. I can highly recommend this title. With 80 levels to beat and a flexible systems, you’ll constantly experiment with your heroes and use them strategically, which is a big plus.

    Pros Cons
    Unique mechanics. Too pixelated graphics.
    You have the freedom to experiment. Certain accessibility options are missing.
    Very simple to play.
    It can be sped up.
    Content
    80%
    Gameplay
    90%
    Graphics
    70%
    Final score

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    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 uskoro bi mogao dobiti novi sadržaj https://www.indie-games.eu/en/clair-obscur-expedition-33-teases-new-content/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/clair-obscur-expedition-33-teases-new-content/#respond Tue, 17 Jun 2025 10:00:30 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=26417 The hint of "new content" suggests possible DLC to expand the game's universe.

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    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become one of 2025 standout title with its heartfelt story and innovative turn-based combat. Developed by Sandfall Interactive, this dark fantasy Belle Époque RPG has sold over 3.3 million copies since its April 24, 2025 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Now, fans can get excited as Sandfall teases new content for the beautiful continent of Lumière.

    Sandfall Interactive recently shared on their social media, saying: “We’re currently exploring a wide range of future improvements.” The hint at “new content” suggests possible DLC to expand the game’s universe. They’re also considering broader localization options to reach more players, though they noted no timelines or details are set yet.

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows the volunteers of Expedition 33, a group racing against time to stop the Paintress, a mysterious entity who awakens yearly to paint a cursed number on a monolith, wiping out everyone of that age. With a mix of turn-based combat and real-time moves like dodging and parrying, it offers a fresh RPG twist, drawing inspiration from classics like Final Fantasy and Persona. It earned a 92% critic score on OpenCritic and a 9.7/10 user rating on Metacritic, marking it as one of 2025’s top games.

    One possibility is exploring the war between the Painters and the Writers, a conflict teased in the main story but left mostly unexplored. Fans are also eager to learn more about the Dessendre family, whose connection to the Paintress could spark a new tale. New content could uncover the fates of past expeditions, building on the notes and journals scattered throughout that hint at their tragic stories.

    Clair Obscur already features the Endless Tower, a challenge mode testing combat skills, so new content will likely focus on story-driven additions. Sandfall’s lead writer, Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, last month in an Instagram Q&A also said: “If players really want it, we’d love to add more, and with the reactions so far, the chances look good.” While the studio has focused on polishing the base game, their openness to DLC mirrors the strong fan demand, with over 95% positive Steam reviews from 83,623 players as of June 2025.

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    Dice ‘n Goblins – Cozy RPG with unique approach https://www.indie-games.eu/en/dice-n-goblins-cozy-rpg-with-unique-approach-review/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/dice-n-goblins-cozy-rpg-with-unique-approach-review/#respond Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:00:58 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=26219 The game aims to blend luck and strategy in a cozy yet challenging package.

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  • DEVELOPER: Tsukumogami Software
  • PUBLISHER: Tsukumogami Software
  • PLATFORMS: PC
  • GENRE: Turn-based RPG
  • RELEASE DATE: April 4, 2025
  • STARTING PRICE: 13,79€
  • REVIEWED VERSION: PC
  • Dice ‘n Goblins is a first-person turn-based and dungeon-crawling RPG that places you in the role of Gobby, a goblin knight navigating trap-filled dungeon to find a safe haven for her people. With its unique dice-based combat that draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, charming hand-drawn art, and classic grid-based exploration, the game aims to blend luck and strategy in a cozy yet challenging package.

    Cute cartoonish graphics

    Having already played the demo, I had some expectations for the game’s official release, but its 10 interconnected levels with grid-based movement, reminiscent of titles like Legend of Grimrock or Etrian Odyssey, truly hooked me in. However, it occasionally grew repetitive. The dungeons lacked proper detail, filled with similar-looking enemies and consistent, rather bland textures and graphics everywhere, which was a slight disappointment.

    Despite this, I really admired the approach to art style and characters. They’re essentially hand-drawn images integrated into a cartoonish environment, and while that might sound odd, it actually complements the surroundings perfectly. From goblins to mice, every character fits seamlessly into the world. Beyond that, the dungeons feature interconnected layouts, demanding you solve environmental puzzles like finding switches or even drop down through holes and be in the water.

