The Crazy Hyper-Dungeon Chronicles at Milan Games Week!

Meet us at the Indie Dungeon as finalists of the Red Bull Indie Forge 2024!

Hello adventurers! 

We’re excited to announce that The Crazy Hyper-Dungeon Chronicles will be showcased at the Milan Games Week this year, taking place from November 22 to 24, 2024!

You can find us in the Indie Dungeon area, where we’ll be celebrating being named finalists for the Red Bull Indie Forge 2024. It’s an incredible honor, and we can’t wait to share the game with you.

Come and meet Hero and Heroine, try the game, and enjoy some free gummy candies (because every dungeon crawl needs snacks)! 

If you can’t make it to Milan, don’t worry - stay tuned here on Steam for more updates about the game’s progress and upcoming events.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you there!

Join us on our Discord server for more details and discussions.

The Development Team

Couchpotato spotted a development update for the scifi-RPG Within the Cosmos:

November 2024 Development Update

Hey everyone,

I want to start by addressing the recent silence since the game was supposed to launch a few weeks ago. I know many of you have been eagerly awaiting the release of Within the Cosmos, and I truly appreciate the support and patience you’ve shown over the years.

When I tried to launch the game on the 29th of October, I encountered unexpected issues with the final build. After several late nights, nights where I didn't sleep at all, and pushing myself hard to hit that release date, I was completely drained, mentally and physically. Encountering build issues when I was ready to launch just drained everything I had left in me. I tried to power through a bit more, but I simply couldn't. I'm sorry for that. I had to take a break. I made a quick announcement on Twitter, but I should have posted here too. That’s on me, and I’m truly sorry if that felt like I was ignoring this wonderful community. You all deserve better communication than what I provided.

The break was necessary for me to get back to a place where I can finish this game properly. I’ve used that time to regroup and get my mind in a better mental state. After taking a few weeks off, I finally feel refreshed, and I'm fully committed to getting this game across the finish line.

As for the games launch, rather than announcing a new release date and risking a delay for the millionth time, I’ve decided to keep things under wraps and just do a surprise launch very soon. My goal is to ensure that when it does go live, it’s as polished as it can be, so you can jump in and enjoy it without any issues.

I understand that your trust has been shaken by the previous delays and missed dates. That's totally my fault. I feel like things never went as planned during the development of my game. The journey to completing this game has been difficult with a VERY steep learning curve along the way. It has been a very long time since my initial Steam Greenlight submission until now, but I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has stuck with me through all the ups and downs. Your support means more to me than I can ever possibly express.

Thank you for your patience. I’m excited for you to finally experience Within the Cosmos, and I’m going to do my absolute best to deliver something you’ll truly enjoy.

- debdev

Farflame spotted some news about Arakion:

We're Back

An overview of the new traits system.

Hey Venturers!

After a long hiatus, I'm thrilled to announce that the gates of Arakion will soon be open! It's been a while since my last update, so bear with me as I walk through what took so long, the first in a series of updates about all the changes, and the plans moving forward for Arakion.

What Took So Long?

In short, life and an engine change. First, life took a turn when I became a father, which made supporting my family the top priority. This limited the amount of time I could spend developing Arakion. Now, I'm in a place where I can commit to developing Arakion full-time for the foreseeable future.

Second, I made the choice to transition Arakion from Unity to Unreal. While I was already working with Unreal on other projects, I decided to bring Arakion into the fold. The switch took longer than I initially anticipated, but it’s been worth it. Unreal’s mature systems, along with powerful tools like GAS and PCG, means I can implement vast amounts of content with little effort. This makes the future of Arakion very bright!

Let's Talk about Traits

For our first preview, let’s dive into the revamped traits. First off, classes have been removed entirely. Instead, heroes now gain one of three experience types: Brawn, Skill, and Will. How a hero gains experience depends on their actions, the skills they use, the decisions they make, and more. These points are then used to learn traits (certain traits still require Traitstones found in the world in addition to experience)

Each type of experience can be spent in its respective trait branch. As you might expect, Brawn traits focus on melee and health, Skill traits enhance ranged weapons and stamina, and Will traits boost casting and energy.

To start your journey, you’ll answer a few questions during hero creation, earning a couple of experience orbs to spend right away (don’t worry, it’s color-coded with tooltips to guide you as you can see below)..

[...]

