In this edition of RPGs Coming This Week, some long-anticipated indie titles finally launch. These all deserve the spotlight, and we’re here to give it to them. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Kingdoms of the Dump – November 18th (Windows, macOS, Linux)
For my money, Kingdoms of the Dump was one of the most promising titles of The Gaming Shelf’s Indie Quest showcase earlier this year. The main reason is that it’s got some of the finest pixel art in an RPG yet, no hyperbole. It makes the most of its aesthetic, which is literally trash, and it’s very easy to imagine the thing running on a CRT TV. Check out this trailer because the screenshot above doesn’t do it justice.
The soundtrack, at least from what I’ve heard in previews and the songs made public, is absolutely faithful to all your favorites of the era; the sound fonts are dead ringers if not the very same ones you’ve heard from Square time and time again. By the way, my favorite trailer has to be the one styled after a TV Guide channel listing, in what is a veritable Scud missile of nostalgia aimed at ’90s kids.
The game stars Dustin Binsley, a trashcan knight on a mission to rescue the king and defeat forces threatening the kingdom. There are five other characters to switch between, each with their own abilities to help traverse the world. As you would expect with Kingdoms of the Dump‘s throwback nature, battles are traditional turn-based, though it has the added twist of needing to mind party member placement and execute timed hits.
Kingdoms of the Dump feels like a fully formed RPG with all the makings of a future classic. We will dumpster dive for it if we have to.
by Gio Castillo
Demonschool – November 19th (PS5, XSX, PS4, XB1, Switch, Windows)
Demonschool opens its doors this week. Demonschool clearly takes its cues from the Persona series, particularly the satisfying blend of school life-sim and turn-based combat. Unlike Persona, this game implements a tactical combat system more akin to Fire Emblem or Tactics Ogre. Players step into the shoes of Faye, a student hailing from a lineage of demon hunters. Faye and her classmates must navigate the mysterious halls of a university located on a supernatural island.
Players will experience the challenge of balancing academic life with the threats posed by lurking demons and sinister powers. The game’s art style combines 2D character sprites with a 3D environment. Demonschool promises dynamic turn-based combat that emphasizes quick thinking and strategic character pairings, allowing for creative team compositions. Exploring the school grounds will uncover side quests, deepen relationships with your companions, and uncover the secrets of the university. Tactics fans could be in for a treat when Demonschool releases on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles on November 19th.
by Jimmy Turner
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Entering Early Access) – November 19th (XSX, Windows)
Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault is set to enter early access this week, inviting players back into the enchanting but perilous world of Tresna, where adventure and commerce intertwine. Like its predecessor, Moonlighter 2 is an action RPG with roguelike elements that thrusts players into the role of Will, a shopkeeper who must restore hope to a village on the brink of despair. With nothing but ambition and the support of your fellow townsfolk, Will ventures into treacherous dungeons, where gathering relics and overcoming challenges is essential to reinvigorate his shop.
Moonlighter balances risk and reward as good as any game I’ve ever played. Dungeon crawling, loot collecting, and selling wares is quite a satisfying loop. Players can customize their shop layout and haggle with customers to maximize profits. Beyond mere capitalism, the heart of Moonlighter 2 lies in the relationships you build with the vibrant cast of characters. Will can invest in upgrades for their shops as well as his own, potentially breathing new life into the community. The Endless Vault will present a new challenge, but promises greater rewards for those daring enough to face its trials.
by Jimmy Turner
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked – November 20th (PS5, Windows)
Co-op tabletop RPG with tactical combat all D&D-style? Wouldn’t know the first thing about it but color me intrigued…
Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked is set in the Forgotten Realms, a familiar campaign setting to many tabletop role-players. It’s a crossover with developer Resolution Games’ Demeo and features that game’s tactics RPG combat system. The key draw is its four-player co-op system, though the option is there to tackle it solo. There are two campaigns to start, with more coming via DLC.
by Gio Castillo
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