Splattercatgaming checked out the recently released expansion Vagrus - The Riven Realms: Sunfire and Moonshadow:

This Gigantic Post Apocalyptic RPG Just Got Even Bigger - VAGRUS

The Early Access version of the tactical RPG Wantless: Solace at World's End is now available:

Wantless - Early Access Release Trailer

Early Access Now Available

Play Wantless: Solace at World’s End today!

Greetings, fervent gamers!

This is it! We are thrilled to announce that the Early Access for Wantless: Solace at World's End is officially live! It's time for you to become a mind-doctor and make good use of your tactical cunning in a dystopian future.

[...]

Paolo Nicoletti announced the dungeon crawler/roguelike The Crazy Hyper-Dungeon Chronicles - a demo will be available soon:

The Crazy Hyper Dungeon Chronicles Trailer

Dive into this 2D Roguelite Dungeon-crawler and get catapulted into a series of mind-bending labyrinths with a top-down perspective. All this is rendered in glorious pixel-art and adorned with a turn-based combat system infused with electrifying arcade nuances, where each weapon serves as a unique extension of your character.

Another hallmark of this adventure is its randomly generated level design. Every zone of the Hyper-Dungeon is a unique universe, different from any other gameplay session. The layout of the rooms, the shape of the corridors, and the placement of monsters, traps, and treasures are reinvented every time, providing players with an ever-changing challenge.

Navigating these subterranean levels will be anything but a walk in the park: you'll need tactics, quick reflexes, and keen observation to overcome lethal traps and a wide variety of enemies. The full version of the game offers a total of 50 meticulously designed levels, paying special attention to gameplay mechanics, plot, and dialogue. The gameplay offers a broad spectrum of experiences that continually alternate: from last-stand battles to tactical reasoning, and from puzzles that require intuition and wit.

Each level is a microcosm unto itself, with different biomes, varying levels of brightness, and changing dimensions. Think you can dodge some challenges? Think again... what invaluable treasures will you miss by taking the easier path? But it doesn't end here: classic mechanics of the genre--such as character development, leveling up, and collecting rare items--are enriched by an intuitive yet effective crafting system.

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to customize your fighting technique with three different styles, each with unique unlockable abilities. Monsters in the game are numerous and exhibit different behaviors, making encounters compelling without being excessively difficult or frustrating: we firmly believe that a video game should above all be fun.

But don't be fooled by the seriousness of the challenge: the entire adventure is imbued with eccentric humor and sharp dialogue, rich in pop culture, nerd/geek references, and nods to classic video game lore, which, we hope, will capture the heart of every gamer!

Couchpotato spotted the first playtests for Dungeons of the Amber Griffin:

Dungeons of the Amber Griffin - Playtest Launch

The Sunfire and Moonshadow DLC will be released on November 7 - the Turn Based Lovers checked it out:

Vagrus - The Riven Realm: Sunfire and Moonshadow - New DLC

Delve into a new, expansive region known as the Bronze Desert; a treacherous land that is host to a burgeoning conflict between two nemesis factions: the Chimera Legion and the mysterious, desert-dwelling Ahari.
Sunfire and Moonshadow is Vagrus - The Riven Realms' first expansion and it is rife with opportunities for the taking. Expansive quests, colorful NPCs, and new, terrifying enemies await any vagrus daring enough to test their mettle. Will you take the plunge?

Thanks Couchpotato!

The tactical RPG The Iron Oath will leave Early Access today:

The Iron Oath

Introduction

The Iron Oath is a turn-based tactical RPG that is set in a dark fantasy world. Recruit, manage, and embark on missions with a roster of adventurers, testing the limits of their mortality. Every decision made carries weight and can have a minor or major influence on your characters and the world that surrounds them. As you and your guild progress, the world changes dynamically, enabling new storylines to discover and resulting in a unique experience for every playthrough.

