You know what zoos might feel like to animals? Prisons. In Back to the Dawn, the survival RPG anthropomorphizes animals as inmates in a real prison. After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, journalist Thomas the Fox only has one thing on his mind: escape. After leaving Steam Early Access on July 18th, the game is now available on PC and Xbox Series X|S.
Check out the launch trailer for Back to the Dawn:
The game is currently 15% off on Steam. Xbox players will be pleased to see that it is part of Game Pass. Both versions of the game include the 1.0 update that adds the Black Panther Arc, a new story from the eyes of undercover cop Bob the Panther. Bob’s story includes new areas to explore, quests to complete, and “morally complex choices that deepen the already rich narrative tapestry of prison life.”
For more on Back to the Dawn, here’s the game’s description from the Xbox page:
A gripping prison escape RPG woven with crime, corruption, and hidden agendas. Step into a maximum-security facility where every inmate has a past—and a plan. You’ll have to fight to survive, investigate, and ultimately break free before the time runs out. Uncover a scheme that threatens more than just your life—it could bring down the entire city. In this thrilling adventure, choices matter, and escape is your only salvation!
Pick Your Path, Break Free Choose between two protagonists — Thomas, a reporter caught in a web of lies, or Bob, an undercover agent sent deep into the prison system. Each storyline delivers over 20 hours of engrossing mystery, where your every choice matters. Navigate a prison ruled by three powerful gangs, interact with 48 uniquely crafted inmates, and uncover layers of intrigue through dozens of memorable NPCs. With over 100 handcrafted quests, multiple escape routes—each with its own risks and rewards—several possible endings, and more than 500,000 words of gripping narrative, Back to the Dawn delivers a deeply replayable RPG unlike anything you’ve experienced.
Uncover the Truth Thomas the Fox is a journalist caught up in a dark conspiracy and who got thrown into a maximum-security prison for not playing ball. Working with your attorney friend on the outside, you must collect evidence to save yourself and the city from grave danger!
Bob the Panther is an undercover agent who has never failed on any of his missions, but he is growing exhausted of this line of work and wants out. But a personal tragedy drags him back for one last job in prison. Experience a hardboiled tale of betrayal, vengeance, and truth!
What Kind of Prisoner Will You Be? This is an enormous prison with lots to do and many places to explore, but make sure you follow the rules, or at least try not to get caught! You’ll encounter all kinds of challenges as you explore your new environment. But will you be a model prisoner and just try to keep your head down, or will you leave a trail of chaos and destruction in your wake? It’s all up to you.
A Colorful Cast Meet a colorful cast of inmates in your prison, each with an interesting story to tell. You can either make them your friends or fight, bully and rob them into submission. Will you be part of a gang or a cunning lone wolf? Pick a side!
Open the Character Growth System Are you a tough guy who lets his fists do the talking, a thief who hides in the shadows, or perhaps a smooth talker who manipulates the scene? Develop your skills, craft tools to suit your style, and climb your way from “new fish” to “top dog.”
Plan Your Prison Escape In a place built to break you, your sharpest weapon is your creativity and cunning. Every inch of Boulderton Prison might hold the key to your escape, from your prison cell to the infirmary, to the sewers and even the rooftops. Can you break free?
Back to the Dawn Screenshots
Back to the Dawn is available now for PC via Steam and Xbox Series X|S. For more RPGs with anthropomorphic animals, stay tuned to RPGFan!
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