Let’s be honest, today’s RPGs are sometimes a bit “soft.” They spoon-feed you every single concept and mechanic to make the game as accessible as possible. In fact, that’s pretty much the norm nowadays—almost always.
Every now and then, going back to those games that simply welcomed you in, and the moment you hit “start,” you were left entirely on your own—forced to learn and discover the mechanics by yourself—is refreshing. At least, for an old-school gamer like me. Younger players might think I’m crazy.
In any case, today’s article is about a game I’ve talked about before, but now it’s officially stepping into the spotlight. It aims to scratch that particular itch for gamers craving something a bit more raw, deeper and challenging—let’s put it that way.
MicroProse has officially revealed Knights of Frontier Valley, an old-school-inspired roguelike RPG developed by Adamant Studios. What i didn’t know was the involvement of Rob Kuntz, one of the key pioneers behind Dungeons & Dragons, which has joined the project to lend his expertise in worldbuilding, storytelling, and quest design.
This procedurally generated adventure is set in a living, breathing world filled with danger, faction intrigue, and player-driven discovery. Knights of Frontier Valley is not just about combat—it also features deep survival mechanics, where hunger, thirst, injuries, and shifting weather conditions make every decision matter. The game also embraces turn-based tactical battles with gridless system, allowing players to carefully position their characters or opt for auto-resolved encounters.
A Visionary Collaboration
Rob Kuntz, a longtime collaborator of Gary Gygax and co-creator of the Greyhawk setting, expressed his excitement for the game:
“Frontier Valley immediately spoke to me because it captures what I loved about the earliest days of D&D—the thrill of discovery, a world that breathes on its own, and the feeling that every decision matters. This is a world that evolves with the players.”
With MicroProse’s backing, Adamant Studios aims to create an RPG experience that blends classic pen-and-paper roleplaying with modern procedural design. The game also features a hand-drawn art style, proudly created without generative AI.
Key Features of Knights of Frontier Valley
- Procedurally generated world filled with unique NPCs, factions, and dungeons.
- Turn-based combat without a grid, focusing on positioning and tactical depth.
- Survival mechanics, where resource management is critical to success.
- Rich character customization, with multiple classes, professions, and skills.
- A living world, where NPCs have daily routines, stories evolve dynamically, and there are no quest markers—just clues to uncover.
- Permanent consequences, making every playthrough unique.
With an original score by Kevin Manthei (Neverwinter Nights) and a custom-built game engine, Knights of Frontier Valley promises to be an ambitious indie RPG with true depth.
No release date for now, you can only wishlist Knights of Frontier Valley on Steam. Below the announcement trailer.
