All the new Turn-Based RPGs and Strategy Games You Can Play This Week and the Announcements
Here we are with a new weekly recap, where we explore what happened during the past week both within Turn Based Lovers and beyond. We’ve gathered all the announcements and new video games that debuted on PC and consoles.
Table of Contents of this Weekly News Recap of August 11th, 2024
- Italian RPG Based On Comic Series
- Tactical Pixelated RPG Ready To Debut On Kickstarter
- Time-Travelling RPG Announced
- A New Retro-Inspired Tactical Open World RPG
- A Roguelite Spartan RPG
- FTL-Inspired Roguelite Game Gets a New Delay
- SteamRobots Ready to Fight On PC and Consoles
- Zombie Hordes Heading To Xbox and Playstation
- Monster-Collecting Roguelite Now Available
- Cozy Puzzle Nature-Building Now On PC
- Tactical RPG Based On Skills Is Now Available In E.A.
- Stylish Deckbuilding You Must Absolutely Play Now
Italian RPG Based On Comic Series
Allow me to start with my beloved Italy because the first news item in this weekly recap concerns an Italian indie studio, Operaludica, based in Bologna, which announced the release of their new turn-based mystery dungeon RPG, Dragonero: The Rise of Draquir, for PC on September 26th via Steam.
The game is based on Sergio Bonelli Editore’s Dragonero comic series and invites players into the expansive world of Erondàr featuring five distinct characters, each with their own quests, and a unique “Master Mode” DLC releasing later this year, allowing players to create and share custom dungeons and campaigns.
Operaludica will showcase the game at the Tokyo Game Show 2024 from September 26-29, coinciding with the launch. Fans can also experience the game during the Steam Turn-Based RPG Fest from September 30th to October 7th, with a demo available now.
Tactical Pixelated RPG Ready To Debut On Kickstarter
Headbang Club has announced an upcoming Kickstarter campaign for DeathTower, a tactical rogue-lite RPG that plunges players into the depths of a towering megastructure. Set to launch on September 26th, 2024, the campaign seeks community support to fully realize the game’s potential.
DeathTower challenges players to navigate through its perilous, procedurally generated floors, each with unique ecosystems filled with enemies, bosses, and dynamic interactions. Players can choose from six distinct characters to form a squad of four, utilizing stealth, hacking, and an extensive arsenal of 75 weapons and hacks to survive and conquer the tower’s dangers. You can find more details here.
Time-Travelling RPG Announced
Paper Sword Games has unveiled Saveseeker, a cozy time-traveling RPG slated for release in Q3 2025 on PC via Steam. The game follows Emmer Edette and her toy dragon sidekick, Tippleton, as they embark on a mission to prevent Emmer’s father, a former Hero, from bringing about the end of the world. Players will explore six animated worlds, engaging in turn-based combat and solving puzzles.
A standout feature is the ability to recruit ex-bosses as allies, adding strategic depth and narrative richness to the adventure. Saveseeker offers a vibrant pixel art world with diverse environments and an original soundtrack by Dale North to enhance the experience. Learn more.
A New Retro-Inspired Tactical Open World RPG
Eternal Vigilance Entertainment is set to release The Adventurers, a retro-inspired tactical RPG that pays homage to classic Gold Box titles and traditional tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. It’s already one of my most anticipated RPGs and is slated for Early Access in Q4 2024 on PC. This pixelated RPG offers a deep, strategic combat system where players must skillfully manage their party’s diverse abilities and equipment.
Set in a dynamic high fantasy world, players will explore ever-changing landscapes, from lush forests to snowy peaks, and embark on a wide array of quests and random events. Character progression is highly customizable, allowing for varied playthroughs as players adapt to the evolving challenges of the world. The Adventurers aims to blend the nostalgia of retro RPGs with the depth of modern gameplay, making it a promising title for fans of the genre. Read our overview
A Roguelite Spartan RPG
Last Spartan: Glory Over Madness, developed by German indie studio Bad Spiele Studio, is a dice-based roguelite that draws inspiration from Darkest Dungeon, blending Greek mythology with Lovecraftian horror. In this 2.5D game, players take on the role of the last Spartan, navigating a dark, randomly generated world filled with unique enemies and encounters.
The game features a customizable dice set for turn-based battles and a deep narrative campaign where each playthrough offers fresh challenges. Players can align with one of ten Greek gods, each providing distinct abilities, and collect powerful artifacts to enhance their journey. Expected to release in 2024 on PC via Steam, Last Spartan promises endless replayability and strategic depth, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. I introduced it a few days ago; here are some details.
FTL-Inspired Roguelite Game Gets a New Delay
No, I’m not joking, but Hooded Horse’s upcoming sci-fi deckbuilding strategy game, Breachway, is getting a new delay in the release date. Initially slated for an earlier launch, the game will now enter early access on September 26, 2024, on PC via Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store.
