Edge of War: A New Dawn in Isometric CRPGs Inspired by Finnish Folklore

Written by Marcello TBL

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Edge of War

In the vast world of indie gaming, every now and then, a title emerges that promises not just entertainment but a unique experience. Edge of War is one such game that has recently debuted on Steam’s Early Access platform. Developed and published by Action Squad Studios (devs behind Iron Danger), this game promises to immerse players in a world where every decision matters.

Tonight 10:30 pm CET I’m going to explore the game live on Twitch, but in the meantime keep reading for an overview for this promising CRPG.

Edge of War

Game Overview

Edge of War is an isometric, turn-based CRPG set in the Northlands, where every side quest holds as much weight as the main quests. The game’s world is reactive, adjusting and evolving based on players’ choices. This ensures that every playthrough offers a distinct narrative, filled with challenges and surprises. The game draws heavy inspiration from Finnish folklore, offering a fresh setting that hasn’t been explored much in the gaming world.

Edge of War boasts dynamic, physics-based environments, allowing for strategic depth in combat. Elemental interactions, such as those involving water, fire, oil, and electricity, are present, adding layers to the gameplay. Players can choose from three races: humans, peycko, and hirwio, and customize their characters with over 20+ skills.

Early Access Release

The journey of Edge of War began in spring 2020 with a small, passionate team. By 2022, they secured a publishing deal for a 2024 release. However, unforeseen circumstances in 2023 led to a change in plans. Despite challenges, the team’s commitment to the game remained unwavering. They decided to release the game on Early Access to gather feedback and shape its destiny with the community’s input.

Edge of War

The Early Access version provides a glimpse into the game’s potential. While foundational mechanics like combat and exploration are solidified, many elements, including story depth, await refinement. The developers have a grand vision for Edge of War and are transparent about its current state, ensuring players know what to expect.

A Unique Announcement

In a surprising twist, the developers announced that by the end of the month following the game’s release, none of them would be working in the company anymore. Moreover, they kept the game under wraps, not revealing any details before its release. This unique approach to game release and the intriguing features of Edge of War make it a title worth exploring for CRPG enthusiasts and those looking for a fresh gaming experience.

Edge of War is available now on Steam for those interested in diving into this new world. Whether you’re a fan of CRPGs or just looking to support innovative game development, your feedback and support will be invaluable in shaping the future of this promising title.

Below the launch trailer and details from the Steam page of the game while if you want to see the game in action, join me tonight 10:30 pm CET on Twitch as I dive inside the magical world of Edge of War.

Edge of War delivers an isometric CRPG experience where your choices carve a unique path through the Northlands inspired by laplands and Finnish Folklore. Engage in intricate grid-based combat, leveraging a deeply interactive environment to outmaneuver foes.

In this world, every quest holds weight and significance, directly influencing your journey and the others around you. With semi-procedural world creation and emergent storytelling, each playthrough offers a distinct narrative and plenty of variety.

Venture forth, but remember: mastering the environment is as crucial as mastering the blade.

Engage in Tough & Tactical Combat

Trials and tribulations await those who seek redemption in the Northlands. Assemble your squad and scout the wilds beyond Fort Turso. This tough turn-based CRPG will pit you against the dangers and the darkness that inhabit the North. Test your wit, wiles and will in a world inspired by Finnish Folklore and the Kalevala!

A New Story Every Playthrough

Procedurally-deployed hand-crafted quests along with reactive environments lead to a level emergent gameplay unlike any other, and ensures every playthrough is different. Your decisions affect the fate of the Northlands. Choose your squad, choose your skills, choose your allies.

Make friends or enemies of the locals. Delve in dungeons and discover ancient artefacts. Fight tooth, nail and claw against the mighty beast of the wilds. Commune with the spirits and abide by their ways when traversing their realms. Or tackle indomitable constructs and collect their weird technology.

Each element is taken into account and will shape not just your characters but the Northlands. The smallest decision can rally a faction to come to your aid, or seek your destruction. So be careful where you swing that blade, toss that fireball, or lay a kind word. How you live will determine how you die in Edge of War.

Explore Finnish Folklore

Your squad is tasked with exploring a region that has seen the corruption of a Compelled God, bears the scars of a warlord, and is marked by histories and peoples long forgotten. And yet, somehow people still eek out an existence amidst all these dangers. The Free Folk and the Barbarian Tribes call it home, as do the many spirits – all of them just waiting for a reason to kill you.

Vaeki infuses every stone, every tree, every stream. It gives rise to life, it is present in death, and it is a gift of the gods. Ukko reigns above, Tuoni below. Their brethren are scattered. Yet all ignore you and your prayers. Such is the way of the North.

Fort Turso is your home, your hub for adventures. From here you can journey to the borders of Pohjola or seek the river to Tuonela. Perhaps you will follow in the footsteps of Tapio or heap praise and prayers upon a shrine to Vetehain. Wherever you go Hiisi and other horrors are never far away.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Marcello TBL

Italian Dad in love with Turn-Based RPGs and Indie Games. In 2018 he started Turn Based Lovers and now he can't live without it.