Dark Medieval Strategy RPG Unleashes Tactical Depth and Demonic Warfare
A small exception that I occasionally allow myself when a title deserves to appear on my blog, even if it isn’t strictly related to turn-based mechanics. Today, this exception is dedicated to Band of Crusaders, a fascinating RTwP Strategy RPG developed by the Polish indie studio Virtual Alchemy.
Band of Crusaders is a dark, medieval strategy RPG that places players in the role of the Grandmaster of a knightly order, tasked with leading a crusade against a demonic invasion of Europe. Set in a vast, simulated world, the game challenges players to recruit and manage a roster of unique crusader knights, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and backgrounds.
Combat unfolds in real-time (with a slow-motion feature) with tactical depth. Every decision is critical, as battles can result in characters’ permanent deaths. The world responds dynamically to the player’s actions, with the ongoing demonic threat and interactions with human factions shaping the course of the game.
The game’s strategic elements extend to camp management, where players must carefully allocate scarce resources to support recruitment, healing, and training. Upgradable buildings within the camp offer opportunities for experimentation and strategic planning, while skill trees allow for the development of versatile, multi-role builds for each crusader.
The open world is influenced by factors such as changing seasons, a day-night cycle, and the encroaching demonic forces, leading to epic encounters against foes inspired by European folklore and biblical lore. Band of Crusaders was announced a few days ago, and there’s no release date for now. Below is an overview via Steam, screens and the reveal trailer.
About This Game
In medieval Europe, sins give rise to demonic amalgamations. Heresy and fear slowly consume the entire realm. As Grandmaster of a knightly order, you are called to lead a crusade against this unholy menace. Gather your Brothers, strengthen your camp, and confront the Archdemons in fierce battles to reclaim the land from darkness.
Band of Crusaders immerses you in a dark medieval fantasy where your leadership determines the fate of Europe.
Experience a dynamic, tactical combat system enhanced by slow-motion mechanics. Victory hinges on character synergies, smart use of abilities, and unit positioning. The consequences of combat are significant, as every hit could lead to the permanent death of a crusader. Engagements will pull you into deep, stat-driven, party-based combat with a variety of maps offering different tactical opportunities.
Manage and develop a roster of up to 20 crusader knights while navigating scarce resources in a ravaged landscape. Develop your camp to support recruitment, healing, repairs, training, and more. Each crusader brings novelty to your camp with their own backgrounds, strengths and weaknesses as well as the ability to synergize with their Brothers. The upgradable buildings offer intricate interactions that are designed to foster experimentation and strategic campaign progression.
Progress your crusaders through attributes and abilities with skill trees encouraging versatile multi-role builds. Select equipment to support your combat strategy and improve upon it throughout your campaign. Without fixed character classes, abilities are universal and connect directly with crusaders’ weapons. Players can utilize a mix of active, passive, and semi-active abilities to craft their own playstyle.
The world changes over time, driven by a wide range of emergent player and NPC interactions. Your progress is influenced by a simulated invasion of demonic forces, triggering reactions from human factions. This relentless onslaught culminates in epic boss battles where the player has the power to emerge victorious; a savior of humanity. On this path, your gameplay will be influenced by world conditions, such as the saturation of demonic forces, changing seasons, and a day-night cycle.
You will have to face not only human enemies but also demonic creatures inspired by biblical descriptions and European folklore. Each of the enemy families has its strengths and weaknesses, encouraging the player to strategize and adjust their combat tactics.
We are Virtual Alchemy, a small indie developer based in Poland, rooted in Europe’s rich medieval history. Band of Crusaders is our love letter to games that we personally enjoy playing. At heart, we believe in the freedom of player expression. We aim to create intellectually challenging games that each have their own unique and compelling identity.