Features

Tactical turn-based Combat: Deadly foes, traps and destructible objects means one misstep could be your party's undoing. Proper planning and execution is vital to your success.
A Large and Dynamic Overworld: 9 regions with over 50 hubs to visit. Cities can be overtaken, destroyed and rebuilt; while various factions can emerge, rise and fall. A playthrough can potentially last hundreds of years, resulting in many changes to the initial world state.
In-depth Guild Management: Control your guild's finances, resources, alliances and roster. Your characters will age, retire and frequently die in combat and you will need to recruit and train their replacements.
Character Development: Every recruitable character has their own personal backstory, incorporating events that have taken place during your playthrough. Their motives, alignment and traits all stem from this, but each of the three is subject to change as their career progresses.
Dynamic Dialogue: Characters will converse over a variety of subjects such as the current state of the world or relevant past experiences, along with offering their input on any decisions you face.
Decisions Matter: Your choices bear consequences and they can affect your characters, your guild and the many factions that exist throughout the world.
Detailed Pixel Art: Meticulously hand-crafted pixel art characters, animations and environments help set the mood for your journey.

The Heavy Duty DLC for Underrail is now available on GOG and Steam.

Description:

This DLC adds three new weapon types - grenade launchers, machine guns and miniguns, as well as a special high-level side mission that will challenge even the most hardcore UnderRail veterans.

Key features:

- New skill "Heavy Weapons" which covers two new weapon types - machine guns and miniguns
- Grenade launchers, a area of effect type weapon, added to Guns skill
- New high-level side mission where you'll fight against elite enemies
- New feats

Couchpotato spotted a Cyberpunk RPG called Rain Tactics:

Rain Tactics

Play Winter, an invincible god who desperately wants to die, in this cyberpunk RPG Tactics with roguelike elements. Explore the tower city of Shavanath, lead your avowed into battle and take control of your godly powers to change the course of Fate.

The Early Access RPG Alvara got an update:

New engine version and fixes

Hello everyone !
Big update today. The version of the engine has changed, with all that this implies:

• Improved lighting, shadows and contrast have been optimized
• The cameras in combat were fixed, the rotation prevented the enemy from being properly targeted
• Added Steam achievements
• Adjustment of the illness state (or slowdown) which created a bug in the progress of action orders.

The music of Stardew Valley can be enjoyed live:

Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons - Official Announcement Trailer

Thanks Couchpotato!

RPG Jeuxvideo interviewed the GrapeOcean Technologies about Black Geyser und the current Kickstarter Tales of the Moon Cult:

Black Geyser: Interview with the team (english version)

While its DLC is currently being crowdfunded on Kickstarter and is planned to be released in 12 languages including French, the GrapeOcean Technologies team behind Black Geyser: Couriers of Darkness had the kindness to answer some of our questions and talk about the project, its creation and its development. Below is the original interview, and following this link is a French version.

If participating in the crowdfunding of Tales of the Moon Cult sparks your interest and if you wish to get some additional rewards, don’t hesitate in giving some money on the Kickstarter page of the project.

RPG JV: Greetings! Could you introduce yourselves?

GrapeOcean Technologies: Our studio, GrapeOcean Technologies, was founded in 2014, bringing together more developers, artists and RPG enthusiasts from all over the world. The idea of a studio focusing on computer RPGs came from three IT university students a year earlier, who enjoyed playing classic-style RPGs. Since then, we released our first videogame, Black Geyser and now working on its expansion pack, Tales of the Moon Cult. Black Geyser has been a true community effort from RPG fans worldwide. In particular, we want to express our gratitude to the French role-playing community for their continued faith in our work. Without your support to Black Geyser on Steam, GOG and Kickstarter, our studio wouldn’t be as it is now.

How did the idea of the game come to the team?

The concept of greed spreading in the world to serve the interests of an evil god… it just came as an idea. There are many games portraying evil villains spreading fear and chaos, but greed and envy are portrayed less often, despite of the fact these are natural human emotions.

What were your influences for the game’s development?

We have always been lovers of classic-style CRPGs such as Baldur’s Gate or Icewind Dale. Magical atmosphere, exciting story, memorable characters. We wanted to follow their spirit while providing a more modern experience and user interface at the same time.

How did the development go and how long did it take?

