Announced just a few days ago and with an imminent release date, Passageway of the Ancients is shaping up to feel like a love letter to the classic isometric RPGs of the ‘90s and early 2000s, such as Baldur’s Gate, Ultima, and Neverwinter Nights.
Developed by Passageway Games, a small indie studio founded by two veteran engineers with a passion for RPGs, the game is set in the dark, magical world of Aieryon; you’ll explore the city of Ithgar to unravel a mysterious crime while facing off against deadly creatures, uncovering hidden loot, and solving puzzles.
This isometric CRPG offers a mix of nostalgia and innovation, featuring both turn-based and real-time combat inspired by historical tactics and medieval weaponry.
A unique twist in Passageway of the Ancients is its dual persona system, where each player has a hidden “Dragonkindt” nature alongside a public-facing persona, which can be a Dwarf, Elf, or Human. Balancing these two personas in combat and throughout the game adds an extra layer of strategy, as you decide when to reveal your Dragonkindt powers and when to rely on your more human-like traits.
You will need to sharpen your wits, as the game is filled with decisions to take, puzzle-solving, and loot management. Magical items also play a significant role, influencing stats like intelligence and will, which are crucial for surviving the dangerous halls of Aieryon.
Key Features:
- Turn-Based & Real-Time Combat: Dynamic combat systems that draw from real historical tactics.
- Dual Persona System: Simultaneously level up both your Dragonkindt and your chosen race (Dwarf, Elf, or Human).
- Strategic Choices: Solve puzzles, manage party loot, and interact with various elements of the environment for clues and battle advantages.
- Customizable Characters: Design your character’s appearance and gender, choosing from three races.
- Runic Puzzles and Loot: Unlock hidden treasures by solving ancient puzzles and picking locks.
Passageway of the Ancients will be released on Steam on October 16, 2024. Below is an overview, screens, and trailer.
About Passageway Games
Passageway Games isa four-person studio in Abilene, Texas that was founded in 2014 by septuagenarians Jon Grierson and John Hendrick – who first worked together 30 years ago on a medical device project. During that project, Hendrick was impressed with Grierson’s work ethic, creativity, and technical skills. Leveraging his 50-year history with RPGs, Grierson approached Hendrick with the idea of working together again – this time, on an indie game!
About Passageway of the Ancients
Inspired by classic CRPGs from the ‘90s and a few from the early 2000s, Passageway of the Ancients will transport you to the world of Aieryon – the galaxy’s sole remaining magical planet – where you’ll explore the city of Ithgar to solve an unspeakable crime. Beset with grief, you’ll be tasked with surviving deadly creatures lurking behind every door while gathering clues, managing your party, and leveling up your character. You also must pick locks and solve Runic puzzles to gather the best loot.
Story & Gameplay
Combat is tough, complex, and always surprising. Passageway of the Ancients employs both turn-based and real-time combat – taking inspiration from historical weapons and tactics. Furthermore, you’ll have dual personas to deal with – a hidden “Dragonkindt,” and a public-facing race of your choosing (Dwarf, Elf, Human) – which must be leveled up at the same time.
Knowing which one to use (and when) is half the fun!
Here’s the official description of Dragonkindt – taken from Jon Grierson’s unpublished novel,
The Children of Xi-Shei:“Dragonkindt are part angelic being, part shapeshifter, and part Dragon. These creatures were thought to be merely the phantasms of some eastern poetic genius, inspired prophet, or demented scholar.”
Engage in Turn-Based & Real-Time Combat: Use both turn-based and real-time elements – drawing on real medieval weapons and tactics.
Unleash Your Dragonkindt Nature: Develop your character’s two personas simultaneously – a hidden “Dragonkindt,” and a public-facing race of your choosing.
Sharpen Your Wits & Make Strategic Choices:Manage battle spoils, solve puzzles, adjust the frequency of special activities, choose interactions, and gather clues.Wield Powerful Magical Items: Carefully equip items affecting intelligence, will, and other character attributes.
Customize Your Character: Choose your character’s alternate persona, appearance, and gender as Dwarf, Elf or Human.