    The auto-mapping feature helps you stay oriented, but I wish it had clearer markers for walls and edges, as it can leave you confused about where to go next. The map’s multiple floors and layers often felt unclear too – it was just rather confusing to get around, although going face first into danger was fun. Luckily, the game’s small size makes finding the right path quicker than expected.

    “I really admired the approach to art style and characters.”

    The turn-based combat is solid but comes with some flaws

    The combat system is arguably the game’s most enjoyable and straightforward feature. You equip items like daggers or shields, each providing specific dice, for example, a dagger gives a four-sided damage die or a shield a defense die. These dice are rolled every turn and categorized into damage, defense, and healing. Success depends on strategically selecting dice to chain combos and using unique skills to alter dice effects for maximum impact. Enemies also use dice and combos, which sometimes forces you to adapt to their patterns.

    However, the system’s reliance on RNG can make fights feel too fast at times, or drag on, especially in later dungeons. But, since you get a permanent healing dice early on, it makes it too easy to just take hits, which makes the combat a bit boring. The game is even more forgiving because you have stars to change your dice numbers, making it easy to “cheat” the system. While I understand the goal of a cozy game, the balance between early and late game is visible.

    As you travel and explore, you’ll find loot in chests, including new dice, equipment, and items to trade with a dungeon merchant. This lets you customize Gobby’s dice pool and skills. What I do miss is a clear visual difference between bosses and regular enemies. Bosses hit hard, but since you can rest at campfires to reset enemies, you can essentially farm levels for free. This can also make enemies too weak over time, though the game tries to balance this by forcing you to explore for new loot, as sticking with the same weapons isn’t a good idea.

    “Combat relies too much on RNG and forgiving mechanics.”

    The story has its own memorable moments

    Dice ‘n Goblins also features a gentle learning curve, gradually introducing mechanics like piercing or poison effects, so you’re not stuck with the same items. With three different skill trees, there’s plenty of room for experimentation. My biggest issue is the inconsistent XP and gold drops from enemies. Some grant a lot, others very little, with no clear explanation for these varied amounts.

    Another really good aspect is the story, which is delvered through silly dilagoue and cutscene that hint at a larger world. Interactions with NPCs, including potential allies, add charm and context, though the story is more a backdrop than a driving force here. The focus remains on gameplay, with the narrative serving as a light, engaging motivator. Sadly, most NPCs feel a bit useless, which is a definite letdown. There’s also backtracking, but only in situations where you suspect you’ve missed a room and hope to find a new chest.

    On a positive note, I didn’t encounter any major bugs. The only real annoyance is accidentally clicking forward during combat, which can trap you, preventing you from re-selecting dice and forcing you to commit. Missions were also often unclear, with odd progression paths, and dialogue sometimes fails to provide proper direction. But even if you do get lost, somehow you would always find a way out.

    “The story unfolds through amusing, silly dialogue and cutscenes.”

    Solid pick if you’re into cozy RPGs

    In the end, Dice ‘n Goblins proved to be a surprisingly solid RPG. I appreciate games that experiment and offer something new, and this is definitely one of them. The first-person view was so well-executed that I didn’t even miss a third-person option, though it would have been a cool addition. Nevertheless, this is a very charming game, perfect if you’re a fan of the genre.

    I often found myself listening to podcasts while playing this one, it’s genuinely that chill and enjoyable. While it’s still a bit rough around the edges, I can’t fault the developers; it’s an indie game that’s functional and absolutely worth a try. For those who love cozy RPGs with a tabletop feel, Dice ‘n Goblins is worth exploring, especially if you can overlook some minor imperfections.

