Today, I got an email about an intriguing CRPG in development that looks like a mix between Fallout and Disco Elysium, and that’s no small feat.
It’s called Crux Diaries, and is an upcoming isometric turn-based CRPG that draws clear inspiration from genre classics, but places them in an alternate-history country on the edge of collapse.
Developed by solo creator Denis under the studio name Kravtology, the game invites players to explore a dystopian world that feels grounded in a very real past, one where broken bureaucracy, rising unrest, and decaying ideals form the backdrop of every decision.
Set in a version of Eastern Europe reminiscent of the 1970s and 80s, Crux Diaries strips away modern conveniences. There are no smartphones or computers, only paper files, phone booths, rusted machinery, and slow-turning institutions.
The regime is losing its grip. Criminal groups are expanding. Borders are tense, and rebellion is in the air. You step into this world not as a chosen hero, but as a citizen trying to survive, or change the course of history.
The game offers full non-linear storytelling, letting you approach its branching narrative in multiple ways. Whether you choose to cooperate with state forces, work with resistance groups, ally with criminal powers, or quietly escape across the border, the story adapts to your choices.
Dialogue checks, skill-based interactions, and faction relationships matter at every step. There are no filler NPCs here; every character has something to say, trade, or conceal. Every failed or passed skill check leaves a mark.
Combat is fully turn-based and driven by positioning, preparation, and consequences. While diplomacy, stealth, and clever decision-making can get you through many situations, conflict is sometimes unavoidable. The system encourages careful planning and rewards players who know when to act and when to walk away.
Beyond combat and dialogue, Crux Diaries is defined by its tone and setting. The art style is grim and grounded, with environments and characters that reinforce the analog feel of a time before the internet.
From rusted border checkpoints to smoke-filled offices, the game’s environments aim to make you feel the weight of the world you’re in. Nothing is clean. Nothing is certain. And your role in the story is entirely up to you.
The project has been in development for years, with roots going back to early prototypes made in the early 2000s. After years working in other industries, the developer returned to the setting in 2019 with a more focused vision and background in narrative design, game writing, and psychology.
A public demo is expected sometime in 2026. There’s no confirmed release date yet, but Crux Diaries is planned for PC via Steam and GOG. Wishlist options are available now, and it’s the best way to support the project. Below is the announcement trailer