Couchpotato spotted update #360 for Star Traders: Frontiers:

Update #360: Cloaking Tech

Increased limit on Cloaking to 60% (from 25%), updated Delga Heavylift build, balanced # of Mutiny events on Low Morale

Star Traders! First let's send out a welcome to all the new captains who have joined during this 50% off sale and second let's celebrate with an awesome update. Here we are, hitting Update #360 on your favorite space trading and political simulation game, Star Traders: Frontiers. This update focuses on some big changes to the Cloaking system which allows you to reduce ship encounters, upgrades and adds new ship components related to cloaking and a new variation of the Goltha tech that can be unlocked through the Goltha Development story vignette. We've also tweaked some ship builds and prices from the startport and tweaked the chance of Mutiny when Morale is low.

[...]

The strategy RPG Songs of Silence has been released:

Songs of Silence - Story Trailer

Songs of Silence is a next-generation turn-based strategy game. It features a unique mix of kingdom and army management, hero development and real-time combat.

Thanks Couchpotato!

The dungeon crawler Tower of Darkness left Early Access:

Tower of Darkness

Tower of Darkness is dungeon exploration RPG. Choose one of the main exorcists and explore the tower to defeat the demons and obtain treasures. But be careful! The number of enemies and treasures in the tower is limited, so make good use of them.

Gamingbolt interviewed Tymon Smektala about Dying Light: The Beast:

Dying Light: The Beast Interview – Story, Map, Parkour, and More

Franchise director Tymon Smektala speaks with GamingBolt about Dying Light's upcoming standalone adventure.

It doesn’t seem like Techland’s post-launch plans for Dying Light 2 Stay Human are done just yet, though the studio has other irons in the fire as well. Next up for the zombie-slaying series is Dying Light: The Beast, a new standalone adventure starring the original game’s protagonist Kyle Crane, after having initially started development as DLC for Dying Light 2, before morphing into its own standalone project.

But why was that decision made? How has development progressed for the game behind the scenes? How will it differ from Dying Light 2’s action RPG offerings? What should players expect from the new map? Recently, we had the chance to ask Dying Light: The Beast’s developers about all of this and more. Below, you can read our interview with franchise director Tymon Smektala.

What prompted the decision to spin off Dying Light: The Beast as a standalone game, having started working on it as DLC for Dying Light 2?

We originally planned Dying Light: The Beast as the second DLC for Dying Light 2 Stay Human, but a significant narrative leak that we experienced in the second half of 2023 changed everything. Rather than risk spoiling the story for our most dedicated fans, we decided to act upon it and take a different approach. During discussions on what could make the project unique, we came up with the idea to bring back Kyle Crane. That idea sparked so much energy and creativity within the team that we quickly realized it could be something far bigger than “just a DLC”. That was definitely the turning point for us – we took a fresh approach, re-designed more than we initially anticipated, and started building Dying Light: The Beast as a full standalone game with new mechanics, a dedicated storyline, and an entire world for players to explore.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

The Kickstarter for the action RPG Vampire Clans is now live:

Vampire Clans Playtests Are Open! Kickstarter Launched!

Greetings, Vampires!

We’re beyond excited to announce that Vampire Clans playtests are now live! Everyone who signed up on Steam now has direct access to enter the dark, immersive world of Vampire Clans. Step into the role of a powerful clan leader, explore the depths of our supernatural setting, and experience the intense strategy and rivalries firsthand!

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

The next DLC for Vagrus: The Riven Realms will be released next year:

Enriching and Delaying Our New Region DLC

Hey everyone,

As we approach the end of 2024, it's time to give an update on our upcoming DLC. While our hope was to release it this year, it has become clear to us that it is an unrealistic target. We cannot announce its release date just yet, but we can be sure that it will take at least until next year to complete, and with good reason.

‘What is that good reason?’ we hear you ask. Well, let’s call it a habit at Lost Pilgrims. While developing large bits of content like the next DLC, we keep enriching them to have better density of content than previous releases. Part of this is organic, the rest is a deliberate attempt to push the envelope. In this case, the region is not going to be as large as the Bronze Desert of Sunfire and Moonshadow, but we are trying to do something special with depth. This includes stories, NPCs, enemies, varied and complex quests, improved reactivity, and so much more.

Needless to say, we shall keep you updated as things develop, writing here and on Steam about the DLC and how it is coming along. And of course, as we move closer to release, we’ll be introducing you to more folk like those pictured below, though we can promise they’ll not all be cannibals. We’ll ride the line between keeping your eyebrow raised and you cracking the code, because that’s what we love. However, the theme and location of the DLC is so telling that it’s quite difficult to reveal something without giving it all away.

Vagrus is currently taking part in Steam’s AdventureX Sale. If you’ve been on the fence about jumping into our newest content or have a friend who you want to introduce to the Riven Realms, you can make it happen.

