STRTL Games is working on an episodic narrative RPG where investigation, difficult choices, stealth, and technology capable of predicting the future all come together.
Independent studio STRTL Games has introduced .curator, a new sci-fi detective adventure written by Richard K. Morgan, the author best known for Altered Carbon. The project is currently in development for PC, Mac, and SteamOS/Linux, with its release date still listed as TBA.
Players step into the role of a Curator, part of an organization attempting to prevent humanity from repeatedly destroying itself across different versions of Earth. The first episode takes place in a familiar but altered post-Victorian world, where the protagonist must learn how its society and political powers operate while investigating the remains of a mysterious ancient alien civilization and uncovering corruption within the ruling regime.
One of the central tools available to the Curator is C.R.I.S.S.I., an onboard AI assistant capable of helping the protagonist analyze situations and decisions. More importantly, Curators can make use of a technology known as Quantum Sleet modeling, which allows them to examine possibilities and manipulate events in an attempt to push history toward better outcomes.
Decisions won’t simply change a few lines of dialogue: STRTL Games says players will face irreversible choices involving who lives and who dies, with their actions influencing the future they are trying to create. C.R.I.S.S.I. can offer advice along the way, but following it will remain entirely optional.
There also appears to be considerable flexibility in how situations can be approached. Players will be able to fight, hide, distract, or charm their way through problems, while stealth can be used to infiltrate restricted areas and quietly interfere with important events. Character progression includes a neural overclock system designed to improve both physical and mental abilities.
Visually, the developers are promising hand-drawn characters and environments, with the narrative designed around a world that responds to what the player does. There is also a personal element behind the larger mission: the protagonist will apparently have to confront the consequences of previous mistakes and crimes committed as a Curator, adding a theme of redemption to the attempt to save humanity’s future.
.curator will follow an episodic release model. Purchasing the main game will provide access to Episode One, while subsequent episodes are planned to arrive individually as separate DLC. No release window or pricing has been announced yet.
With Richard K. Morgan handling the writing and a concept built around alternate histories, investigation, future manipulation, and decisions with lasting consequences, .curator is certainly one to watch, especially once STRTL Games reveals more about the RPG systems behind its narrative ambitions. The game is currently available to wishlist on Steam.