There were good times and also tough times – as it happens with most indie teams we guess. Based on the feedback from fans, some aspects of the game were reworked, which required additional time. There was also the pandemic and other external events which influenced the development, making it longer than we initially planned. The development of the core RPG engine from scratch (based on Unity) took several years, and the content also took several years, since we are a very small team. During these years, the size of the team changed – we had subcontractors as well who worked on a project basis when their work was needed. Without them, it would have been impossible to develop the game without running out of the budget.

[...]

The base goal of the Kickstarter Black Geyser: Tales of the Moon Cult has been reached:

Base Goal Reached - Stretch Goal Added!

Ho there, adventurers!
Less than one week after launch, Tales of the Moon Cult was funded on Kickstarter today! Hundreds of amazing backers have pledged to make this project a reality. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Now about stretch goals. Personal Interactions (€30k) used to be nearest one, but we decided to insert a new, more easily reachable goal at €25k as well: Something For Everyone - with shapeshifting, flails and modding support!

In case you've missed our previous update, there is now a Base Game add-on that gives you  Black Geyser for €12 only - this is a 60% discount compared to its full price in stores - a big discount never seen before, and will not be seen again soon.

In the meantime, we've also added a "Base Game + Expansion Pack" add-on for €24. Holidays are coming soon - surprise your family & friends with a fully functional Black Geyser with its future Expansion Pack included! 

Thank you again to everyone who has been on this journey with us and don't worry, we're not finished yet. For all those diving in for the first time, be sure to stop by our Discord and chat by the fire!

The Black Geyser Team

Thanks Couchpotato!

The tactical RPG Wantless will be released into Early Access on November 8:

Wantless | Gameplay Trailer

Thanks Couchpotato!

The Kickstarter for the expansion pack Black Geyser - Tales of the Moon Cult has started:

Tales of the Moon Cult

Tales of the Moon Cult (TotMC) is a major expansion pack for Black Geyser coming to Windows, Mac and Linux on Steam and GOG. It adds new locations to the world map with brand-new content and a questline that revolves around the Cult of Zoria. Several new features are introduced to the base game as well, including Strongholds, Dual Wielding and a number of QoL improvements. 

This Kickstarter is the last time you can get the Collector's Edition Box for Black Geyser. The box contains a hardcover handbook (including a monster manual and artbook as well), T-Shirt, mouse pad, keychains and a beautiful cloth map.

Even though our manufacturing possibilities are very limited, we received a lot of e-mails asking about the Collector's Box so we decided to offer this edition for a very last time, extended with the new expansion pack. Thank you so much for your interest, it means a lot!

Main Features
You won't need to start a new game in Black Geyser to activate the expansion pack content. However, if you are around the end of the last chapter (point of no return), you'll need an earlier savegame to initiate the plotline of Tales of the Moon Cult.

The estimated release date is August 2024. Our core team is currently very small, so we ask your support to help bring this project to life. A successful Kickstarter campaign will also give us a clear message that we should keep doing what we're doing and stay together.

Existing backer? If you already have an add-on from a previous campaign that gives you this expansion, please refer to our FAQ in the top menu of the page.

Tales of the Moon Cult will be available in all 12 languages supported by the base game, and will extend Black Geyser with the following features aspects:

• Major questline focusing on the Cult of Zoria and their answer to the corruption of greed affecting the world
• Indoor, outdoor and underground areas with new side quests and riddles
• Brand-new spells and magical items
• A standalone fixpack with many improvements to the base game, delivered to all owners of Black Geyser as a free update (no DLC required)
• Additional features, depending on the stretch goals reached

[...]

Thanks Couchpotato and Screeg!

Couchpotato spotted DevLog 73 about patch 1.2.0.0 and the Heavy Duty DLC:

Dev Log 73: Version 1.2.0.0 and the Incoming DLC

Hi guys,

In preparation of the coming release of Heavy Duty DLC (which you can wishlist now on Steam or GOG) we are pushing version 1.2.0.0 out on the main branch today. You can find the list of changes down below.

