Top RPG Announcements, Updates, News and Releases of the Week
Let’s kick off this fresh RPG News Weekly Recap where we dive into RPGs, strategy games, and roguelites with turn-based mechanics. This week is all about the #turnbasedthursday festival, led by the turnbasedthursday team, my ally and co-owner of the Discord Server.
The event showcases the turn-based gaming world, including developers, original projects, and content creators, with over 350 games, numerous demos to play, and a host of streamers and YouTubers celebrating from April 4-8. I’m joining the fun too, presenting 15 of the festival’s most intriguing titles on Monday at 2 PM CET.
But now, let’s also check out the latest news, announcements, and releases alongside the festival.
Former Dawn – A new NES RPG…..
It’s not an April Fool’s joke, Former Dawn is a promising NES RPG under development by Somethin Nerdy Studios, which impressively combines a retro feel with modern game mechanics. Planned for both NES and PC, the game features a turn-based combat engine and has teased the potential for an action battle system as a stretch goal in its forthcoming crowdfunding campaign.
A physical NES version is confirmed, utilizing a unique memory mapper for authenticity. While primarily focused on NES and PC, the developers are open to considering other platforms like the Switch, though an Xbox version is not planned. Learn more about it on timextension.
HOMM-Inspired Gets a Huge Update
Songs of Conquest, a strategy game inspired by Heroes of Might and Magic, has launched its Map Madness update, introducing a range of new maps and a substantial Steam sale.
The update, described as the final major one before the game’s full release, offers new challenges across nine maps, catering to a variety of playstyles, including PvP and co-op. With the game’s price significantly reduced on Steam until April 11, now is an opportune moment for interested players to dive in.
New RPG Announced on Nintendo Switch
Doll Explorer is an upcoming turn-based strategy game for the Nintendo Switch developed by Pico Games. It involves navigating dungeons through a combination of different actions, featuring characters like Tia the witch, Doll the magical life form, and Lilith the demon tribe princess.
The game emphasizes building actions on a deck, tackling enemies, and enhancing characters’ abilities by collecting materials. A key draw is the engaging story of exploring a poisonous dungeon filled with treasures.
If XCOM & Left 4 Dead have a baby
Dead Season is an innovative strategy game blending elements of the XCOM series and Left 4 Dead into a unique post-apocalyptic survival experience. Developed by Pavel Kharev under the studio Snail Bite, the game is set in a world overrun by zombies, focusing on a group of survivors who must work together to ensure their survival.
It features turn-based combat, strategic resource gathering, and the challenge of managing noise to avoid attracting hordes of zombies. With 16 missions and a story revealed through comic interludes, Dead Season promises an engaging blend of tactics and narrative. Set for a 2024 release on PC.
Tactical Puzzle Game That Offer One Plan
No Plan B, a tactical planning game by solo indie developer GFX47, is now available on Steam. It challenges players to make critical decisions, assemble and equip a squad, and utilize an innovative timeline system for planning and execution.
The game offers roguelike campaigns, standalone missions, and endless replayability with community-made maps. GFX47, known for “Gladiabots,” continues his passion for programming tactical games with this new title.
Ready to become a pirate in this new RPG?
One of the highlights of my week has been discovering this incredibly interesting new RPG set in the pirate world. Flint: Treasure of Oblivion, developed by Savage Level and published by Microids, is an upcoming tactical RPG set in the golden age of piracy.
The game promises a rich narrative experience blending historical elements with fantasy, enhanced by a comic-book style narrative. It features turn-based tactical combat, exploration of diverse environments from historical cities to exotic landscapes, all powered by Unreal Engine 5. Planned for release in Q4 2024 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Legion IX Release Date Announcement
King Arthur: Legion IX, set to launch on May 9, 2024, on Steam, is a dark fantasy tactical RPG developed by NeocoreGames.
It’s part of the King Arthur: Knight’s Tale universe and introduces a new story with new heroes, engaging both new players and veterans with its blend of turn-based combat and character-centric storytelling. The game will also be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S soon.
New rogue-lite Deckbuilder Launching in the next days
Tetra Tactics, a roguelike deckbuilder game inspired by “Final Fantasy” minigames like Triple Triad and Tetra Master, officially exits early access and launches on Steam on April 9, 2024.