    Pros Cons
    Charming characters and art style. The graphic style is always the same everywhere.
    Good turn-based combat. It depends too much on RNG.
    Relaxing and simple gameplay. Navigating is confusing.
    Satisfying progression. It can become repetitive.
    Content
    80%
    Gameplay
    80%
    Presentation
    70%
    Final score

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    Tobyfox Strikes Again: Deltarune Becomes a Massive Hit After Undertale https://www.indie-games.eu/en/tobyfox-strikes-again-deltarune-becomes-a-massive-hit-after-undertale/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/tobyfox-strikes-again-deltarune-becomes-a-massive-hit-after-undertale/#respond Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:26:20 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=25992 Players praise Deltarune for its "incredible storytelling, well-written characters, and wonderful soundtrack"

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    Few titles have captured hearts and minds quite like Deltarune, the latest masterpiece from tobyfox, creator of the beloved Undertale. As of June 5, 2025, Deltarune has amassed nearly 10,000 user reviews on Steam, with an overwhelming 98% positive rating. Should this be a surprise? Not really, considering the first free chapters already earned significant recognition.

    Deltarune first appeared with free chapters in 2018 and 2021, while the release of Chapters 3 and 4 on June 4, 2025 transformed Deltarune into a fully realized title. Priced at 24.99 € for Chapters 1-4, the game has not only justified its cost but exceeded expectations. It’s now one of Steam’s top-selling titles and ranked among the top-ten most played games after its latest update.

    The game’s success stems from several key factors. Firstly, tobyfox’s signature storytelling remains a cornerstone. The narrative, set in a parallel universe to Undertale, introduces new characters like Kris, Susie, and Ralsei, while reimagining familiar faces such as Toriel and Sans. Deltarune also keeps the turn-based RPG mechanics from Undertale but with significant change. Its bullet-hell inspired battles, now integrated into the overworld, offer strategic twist.

    Players praise Deltarune for its “incredible storytelling, well-written characters, and wonderful soundtrack”. Many note that despite being unfinished initially, it had “a lot of potential” and has already surpassed expectations with its latest chapters. The free-to-play model for the initial chapters also built a dedicated fanbase, which then supported the paid release of Chapters 3 and 4.

    Looking ahead, Deltarune’s future is bright. With Chapters 5 and beyond still in development coming as free updates, players are eager to see how the story unfolds and what new challenges await. Perhaps this new model of integrating and finishing a game could be worthwhile, but maybe only in tobyfox’s case, given he’s already a well-received developer.

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    Top 10 newly revealed RPG games from recent showcases that have me hyped https://www.indie-games.eu/en/top-10-newly-revealed-rpg-games-from-recent-showcases-that-have-me-hyped/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/top-10-newly-revealed-rpg-games-from-recent-showcases-that-have-me-hyped/#respond Wed, 04 Jun 2025 20:56:10 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=25984 There have been a huge amount of showcases recently and it's only going to get worse.

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    Indie Quest 2025, OTK Games Expo 2025, The MIX Summer Game Showcase, Best Indie Games Summer Showcase 2025, you name it, there have been a huge amount of showcases recently. While it’s impossible to cover them all (though I’ll secretly enjoy writing about them from time to time), here are top 10 RPG games you definitely need to check out before they release in 2025 or 2026.

    Runa

    Runa is a turn-based RPG by Fennec Studio, inspired by classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Persona. Set in a sci-fantasy world, you follow adventurers wielding “runas”, ancient tech controlled by adepts. It features a story-rich narrative, social links with over 15 romance options, and an “Elemental Break System” for strategic combat. Additionally, you’ll be able to explore diverse biomes, solve elemental puzzles, and build a base in Enyth with minigames like farming and fishing. Successfully funded on Kickstarter with 358,466 €, it’s set for release on PC via Steam in 2026.

    Quartet

    Quartet is a turn-based RPG by Something Classic Games, launching August 26, 2025, on PC, with PS5, PS4, and Switch versions in late 2025. Set in a steampunk-fantasy world, it weaves four intertwining stories like train robberies, a magical card deck, deadly airships, and an unlikely mage culminating in eight heroes uncovering a centuries-old conflict. You control four of eight characters in combat, swapping reserves for tactical advantage, and with no grinding and a focus on choice-driven narratives, it’s ideal for those who don’t have much free time.