In one of the dev logs back in 2022, I hinted at a possiblity of us releasing a small DLC that would contain some important mechanics that we originally planned for a bigger DLC that would follow after Expedition. These mechanics were the new weapon types. As I said then, instead of making this large DLC we decided to move on to Infusion and basically rework the entire engine.

However, we didn't want to just leave those out permanently. While I was busy working on the new engine, along with the 3D artists, I decide to have the level/quest designers, who could not do any substantial work in the new engine yet anyway, work on a short, but unique, side-mission that we could then package with the weapons as a smaller DLC.

That way we could freshen up the game without disrupting the work on Infusion significantly. Granted, it did take some of my development time to code the new weapons (because at that point we only had the spritesheet renders) as well as some of the artists' time when creating the new tilesets. However, the majority of the work was done by the two level designers that had time to spare anyway.

So I hope you all enjoy the new weapons, I found them very fun during testing, as well as the new adventure. I can now confidently say that this is probably maybe the last big content update to the game until we're finished with Infusion. Of course, there's still the question of improved Steam Deck support and localization tools. Also it wouldn't hurt to add a couple more unique weapons, spears in particular...

Anyway, here is the list of changes in this patch. It does not include the DLC stuff that's coming later.

[...]

The Kickstarter campaign for Tales of the Moon Cult is launching on October 17:

Kickstarter Launch on 17th October

Crowdfunding campaign for Tales of the Moon Cult launching soon

Ho there, adventurers!

The Kickstarter campaign for Tales of the Moon Cult is launching on 17th October (next Tuesday)!

We're still working on some features of the campaign. If you plan to support us, please help our planning by clicking the "Notify me on launch" button on its Kickstarter page.

If the upcoming Kickstarter campaign is successful, our studio will not have to shut down. In this case, the launch of the Tales of the Moon Cult expansion (DLC) is expectable before August 2024.

The DLC introduces brand-new areas with new content and a major questline focusing on the Zoria Cult and their answer to the corruption of greed affecting the world. Some of the planned features for the free Fixpack are as follows:

• Dual wielding for Warrior and Outlaw classes
• Strongholds
• Travel to quest giver directly from journal UI (one loading screen)
• Already known recipes are marked in shop UI
• Steam Cloud Save (GOG is already supported)
• GOG Achievements
• Item descriptions display which classes can use the item
• Full personal questline for Helgenhar
• Expanded romance lines (planned stretch goal)
• Two brand-new companions (planned high stretch goal)
• A brand-new character class (planned high stretch goal)
• Companion-specific epilogue (planned stretch goal)
• More love for unarmed combat (planned stretch goal)
• Craft a golem who will fight on your side (planned high stretch goal)
• Shapeshifting for druids and as spells (planned stretch goal)
• Improved modding support (planned stretch goal)

Should you have any questions or comments, you can share them here on Steam, on our forums and social media, or directly on our Discord channels.

The Black Geyser Team

Thanks Couchpotato!

The dungeon crawler Chronicles of Vaeltaja: In Search of the Great Wanderer will be released into Early Access today:

Chronicles of Vaeltaja: In Search of the Great Wanderer

Chronicles of Vaeltaja: In Search of the Great Wanderer takes you back to the golden era of pc gaming, when role-playing games like Dungeon Master, Might and Magic, Eye of the Beholder, Lands of Lore, WIzardry and Ultima ruled the world. Gather your party of six adventurers and embark on a journey through the colourful kingdom of Twin Falls where sunny fields, lush forests, misty swamps and dark dungeons await to be explored!

Welcome, traveller, to the kingdom of Twin Falls where strange menace is threatening the land that once lived in tranquil. You are hired by the King Menekses II to investigate strange occurrences in seaside town of Pramea where children have been disappearing and travellers are under constant attacks from bandits and beasts that shouldn't even roam there. Your job is to gather a party and find out who or what is behind this new threat and uncover the mystery of the Great Wanderer who once saved the humanity from a great peril.

So ready your weapons and wits to take on a memorable journey across vast forests, fields, swamps and dungeons to bring peace back to Twin Falls.

