Dive into a high-fantasy world featuring 9 unique companions, automated reactions, and a massive array of class customizations.
Today I’m announcing one of those games that’s always a pleasure for me to feature on my pages. Indie developer Cat Lord Games sent me some information about The Wyndfinder, their party-based CRPG heading to PC, so let’s find out what it’s all about.
At the core of this experience are custom characters, recruitable companions, dice checks, and tactical turn-based combat within a fantasy world filled with old secrets.
The game takes place in Tarlisalia, a high fantasy land formed from the aftereffects of the Celestial War. For many years, Tarlisalia’s people believed that peace came to them because of the deeds of heroic individuals. The Wyndfinder begins to shake that feeling.
While traveling to Jestril, the capitol, players will start to find out what actually occurred and what type of power has kept the world together.
Players will create their own unique Wyndfinder using seven ancestry options, twelve different classes, and twenty-four different sub-classes.
In addition to creating their own Wyndfinder, nine additional companions can accompany the player throughout their journey.
Each companion will have their own individualized storyline, motivations, and opinions; therefore, each companion will react differently to the player’s decisions, develop trust with the player as time progresses, and possibly disagree with the player if they choose a course of action that the companion doesn’t support.
As mentioned earlier, the Wyndfinder will include a dynamic grid-based turn-based combat system. Players will need to consider such things as range, movement, controlling the front line, casting area effect spells and where each party member can contribute to the ongoing battle.
Additionally, abilities and spells used during combat will increase in potency with the player’s party level. Also, the ability to automate reaction-based abilities should help prevent the slowing of combat pace.
The Wyndstone system allows the player to attach prismata (magical gems), to their primary character. When attached, these prismata can unlock spells, class features, abilities, and other oddities. This creates possibilities for creating hybrid builds and unusual character configurations.
Examples would include a paladin who can teleport, resurrect undead creatures or utilize bardic style utility.
Dice rolling, skill checking, crafting, lock-picking, clue gathering, potion brewing, scroll creation, and magical item construction are some examples of the types of activities outside of combat that players will be able to participate in.
The player will be able to reroll dice based on specific spells and/or magical items. Additionally, certain abilities and magical items can alter fate in the player’s favor.
Visually speaking, the Wyndfinder draws inspiration from 80’s fantasy animation. Furthermore, Witchbolt provided the music/soundtrack for the Wyndfinder. Therefore, the overall aesthetic of the game exudes an old-school fantasy tone.
The developers seem to be striving for something less polished and more focused on providing players with a sense of discovery in discovering hidden ruins containing remnants of ancient magic, experiencing their party bicker amongst themselves as they work towards becoming a cohesive unit capable of surviving whatever dangers lie ahead on future maps.
Although no official release date has been established for the Wyndfinder, I believe we have enough information available to determine whether or not this is a CRPG worthy of our attention when it launches on PC via Steam.
