An RPG in the same vein as Disco Elysium and an Isometric Tactical RPG Set In Feudal Japan. Let’s learn something more about Them
We recently introduced the news about Owlcat Games’ decision to venture into publishing. Now, I probably don’t need to specify who we’re talking about, but let’s say you’re one of the few who aren’t familiar with this name. In that case, it’s only fair that I tell you we’re talking about one of the most talented indie studios out there, responsible for some of the best RPGs in recent years. Hits like Pathfinder: Kingmaker, its sequel Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and the more recent Warhammer 40k-themed CRPG Rogue Trader—so, we’re dealing with developers who know a thing or two about making a video game, especially an RPG.
They’ve decided to bring this expertise into publishing, specifically seeking out intriguing RPGs. After evaluating more than 50 projects, they’ve settled on two titles in particular, and now I’ll give you a bit more detail about them.
On The Footsteps of Disco Elysium
The first is Rue Valley, which I admit I hadn’t heard of before. At first glance, it reminds me of Disco Elysium, and after reading the details on its Steam page, it really does seem to echo its mechanics.
Developed by Emotion Spark Studio, the game is set in a mysterious town trapped within a time loop, where players must explore the psychological and emotional depths of its protagonist and a colorful cast of characters. Each individual in Rue Valley harbors intricate secrets and complex emotional struggles, all of which are gradually revealed as the player delves deeper into the town’s enigmatic story.
In this adventure, the protagonist faces not only external challenges but also profound internal battles, grappling with mental and emotional difficulties that mirror the town’s own perplexing nature. The player’s journey is one of self-discovery, requiring them to confront the shadows of their mind while attempting to unravel the origins of the time loop that ensnares them.
The game offers a rich role-playing experience where players have the freedom to craft their protagonist’s personality, choosing whether to be a calculating loner, an impulsive extrovert, or anything in between. These choices directly influence dialogues, interactions, and the overall narrative, making each playthrough a unique experience.
Rue Valley also features a dynamic memory and mindset system, where decisions made during the game are stored in a graph-like structure, unlocking new intentions and altering the protagonist’s mindset. This system adds layers of depth to the narrative, with personality-altering effects that change how the protagonist interacts with the world. For example, becoming more outgoing when drunk or more sensitive when anxious introduces unexpected and sometimes humorous twists to the story.
With no clear way out, the protagonist must experiment with different approaches to break free from the time loop. Every decision, every dialogue, and every interaction could hold the key to escaping—or may simply lead back to the beginning, forcing players to reconsider their choices and strategies. It looks like something truly deep and intricate. Of course, it’s still too early to have any news about a release date, although it’s quite likely that development is already at least in an intermediate stage.
Feudal Japan With Steampunk Robots
On the other hand, the second title is a project I’ve been following for a long time and have often written about on TBL. It’s called Shadow of the Road, a tactical RPG set in feudal Japan. However, in addition to encountering samurai, players will also have to deal with steampunk technology and various kinds of creatures.
Developed by Another Angle Games, this immersive experience invites players to assemble a diverse team of heroes, each with their own intricate backgrounds, to navigate a world where ancient traditions clash with emerging technologies and supernatural forces.
In this richly woven narrative, players will step into the shoes of various protagonists, from a disgraced ronin searching for redemption to a lost boy with the potential to influence the fate of nations. The game’s story unfolds in a Japan torn apart by the struggle between the Emperor and the Shogunate, where battles are fought not just for power but for the very future of the Empire.
The gameplay of Shadow of the Road emphasizes tactical combat and strategic decision-making. Players will face off against a range of formidable foes, including relentless samurai, mystical yokai, and the steampunk mercenaries of the East Nippon Company, a British trade conglomerate with its own hidden agenda. Each encounter requires careful planning and utilizing the unique skills and abilities of the team to overcome challenges.
The choices made throughout the game will shape the destiny of both the characters and the broader narrative. Whether adhering to principles or embracing betrayal, the player’s decisions will lead to different outcomes, forging new alliances or shattering existing ones. The complex web of relationships between characters will influence their interactions and their battle performance, making every choice critical to their survival.
Shadow of the Road offers multiple paths and endings, ensuring that each player’s journey is unique. As players carve their way through the blood-tinged twilight of feudal Japan, they will discover that every road casts a shadow, affecting the lives of those they encounter. The game challenges players to consider the far-reaching consequences of their actions, ultimately revealing what lies at the end of their chosen path.
It had somewhat fallen off the radar, and everything pointed to it being an abandoned project. But thanks to this new collaboration with Owlcat Games, we’ll finally get a chance to experience this very promising tactical RPG. However, like Rue Valley, it doesn’t have a release date yet.