• First-person exploration in beautiful and colourful world created with 2.5D pixel graphics combining pre-made and custom assets.
• Main questline where some quests give you a possibility to choose from a couple of different solutions.
• Mythology inspired by ancient Gnostic writings.
• Six character party system with skills and stats that affect beyond battles and conversations.
• Multiple character classes to hire: Warrior, Hunter, Mage, Shadow, Priest, Witch.
• Grid-based movement that takes you back in the golden era of pc-gaming.
• Turn-based battle system with animated enemies.
• Overworld areas full of exploration.
• Atmospheric and dangerous dungeons where different enemies delve and puzzles await.
• Fight against bandits, bats, skeleton warriors, zombies, leechers, dark mages and other creatures of evil.
• Boss battles that might have other solutions than violence.
• Hand-crafted game world with no procedural generation.
• Multiple side-quest that may even lead to optional dungeons or other hidden secrets.
• Branching conversations where your 'charisma' and speech skills are put to test.
• No tutorials, no hand-holding, no cinematic cutscenes - just pure joy of experiencing and discovering!
• Lots of equipment and items to help you on your journey - don't forget to buy at least torches as the dungeons are dark places to wander around.
• Use mouse and/or keyboard to interact with the game world.
• Control battles with mouse and/or keyboard.
• Interact with NPCs to access side-quests.
• Meet quirky characters like The Order of the Knights Who Never Discuss About the Same Topic Twice.
• Inspired by the classics like Dungeon Master, Eye of the Beholder, Ultima and The Legend of Zelda

Gameffine reviewed the sci-fi RPG Space Wreck:

Space Wreck Review: Not Just a Nostalgic Trip

Nostalgia and CRPGs go hand in hand. In the last ten years, folks who’ve been yearning for 90’s style Computer Role Playing Games have been blessed with such gems as Pillars of Eternity, Wasteland, Pathfinder, Atom RPG, Colony Ship, Age of Decadence, Underrail, Disco Elysium, and more. All of these games are built on the foundations set by genre classics like Baldur’s Gate, Fallout, and Planescape: Torment, and for good reason. It doesn’t seem like the influx of retro RPGs will stop anytime soon and that’s completely fine by me. Pahris Entertainment’s Space Wreck is the newest kid on the retro CRPG block and is fresh off the boat from Steam Early Access. It aims to capture the magic that made its spiritual predecessor Fallout a fan favorite while delivering a unique role-playing experience in its own way. I’ve spent the last few weeks in Space Wreck making bad decisions, failing quests, exploiting its systems, breaking the game, making more bad decisions, and figuring out how to dispose of my poo-poo in its decrepit zero-G environments. People of the internet, I present to you, Space Wreck- a post-earth Role Playing Game.

Lost in Space
Merely seconds into the intro, Space Wreck dev’s love for Fallout becomes evident. It takes place in a 22nd-century post-apocalyptic setting where corporations and asteroid miners are fighting a war. The unlikely hero of the story is a newly appointed captain who had the misfortune of piloting a spaceship targetted by asteroid pirates. Your string of bad luck doesn’t end there. The fuel chip of your ship gets damaged. In classic Vault 13 fashion, your character draws the short straw and is sent into a nearby space wreck to scavenge for both fuel and a new fuel ship. Thus begins your journey into Space Wreck. Now, where have I seen all of this before?

[...]

Space Wreck is a post-apocalyptic retro RPG in space with an extreme focus on role-playing developed and published by Pahris Entertainment. The game exits Steam Early Access on 

The Good
+ Plenty of role-playing options
+ Multiple ways to approach a given situation
+  Highly replayable

The Bad
- Localization is not the best
- Lacking QoL features
- Some bugs still present

Score: 85/100

The sci-fi RPG Space Wreck will be released today:

Space Wreck

Inspired by classic western isometric RPGs (Fallout, Fallout 2, Arcanum), this is hardcore role playing game set in space 20 years post major conflict over asteroid mining.

• Role playing
• Multiple solutions
• Choice & Consequence
• Optional but unlimited violence
• Non-linear world

Role playing
This is the most important part of the game - you can play whatever character you wish, play however you want to. You can be smooth talker, sneaky hacker or brawling bully; or something else - it's your choice: distribute the points in character creation and make decisions when playing.