    CyberThreat

    CyberThreat is an upcoming turn-based RPG with life sim elements by Aphelios, releasing on PC via Steam. Set in modern-day Edendale, you play a high school senior secretly battling viruses in Cyberspace as a hacker. In the game you will investigate mysterious student deaths linked to cyberbullying, using elemental hacks and physical attacks in turn-based combat. Juggle school life, explore 25+ voiced character stories, and engage in minigames like cooking or dating. CyberThreat features a dynamic calendar, day-night cycles, and anime-style visuals.

    Legends of Starkadia

    Legends of Starkadia is a turn-based RPG by Doom Turtle, set for release on PC via Steam in 2025. A bored Earth teen is teleported to the Starkadian Empire, thrust into an interdimensional battle against Niko’s evil armies. With 12 unique characters, strategic combat featuring quick-time events, and over nine planets to explore, it draws inspiration from EarthBound and Chrono Trigger.

    The Time I Have Left

    The Time I Have Left is a time-driven indie RPG by Ground Game Atelier, set for release on PC via Steam in 2025. You guide Aline, marked for death by “The Miasma”, through the deserted underground city of Colony 7. With only six hours to live, in the game you will explore in third- and first-person modes, solve puzzles, and face grotesque creatures in reactive turn-based combat. You will also be able to unlock abilities via clues, uncover secrets, and shape the narrative with multiple endings.

    Kingdoms of the Dump

    Kingdoms of the Dump is an indie SNES-style RPG by Roach Games, set for release in 2025 on PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam. You play as Dustin Binsley, a Trash Can Knight, in the garbage-filled Lands of Fill, spanning five and a half kingdoms. With Ratavia, your rogue friend, you aim to rescue the kidnapped King of Garbagia and stop the Toxic Grimelin Army to prevent war. Inspired by EarthBound and Final Fantasy VI, it features turn-based grid combat with timed hits, platforming, and character-swapping with unique abilities.

    Escape from Ever After

    Escape from Ever After is a genre-bending RPG by Sleepy Castle Studio, inspired by Paper Mario, set for release in 2025 on PC via Steam. You play as Flynt Buckler, a fairytale hero, teaming up with former nemesis Tinder to dismantle Ever After Inc., a megacorp exploiting storybook worlds for cheap labor. Explore secret-filled storybook realms, engage in snappy turn-based combat with timed action commands, and customize your party.

    Nocturne

    Nocturne by Pracy Studios is a story-driven rhythm RPG set in a digital afterlife, releasing in Q1 2026 on PC via Steam. You play as Karma, a newcomer in a corrupted world millennia after humanity’s extinction, battling twisted creatures and a sentient AI. The game features skill-based rhythm combat, blending Chrono Trigger and Guitar Hero with multiple difficulty options, pixel-art, and a deep narrative.

    Seed of Nostalgia

    Seed of Nostalgia is a pixel-art JRPG by Primitive Pixels, inspired by 90s classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI. You guide Atilla, a young Spirit Blade, and allies like Aleister and Terra to save the withering Gaia Seed in the mystical world of Sylvara. Explore lush, non-linear landscapes, engage in tactical turn-based combat without random encounters, and craft weapons.

    Colossus – Eternal Blight

    Colossus – Eternal Blight is an action-adventure RPG by Rustic Panda Games, set for release in 2025 on PC via Steam. You play as Lucian, a young knight, traversing a vast, blight-corrupted world to save his brother Lance. Inspired by Hyper Light Drifter and Chrono Trigger, it features pixel-art visuals, fast-paced combat with customizable abilities (swordsmanship, archery, magic), and exploration of cities, ruins, and alternate dimensions. You will also be able to uncover secrets, battle corrupted creatures using sacred stones, and face optional mini-bosses.

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    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Sold 3.3 Million Units https://www.indie-games.eu/en/clair-obscur-expedition-33-sold-33-million-units-in-33-days/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/clair-obscur-expedition-33-sold-33-million-units-in-33-days/#respond Tue, 27 May 2025 15:29:34 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=25529 The game boasts an incredible 9.7 user score on Metacritic and a 92 Metascore on consoles.