The additional time will allow Edgeflow Studio to polish the game and introduce new content, including enhanced roguelite mechanics, fresh equipment, cards, and a new ship, the Firebrand, which brings unique strategic elements to gameplay.
Fans can try out an updated demo at Gamescom, with no further delays expected for the release. Breachway will be localized into multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
Steamrobots Ready To Fight On PC And Consoles
This week has been quite eventful in terms of new turn-based video games that are now available. The first one I want to highlight is SteamWorld Heist II, the latest installment in the acclaimed SteamWorld franchise, now available on all major platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Steam Deck, and PC via Steam.
Set in a beautifully handcrafted world, the game offers a thrilling high-seas adventure featuring Captain Leeway and his crew of Steambots as they unravel the mystery of a deadly water crisis.
Praised for its humorous storytelling and tactical turn-based combat, SteamWorld Heist II introduces enhanced gameplay with a new job upgrade system and expansive open-world exploration. The game has already been hailed as a “must-play” by critics and is poised to delight both new and returning players.
Zombie Hordes Heading To Xbox and Playstation
Dead Age 2, the tactical zombie survival roguelike from developer Silent Dreams and publisher Headup, has launched last week on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. Set a decade after the onset of the zombie apocalypse, players lead a community in Freedom City, where they must navigate the dangers of both the undead and power-hungry factions.
The game combines survival, base building, turn-based combat, and rogue-lite elements, offering an immersive experience with a new narrative, enhanced combat featuring over 24 skills, and a faction reputation system. Players can explore 80 detailed locations, make critical decisions that shape the story, and face one of six possible endings. Dead Age 2 also includes permadeath and multiple difficulty levels, ensuring varied and challenging gameplay with every run.
Monster-Collecting Roguelite Now Available
Another Italian project I’m proud of is new Tambu Games Monster-Catching Soulkin which is now available in Early Access on Steam. This tactical roguelite blends monster-collecting and turn-based combat, inviting players to explore the enchanting world of Ankiril. As Nadia, the summoned heroine, players will harness the power of Souls to command magical creatures known as Soulkin in strategic battles on a hex grid.
Each playthrough offers a unique experience with procedurally generated stages, challenging players to adapt their tactics and collect new Soulkin to overcome the corruption plaguing Ankiril. Soulkin promises a dynamic and engaging adventure, filled with strategic depth and rewarding progression. Players can now dive into this mystical world and help shape the game during its Early Access period.
Cozy Puzzle Nature-Building Now On PC
Preserve, the cozy puzzle nature-building game from Grindstone and developer Bitmap Galaxy, is now available on Steam Early Access. Priced at €9.99 | $9.99 with a limited-time 20% launch discount, the game invites players to create harmonious ecosystems across three distinct biomes: Continental, Savanna, and Marine.
Featuring over 25 puzzles and an unlimited creative mode, Preserve allows players to design their ideal habitats and capture their creations using an in-game photo mode. Additionally, the ‘Wonder Edition’ is available for €19.99 | $19.99, including the base game, a digital artbook, and the soundtrack. As part of the launch, Preserve is featured in exciting bundles with games like Townscaper and will be part of the Wholesome Games celebration from August 15-21.
Tactical RPG Based On Skills Is Now Available In E.A.
Skillsworn, a tactical RPG focused on combat and skill acquisition, is now available on PC via Steam. Developed with a low-poly aesthetic, the game invites players to lead a party through the perilous lands of Thera on a mission to stabilize the region in the King’s name. Featuring hand-crafted maps ranging from arid deserts to goblin-infested forests, Skillsworn emphasizes strategic party formation and skill acquisition, with many abilities to capture from defeated foes.
Crafting is essential, allowing players to create weapons and armor that complement their strategy. As players navigate this dangerous world filled with diverse enemies, from Boglins to undead and aberrations, they must adapt their tactics to succeed. Skillsworn promises a rich, strategic RPG experience for fans of the genre.
Stylish Deckbuilding You Must Absolutely Play Now
Knock On The Coffin Lid, a stylish deckbuilding rogue-lite by indie studio RedBoon, has just launched on PC. After a lengthy development, players can now step into this dark fantasy world, taking on the roles of three characters resurrected for mysterious purposes. The game features a map filled with classic nodes for events, battles, shops, and rest points, and its combat system is reminiscent of Slay the Spire, allowing for strategic deck-building and the addition of companions like bandits and freed slaves to your team.
One of the game’s standout features is its equipment system, where collecting items from specific sets unlocks various bonuses. Knock On The Coffin Lid also impresses with its impactful graphical style and well-crafted user interface, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and those new to it alike. The game is available now on Steam, and after about 5 hours of gameplay, I can’t recommend this game enough.
That’s all you need to know about news and releases of the past week. Let me know what you think by reaching out to me on X and Reddit. Wish you the best. Ciao!
