In addition to being one of the most groundbreaking RPGs in recent years, Disco Elysium has paved the way for a new type of narrative where there is no combat system. Instead, the real weapons are words and the choices players make for their alter egos. Several projects have followed its example, with many more in development.
Today, I introduce Rue Valley, an isometric CRPG developed by Emotion Spark Studio, which has recently secured support as a publisher from none other than Owlcat Games—the developers behind Pathfinder and Rogue Trader.
Rue Valley is an isometric narrative RPG that immerses players in a deeply emotional and psychological journey, set in the eerie confines of the Rue Valley Motel where players assume the role of a man trapped in a mysterious time loop, struggling with intense mental challenges.
Each reset of the loop offers a new chance to explore different facets of the protagonist’s personality, influencing how he interacts with the world and its inhabitants. As players delve deeper into the game, they must navigate the complex emotional landscapes of the characters they encounter, all while piecing together the puzzle behind the time loop anomaly.
The game’s standout features include a unique memory storage system that allows players to retain key memories across loops, unlocking new interactions and mindsets crucial for solving the overarching mystery.
The art style of Rue Valley draws inspiration from the vibrant, parallax-rich visuals seen in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Disco Elysium, offering a visually striking experience. As players experiment with different actions and personalities in each loop, they inch closer to uncovering the secrets that bind the Rue Valley Motel and its troubled occupants.
More details about the game will be unveiled at Gamescom 2024, promising a fresh take on narrative-driven RPGs. No release date for now, here you can find the Steam Page of the game.