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    In just 33 days since its April 24, 2025 release, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut title from Montpellier-based Sandfall Interactive, has become a critical, artistic, and commercial success. It’s proving that a small team with big dreams can create something extraordinary. Currently available on PC via Steam and Epic Games, Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

    Within its first three days, Clair Obscur sold 1 million copies. By today, May 27, that figure has reached to 3.3 million across platforms, and that’s not even counting the additional players diving in through Xbox and PC Game Pass. For a brand-new IP crafted by a core team of just 30 people, some of whom were actually new to game development, this is nothing short of phenomenal. Published by Kepler Interactive, a London-based company known for backing bold, creative titles like Pacific Drive, Sifu, and the upcoming Rematch, Clair Obscur truly stands as a testament to what happens when vision and passion collide.

    The game boasts an incredible 9.7 user score on Metacritic and a 92 Metascore on consoles, putting it right up there among the elite in its genre. Then there’s the music. Composed by Lorien Testard, the game’s soundtrack has become a phenomenon in its own right. It actually debuted at the top of Billboard’s classical album charts, racking up 33 million streams in its first three weeks and surpassing 90 million by today.

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    Potezna deckbuilding igra DOG WITCH izlazi na Steam 2025. godine https://www.indie-games.eu/en/turn-based-deckbuilder-dog-witch-coming-to-steam-in-2025/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/turn-based-deckbuilder-dog-witch-coming-to-steam-in-2025/#respond Tue, 20 May 2025 15:02:36 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=24947 Get ready to immerse yourself in a strange, yet completely chaotic universe.

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    Mystic Forge and solo developer Heckmouse have announced DOG WITCH, a turn-based, dice-driven deckbuilding roguelike set to launch on PC via Steam later in 2025. You step into the paws of the Dog Witch, a half-dog, half-witch hero born when a Mad Master Wizard’s potion mishap transforms his loyal pup into a spell-slinging, hat-wearing sorcerer.

    Get ready to jump into a whimsical, yet totally chaotic universe in DOG WITCH. You’ll be battling some truly odd enemies here, like grumpy Cat Ladies, Russian Dolls armed with guns, and even suspicious milk vending machines. The game takes inspiration from favorites like Slay the Spire and Dicey Dungeons, blending deckbuilding with dice rolls.

    Every time you roll those dice, it helps you cast spells, kick off cool combos, and activate more than 150 different magical artifacts. The runs are pretty quick, usually lasting about 30 minutes, which keeps the gameplay feeling fresh and encourages you to try out wild new strategies and combos to outsmart your enchanted foes.

    Customization is a big deal here, letting you truly make your Dog Witch your own. You can pick its fur, hat, how it barks, and even its “chonk” level. The game’s hand-drawn art style is inspired by the playful absurdity of shows like “Adventure Time”. If you’re curious, there’s a demo planned for Steam Next Fest in June 2025, which will give you about an hour’s taste of the first area.

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    Opuštajuća RPG igra Horizonite, inspirirana Stardew Valleyjem, najavljena je za PC https://www.indie-games.eu/en/cozy-stardew-valley-inspired-rpg-horizonite-announced-for-steam/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/cozy-stardew-valley-inspired-rpg-horizonite-announced-for-steam/#respond Sat, 17 May 2025 15:39:39 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=24971 You will sail towards various islands, each rich in resources to collect, puzzles to solve, and treasures to find.

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    When a game throws together eye-catching 2.5D pixel art with a burst of vibrant colors, then adds island hopping, turn-based battles, and even managing your own resort, you can tell there’s something good brewing. That’s the vibe I’m getting from Horizonite, the new title from solo developer Phablix. It’s tough to put my finger on exactly what it reminds me of, but I’m definitely looking forward to checking it out when it lands on PC via Steam.

    In Horizonite, you’ll be setting sail for all sorts of different islands, and each one is packed with resources to grab, puzzles to solve, and treasures just waiting to be found. Getting out and exploring is a big deal, because you never know what challenges or rewards are tucked away, and they’ll help you build up your island. When things get a little wild, you’ll jump into turn-based battles against some interesting creatures. And when you want to chill out, you can dive into managing your own resort, customizing it and making it bigger for all the visitors who show up.