Until next time, see you out there in the wasteland, vagri; don’t get too caught up in the struggles of the Riven Realms. There’s much, much more to come!

– The Lost Pilgrims Team

Thanks Couchpotato!

Dev-blog #6 explains the combat system of Glasshouse:

[DEV-BLOG #6] Building the combat system of Glasshouse

Unveiling the behind-the-scenes of the Combat System prototype and the sidescrolling sequences

Hello compeers,

welcome back to our little Autonomous Social Center, where we generally take ourselves a bit more seriously and shed some light on that chimera known as Glasshouse. In recent months, the collective has accelerated development thanks to a paradigm shift in our production structure. With pre-production now completed, I've officially handed over the reins of project management to Gianmarco, leaving me more time to focus on the script and the artistic/creative direction of it. Gianmarco, who has been a Game Designer on Glasshouse since 2022 and has gained valuable experience managing Handmancers (a parallel project developed by 58Blades), proposed that the collective adopt the "Agile methodology": In essence, we have replaced Trello with Notion, embracing a more systemic approach to development based on flexible sprints, instead of rigid deadlines. We have also increased the number of weekly meetings, and now each department is fully autonomous, which is a result of past decisions to create windows, not walls, toward each other's work. If Glasshouse is a collective stream of consciousness, then FLAT28 is a social funnel channeling it.

Today, for the first time, we will show you the Combat System prototype, but we will also take a look at the Sidescroll sections and the new residents who will join soon Dorm 73B.

[...]

Thanks Farflame!

Farflame spotted that Umbra - The Last Summoner has been released into Early Access:

Umbra: The Last Summoner - Early Access Release Trailer

The dungeon crawler Thysiastery has been announced:

THYSIASTERY Gameplay Teaser - DIRGA

THYSIASTERY is a dungeon crawler RPG featuring traditional roguelike and turn-based gameplay. Command a party of bearers of the Brand, drawn into a vast Labyrinth. Recruit while exploring the Labyrinth in hope of finding a way out, and its secrets will be revealed as you delve deeper.

Thanks Couchpotato!

The tactical RPG Stratagem Lost has been funded on Kickstarter:

100% FUNDED!! Thank You!

Hey everyone, we did it! We hit $18,000 today! That means we're funded! We can't say thank you enough, the whole team is so incredibly grateful for your support. Every dollar and every spreading of the word has enabled us to pursue our dreams!

We also have the luxury of reaching our goal with about 12 days in the Kickstarter left! To that end, we can try to reach stretch goals! Up next is custom campaigns! That's gonna include such like randomizing characters, adjusting their skillsets, modifying some mechanics, etc.

Even if we don't hit the stretch goals, we're still very lucky to have gotten this far. From all of us at Hybrid Fiction Games—thank you! The future is looking bright!

-Smithy, Hybrid Fiction Games

Thanks Couchpotato!

Couchpotato spotted the roadmap for Monomyth:

Video Devlog 15.0 | Early Access Roadmap

Hi, dungeon-crawling fans!

It was a busy month! Between the game's early access release, numerous patches, and a quick chat with cRPG connoisseur Dr. Matt Barton I spent some time developing a rough roadmap for the early access phase. You can hear all about it in the latest video devlog!

[...]

Ye Old Entertainment reviewed Outward:

Outward is top tier game... for the right player

You can sign up for a closed beta of Wartales:

Closed Beta Sign-Up

We will soon be launching a closed beta to help us test an upcoming DLC and we'd like you to get involved!

How can I sign up for the closed beta?
You can sign up for the closed beta by filling out the registration form, which will allow us to select participants and notify you if you are chosen.

When will the beta start?
The closed beta will start in mid-November.

How long will the closed beta last?
The beta will last for a couple of weeks.

What does a beta tester do?
A beta tester provides feedback and reports bugs from the current beta build, enabling our team of developers to make necessary adjustments and fix reported issues effectively.

How can I give feedback and report bugs?
Dedicated channels on Discord will be made available for closed beta participants. These channels will become visible once you have been granted access to the closed beta.ty

Thanks Couchpotato!

The sci-fi-RPG Within the Cosmos will be released today:

Within the Cosmos - Gameplay Trailer | Sci-Fi FPS RPG

Within the Cosmos is a sci-fi RPG. After awakening in a secluded star system, you soon discover a fractured human society grappling with an emerging android threat. Explore planets, uncover mysteries, and navigate differing philosophies. Your choices will shape how the story unfolds.

After a short delay Within the Cosmos will be released on October 29:

Within the Cosmos Officially Launching 29 October!

Hey everyone!

