Frogs, cats, and legends abound in this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, the column where RPGFan staff convene to discuss the latest and greatest in the role-playing genre. It’s the beginning of what could be a very eventful June, so let’s take a breather before things get hectic (and exciting!).
Kristala (Entering Early Access) – June 6th (Windows)
Developer Astral Clocktower Studios describes Kristala as a dark fantasy Souls-like. I don’t dispute that, but I feel the presence of cats in this game kind of undercuts the gritty vibe. It may just be me, though; I can’t take cats seriously, and it’s partly because of my exposure to Suikoden IV‘s goofy Nay-Kobolds.
But make no mistake — Kristala is indeed a Souls-like, and a fast-paced one at that. It’s got parkour-based traversal and stealth, and you can use those mechanics to help you clear or kill enemies, as expected from a game where you play as a ninja-like cat. If you want to help Astral Clocktower Studios develop this game, you’d best hop on while it’s still in Early Access!
by Gio Castillo
Legends of Dionysos – June 6th (Windows)
Legends of Dionysos is 2.5D side-scroller action RPG set in a medieval fantasy setting replete with knights, orcs, and dragons. Although the look is very different, my first impression is that this game reminds me of early progressive-but-controversial side-scrollers like Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest or Ys III: Wanderers from Ys.
TheGamingVan is actually a one-man developer and publisher, and that one man appears to literally live in a van. With that context in mind—plus the fact that I couldn’t make a game on my own if I tried—I will very respectfully state that Legends of Dionysos has a certain asset pack aesthetic, which leads me to hope that it plays better than it looks. I think the game looks fun; it appears to have an almost arcade feel, with enemies coming in waves from each side as you explore, level up and collect loot. I would definitely give this game a shot on a rainy weekend.
by Claton Stevenson
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge – June 8th (XSX, Switch, Windows)
The rainy season has just begun where I’m currently living, and hearing frogs croaking in sync from my window is something I naturally hear after every heavy downpour. Not gonna lie, I’d shriek and run away if I encountered frogs in real life. But, here in Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge, you bet I would aim to build the best sanctuary for each one.
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge is a cozy farming sim that’s focused on collecting frogs and restoring their habitat to its former glory. You can increase your reputation with the help of different NPCs in the game by clearing a bunch of mini-games and quests, which helps in furnishing the safest haven for your 500 friendly little ribbits.
by Tin Manuel
1 Response to RPGs Coming This Week, 6/2/24