    The colors are bright and there are tons of cute little details, kind of like you’d see in Stardew Valley or Moonlighter. What’s also neat is that the seasons and weather actually matter. They change what resources you can find and how battles play out, which makes exploring and planning your moves more interesting. Plus, you’ll run into all sorts of characters, each with their own stories and things they need you to do, which gives you new stuff to work towards.

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    Chains of Freedom – Solidan, ali zaboravljiv taktički RPG https://www.indie-games.eu/en/chains-of-freedom-solid-but-forgettable-tactical-rpg-review/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/chains-of-freedom-solid-but-forgettable-tactical-rpg-review/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 20:48:30 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=24471 Chains of Freedom is a single-player tactical RPG centered on turn-based combat, light exploration, and resource management.

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  • DEVELOPER: Nordcurrent
  • PUBLISHER: Nordcurrent Labs
  • PLATFORMS: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
  • GENRE: Turn-based / Tactical / RPG
  • RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2025
  • STARTING PRICE: 24,50€
  • REVIEWED VERSION: PC
  • Chains of Freedom is a single-player tactical RPG centered on turn-based combat, light exploration, and resource management. You control a squad of soldiers navigating linear missions filled with mutants, enemy factions, and moral dilemmas, uncovering a conspiracy involving mind control and government collapse. While the combat is engaging and the biocrystal system adds depth, repetitive encounters, poor AI, and a lackluster story hinder its potential.

    I first stumbled upon Chains of Freedom during the last Steam Next Fest, and while playing the demo, it’s hard to resist another XCOM-inspired game that looks solid with decent gameplay. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it offers a good mix of enemies and playstyles, and you’ll likely enjoy exploring out of combat to scavenge supplies. However, the later parts drag on, the story feels stretched, and while it’s worth the price for fans of the genre, it’s a solid but not standout game.

    Combat shines at times but has its rough patches

    The turn-based combat in this game won’t shock you if you’ve played XCOM or Jagged Alliance. Each squad member has action points (AP) for moving, attacking, or using abilities. Positioning, cover, and line-of-sight matter a lot, with overwatch reactions and percentage-based hit chances. The highlight is the variety of weapons, such as shotguns, rifles, flamethrowers, mortars, and biocrystals that offer stat boosts or skills like regenerating action points.

    Here’s the deal: combat can stumble with repetitive enemy waves and slow pacing. You’ll notice how fights drag due to endless reinforcements, turning battles into a chore. But honestly, I kinda dug it, if you love non-stop action and constantly outsmarting your opponent with tactical moves, this game’s for you. You can pick from multiple difficulty levels, but like most games in this genre, the AI is a bit basic, often standing exposed or failing to flank. Don’t get cocky, though, this game doesn’t mess around. Get too close or skip crafting a solid plan, and you’ll be regretting it big time.

    Chains of Freedom skips stances or precise headshots, so you get that arcadey feeling rather than a proper deep strategy. With stealth, you can set up ambushes or sneak past enemies in some missions, but it’s not always the most useful tactic. Outside combat you explore linear areas like grim city ruins or caves to scavenge ammo, crafting materials, or biocrystals.

    “Don’t get cocky, though, this game doesn’t mess around.”

    The early game hooks you fast, but the late game slows down

    Additionally, you can craft ammo, medkits, or throwables, but with resources being so scarce, you’ve got to sharpen your tactics and plan carefully to make it through. The game feels a bit too linear, so exploration gets boring with plain environments and no map to track where you’ve been, making navigation a hassle. My favorite part of the game is definitely squad customization with biocrystals, it’s fun to mix and match builds with stat boosts like extra health, action points, or active skills you can swap outside combat. However, the progression can feel a bit flat, with weaker crystals or repetitive skills constantly being in your face. Plus, since characters are tied to the story, you don’t get much freedom to build your dream team, which limits the role-playing vibe.

    I wouldn’t say Chains of Freedom has much replayability, without branching paths, one playthrough feels like enough. But as you dive deeper, the game gets brutally punishing. In the latter parts of the game, its gridless, point-based combat cranks up the heat with bigger, trickier battlefields and multi-faction battles. Enemy waves get intense, with 10-15 mutants or soldiers spawning in waves that can steamroll you if you’re not strategic. For example, a late mission might have you defending a key spot from mutants while human snipers pick you off from high ground, forcing you to play around crowd control and long-range threats.