Developed by lead developer Jabari Alii, the game offers single-player strategic depth with a 4×4 tactical grid, procedural challenges, and deep meta-progression. Players can expect complex card interactions and the opportunity to build powerful decks through gameplay that rewards planning and strategy.
Second Trailer for the upcoming JRPG Shin Megami Tensei Vengeance
Atlus just published the second trailer for Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. This addition to the franchise offers a choice between the original story route, Canon of Creation, and a new Canon of Vengeance route, which takes a dramatic turn into a tale of revenge.
The game introduces new characters and features, including expanded exploration and new demon interactions. Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance will be available on multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, on June 14, 2024.
Most Anticipated JRPG Gets a playable demo
For sure, it is one of the most anticipated JRPGs for me, and finally, we have a chance to try it. Bloomtown: A Different Story has launched a PC demo on Steam, with a full release planned for Q3 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
The game blends turn-based combat, monster taming, and social RPG elements, set in a 1960s Americana world. Players will delve into the mystery of a quiet town facing eerie occurrences, using a mix of strategic battles and character development.
Horror-Themed RPG Adventure Set For An April Release
The Foretold: Westmark Legacy is an upcoming Horror Deck Building game by Nodbrim Interactive, inspired by H. P. Lovecraft’s works. Set in a gothic horror adventure setting, players investigate eerie occurrences with characters like paranormal investigator Herbert Westmark and Ambrose, a witty parasitic demon.
Featuring a deep narrative, branching dialogues, and multiple endings, it launches on April 30, 2024, on PC. You can learn more about is inside my article.
Disgaea 7 Complete Announced
Disgaea 7 Complete is announced for PS5, PS4, and Switch, launching in Japan on July 25. This edition includes the base game Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless, all downloadable content, a new bonus story, characters, and additional gameplay elements. Western release details are pending.
The Legend Of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II Scheduled For a Nintendo Switch Release
The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak II is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch in Japan on July 25. This version will include various optimizations, a High Speed Mode, and an Archive feature offering detailed game lore and character information.
Additionally, first-print copies come with exclusive bonus content. The game initially launched for PS4, followed by a PC version, and explores a new chapter in the Trails saga with a refined battle system and a deep narrative.
Story-Driven RPG Gets a New Trailer
Finally, we have the chance to see some new gameplay scenes for one of the most interesting RPGs around. New Arc Line, a story-rich single-player RPG, has unveiled a new story trailer, highlighting its world where magic meets technology.
Players navigate a city teetering on change, choosing paths that could alter both personal fate and the world’s future. The gameplay includes tactical turn-based battles, deep character customization, and a narrative that adapts to player choices. Set for release on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC in 2024, it promises a mix of steampunk and arcane magic.
Don’t Sleep on this Promising Tactical roguelite
I talked about it yesterday, announcing the available demo for this interesting tactical game with roguelike or roguelite elements. At this point, I’m a bit confused about the difference between the two. Anyway, Lost In The Open, a roguelike tactical RPG by Black Voyage Games, premieres with a playable demo.
Set in a low-fantasy world, it focuses on survival, strategic battles, and a mature narrative. The game, inspired by medieval art, offers node-based exploration and tactical combat. Available on Steam, it’s part of the #TurnBasedThursdayFest.
Wanzers are Heading on PC, Playstation and Xbox
Originally released on Switch in 2023, Front Mission 2: Remake is launching for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on April 30, 2024. This tactical RPG offers a deep storyline set after the second Huffman conflict, featuring strategic turn-based combat, Wanzer customization, and modern enhancements.
A PC demo, including the first two levels, is available on Steam today, with progress carrying over to the full game. For more details and to check out the screens and trailer, go here.
Retro-RPG Inspired Announcing Its Release Date
Let’s close with a great announcement. SKALD: Against the Black Priory, a retro-RPG inspired by classics like Ultima, is set to launch on May 30 for PC, available on Steam and GOG. Following a successful Kickstarter in 2019, this game combines modern design with a compelling story and authentic 8-bit aesthetics.
A newly updated demo is currently available on Steam. The game’s release date trailer includes a unique live-action segment reminiscent of 90s game commercials, followed by gameplay footage.
This week, as you’ve seen, has been quite intense, with lots of news, announcements, and releases (mostly demos). Before signing off, I want to remind you to check out my April release article and reach out to me on Twitter and Discord Server. Wishing you a blessed weekend. Ciao