Multiple solutions
There are always multiple ways to solve problems (quests), usually tied to your character skills and abilities - play to your character's strengths, work around its weaknesses. For example, if you cannot convince someone to help you, hack his computer and blackmail him. Or just straight up pickpocket the guy - all items are always realistically placed in NPC inventories.

Note: there are usually 3-8 ways to complete a quest in the game. They can trigger related events in near future or lead to a different ending in the end slides.

Choice & Consequence
Your actions, your decisions matter to the game world. Make an enemy, you may need him/her later on. Opt for easier solution to current problem and you might have to deal with bigger problem later. And in the end you will get a unique game ending showing you future fate of your character and those who he/she impacted through gameplay.

Non-linear world
You have an objective but how you approach it - it's up to you; game map is as open to you as reasonably possible (it's stranded space ship after all) and there is no single true path to the end. If you know where to go, what to do - you can try to sequence break the game. Combine that with multiple solutions to every quest and you've got freedom to spare.

Optional but unlimited violence
You can complete the game without killing anyone. In fact, combat is completely optional. But if you want to fight - there are no immortal or "essential" NPCs - everyone everywhere has finite amount of HP and is fair game.

Mortismal Gaming reviewed the Space Wreck:

Space Wreck - Review After 100%

Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:05 Overview
01:50 Technical State
02:37 Character Creation
04:50 Story Set Up & Thoughts
06:34 Progression Systems
07:48 Gameplay & World
09:28 Combat
11:29 Steam Deck Compatibility
12:04 Positives/Negatives
13:30 Conclusion
14:15 Wrap Up

The Early Access version of the immersive sim Fortune's Run is now available:

Fortune's Run - Official Steam Early Access Launch Trailer

Gameplay by Splattercatgaming:

Fortune's Run is the Strangest RPG You'll Play This Year

Dungeons of the Amber Griffin features a speedrun game mode:

Speedrun Game Mode [UE5 Gameplay Reveal #3]

We prepare a route in the game to run on time.

Take a look at another short video of our game. In the upcoming version there will be a new game mode "Speedrun". This mode is about running across the map in time and, of course, surviving ;) For this we use game mechanics i.e. traps, buttons and objects.

The current difficulty level of this mode, is set quite high. You can complete the route by walking slowly and carefully, but a dynamic time trial is the premise of this game mode.

Player feedback is important to us, as it determines the balance of the gameplay.

So we can't wait for you to show us your running times :)

Thanks Henriquejr!

The community update 2 for Wartales is now available:

Community Update 2 Out Now!

Featuring community requests, new content, reworked features and more!

Attention Mercenaries!

Community Update 2 is here and boy oh boy are you in for a read! We noticed the patch notes are quite long, so for those of you who are a bit short for time or just fancy a quick overview of what’s new we have just the thing: a Community Update overview video.

Grab some snacks and let's dive right into today’s update.

[...]

Thanks Henriquejr!

ConcernedApe has posted on X(Twitter) some new screenshots for the in development RPG/Sim Haunted Chocolatier.

Thanks for 1 million followers here's a few Haunted Chocolatier images

Eurogamer reports that Fable co-creator Dene Carter has released his Ultima inspired RPG Moonring for free on Steam.

Dene Carter, perhaps best known as the co-creator of the original Fable and developer Bullfrog's much-loved Dungeon Keeper, has released his brand new Ultima-inspired roguelike RPG Moonring on Steam, and he's made it completely free.

Carter describes Moonring as a "retro-inspired open-world, turn-based, tile RPG in the style of the classic Ultima games" - albeit one "created from the ground up with modern design sensibilities" - and it all plays out across the mysterious land of Caldera, a place of "Devotion and Dreamers, Gods and Gifts", where players take on the role of Dreamless.

"Travel, trade, sneak, fight and sail the world of Caldera," teases Moonring's Steam page. "Speak with the townsfolk, learn Caldera's secrets, and challenge the Archon for his throne... or even overthrow the Gods themselves!".

[...]