    In the late game, the story shifts from hunting rogue scientist Svetlov to uncovering the Sovereignty’s dark secrets, like EDEN’s roots as a mind-control experiment and the regime’s hand in triggering the apocalypse. Missions reveal Svetlov’s plan to turn EDEN into a weapon, creating sentient mutants, while the Sovereignty’s leaders are exposed in a scheme to cling to power through fear. These plot points, shared through radio chatter and brief cutscenes, try for a Deus Ex-style conspiracy vibe but don’t quite land as twists feel predictable, and characters stay shallow.

    “You don’t get much freedom to build your dream team.”

    Worth it if you’re fan of the genre

    The game kicks off strong with a great start and solid progression, but the late game turns into a real slog that’s frustrating to push through. Is it rushed? That’s for you to decide. Is it bad? Not exactly, but everyone’s experience with these parts will vary. I’ll keep this brief. When talking about graphics, they shine with moody 3D environments and cool comic-style cutscenes, but repetitive designs, clunky visuals, and UI hiccups drag it down. Additionally, the audio does its job but fades into the background, with voice acting holding up the story’s vibe despite some inconsistent and odd moments.

    In the end, Chains of Freedom is a solid but forgettable turn-based tactical RPG that hits the XCOM sweet spot with smooth, gridless combat and fun biocrystal customization. But repetitive enemy waves, a predictable story, and flat characters dull the gameplay. At 24.99€ with a free Steam demo, it’s a decent grab for tactics fans itching for a post-apocalyptic adventure, especially on Steam Deck. Still, it doesn’t hold a candle to XCOM. Hardcore genre fans might enjoy the ride, but casual players or those wanting something new should try the demo first to see if it clicks.

    “Solid but forgettable turn-based tactical RPG.”

    Pros Cons
    Solid turn-based combat. The fights drag on too long.
    Biocrystals customization. Forgettable narrative and characters.
    Moral ambiguity weaves through the gameplay. Typically bad AI.
    The later parts of the game are extremely tedious.
    Content
    70%
    Gameplay
    60%
    Graphics
    80%
    Final score

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    Glavna spisateljica Clair Obscur: Expeditiona 33 nagovjestila je mogući DLC za ovaj uspješni JRPG https://www.indie-games.eu/en/clair-obscur-expedition-33-lead-writer-hints-at-likely-dlc/ https://www.indie-games.eu/en/clair-obscur-expedition-33-lead-writer-hints-at-likely-dlc/#respond Fri, 02 May 2025 19:16:15 +0000 https://www.indie-games.eu/?p=24326 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 brought a refreshing change to the gaming industry and showed that AA titles can also achieve success.

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    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been a refreshing addition to the gaming industry, proving that even AA titles can find success. Launched on April 24 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, it has sold over one million copies and reached a peak of 121,000 concurrent Steam players. This turn-based RPG shows no signs of slowing down, with lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen recently hinting at likely DLC in the works.

    In an Instagram DM shared on NeoGAF, Svedberg-Yen responded to a fan’s DLC inquiry, saying the team is still processing the game’s massive success but would “love to do something more.” She added that, based on the overwhelming positive reception, “chances are good” for DLC. The game’s open-ended world map, The Continent, offers room for new areas, making DLC a natural fit.

    The game’s success, despite launching alongside Oblivion Remastered, proves its appeal, with a 93% “Very Positive” Steam rating from 25,000 reviews. Sandfall’s small team of about 30 developers, as noted by IGN, although it has not been offically revealed how many people worked on the game, makes this achievement even more impressive, and their openness to DLC shows they’re listening to fans.

    Set in a haunting, Belle Époque-inspired world, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 follows the members of Expedition 33 on a quest to defeat the Paintress, a mysterious entity who awakens yearly to paint a number on her monolith, erasing everyone of that age. This year, the number is 33, signaling a dire mission for the team. The game blends turn-based combat with real-time mechanics, allowing players to dodge, parry, and counter while chaining combos and targeting enemy weak points.

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