I’m very excited to announce that Within the Cosmos has officially passed Steam’s review and is ready to launch! Instead of delaying any further, I’ve set the release date to 29 October. Just 3 days away!

Having this extra month to polish the game and bring on a few more voice actors has made a huge difference to the experience. I've given this game my all, and I’m truly proud of how everything has come together. I can’t wait for you to experience it!

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to wishlist and follow Within the Cosmos to get a reminder when it goes live.

Thanks Couchpotato!

The roguelike Astral Throne got a new demo:

Astral Throne - Official Demo Trailer

Uncover the mystery of a land beset by a Falling Star's curse in this Roguelike Strategy RPG inspired by the classics. Build your party, recruit new allies, and synergize your team's skills for decisive victory.

The roguelite Dunebound Tactics has been announced:

Dunebound Tactics - Announcement Trailer

Lead your band of survivors on a perilous trek across unforgiving sands in search of a new home. Battle ruthless factions, scavenge dwindling resources, reshape the terrain to your advantage and make life-or-death choices in Dunebound Tactics, a Roguelite Turn-Based Tactical RPG.

Thanks Couchpotato!

Game Rant talked with Band of Crusaders' CEO Dominik Sypnicki and Art Director Kamil Mickiewicz:

How Classic RPGs Inspired Band of Crusaders' Real Time Combat System and More

Band Of Crusaders Devs Discuss Its Real Time Combat System And Classic RPG Inspirations 

Band of Crusaders is a medieval strategy RPG set in a fantastical 1350 A.D. Europe. Stepping into the shoes of a Grandmaster, players must lead a knightly order against invading demonic forces and those would see the chaos as opportunity. It's the first title from Polish studio Virtual Alchemy, which also describes it as a love letter to personal games they enjoy. Band of Crusaders' devs cited many inspirations, including some potentially unexpected classic RPGs like Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Although Band of Crusaders' European folklore vibes might bring games like The Witcher to mind, this wasn't a direct influence.

[...]

When asked about Band of Crusaders' gaming inspirations, Mickiewicz explained they focused on games they loved as kids. This includes Heroes of Might and Magic 3, which Mickiewicz pointed out has similarities to Band of Crusaders' campaign map. Band of Crusaders features a fully-simulated overworld map where players move crusaders and events unfold in real-time. While Mickiewicz added Band of Crusaders' RTS map plays out more like Mount & Blade: Bannerlord or Wartales, Mickiewicz hopes it may also bring back memories of playing Heroes of Might and Magic games. Heroes of Might and Magic also inspired Band of Crusaders' music as another point of connection, with Mickiewicz explaining how creating authentic medieval music with real instruments and Latin vocalists was important:

We have a very similar take on music in our campaign map because we emphasize male vocals a lot, and our music is, to a large degree, recorded live. We quickly understood that we wanted to strike this very genuine medieval tone, so live recording would be super crucial for us.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Couchpotato spotted a trailer for Band of Crusaders:

Band of Crusaders - GOG Reveal Trailer

Next stop Rozafir:

Poll votes are in!

CYOA Results: to Rozafir!

Thanks to all the players in the community who cast their vote into the CYOA of this Early Access. For Update 2.0 we will head southeast to Rozafir for more than just drinking with the locals, for treachery and trouble lurks below and above the surface of this farming settlement.

More content to come with 1.5 soon!

Stay tuned for the next poll as we carve through the map and all the shroomers within.

Thanks Couchpotato!

The strategy RPG Broken Alliance will be released into Early Access on October 24 - the Turn Based Lovers checked it out:

Retro-Inspired Heroes Of Might And Magic-Like Broken Alliance – Overview

A New HoMM-Like Strategy Game Ready To Debut This Month

The game I’m introducing aims to offer a gameplay style reminiscent of Heroes of Might and Magic, featuring exploration, city-building, and tactical combat. However, it introduces a unique twist: a deck-building mechanic. Players draw cards to perform attacks, move units, and use special skills. It’s called Broken Alliance and is an upcoming indie turn-based strategy RPG set for release in early access on October 24, 2024.

Developed by Placeholder Gameworks, it draws inspiration from classic titles like Heroes of Might and Magic, Age of Wonders, and Master of Magic, while introducing a fresh twist with deck-building mechanics. It combines tactical gameplay, rich storytelling, and deep world-building as you fight to save a dying world devastated by the overuse of magic. Players align with one of four factions—Anchorage, Phobos, Paradise, or Forge—each offering unique perspectives, gameplay mechanics, and moral dilemmas.

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato!

Mortismal Gaming checked out Banquet for Fools:

Check Out: Banquet For Fools

Thanks Couchpotato!