Campaign Ends: January 3rd
Platform: PC and Consoles
It’s a well-known fact that colorful alien worlds are one of my weak points; bring me all the games with glowing plants, crystal deserts, and Roger Dean-inspired rock formations! Thankfully, this month, I’ve found a neat little indie title that fulfills this particular checklistāintroducing The Dawn’s Circle, a new pixel graphic RPG with LGBTQ+ themes and visual stylings that bring to mind Cosmic Star Heroine and Paladin’s Quest, with just a dash of Hazbin Hotel.
Follow a young god named Zorja in a tale of identity, belonging, and personal transformation. Befriend a vibrant cast and explore the exotic and colorful world of Gaia, where the lives of gods and humans intertwine. Though dark themes abound and world-shattering secrets await, the game still promises plenty of color and joy; you’ll even recruit a clever anthropomorphic kitty!
The Dawn’s Circle features turn-based combat, focusing on strategy rather than button mashing; Grandia and Chrono Trigger definitely come to mind! The speed of your and your enemies’ skills decides turn order; will you choose a fast attack, or build up for something more powerful? Party members each have their own unique skills and upgradeable weapons; for example, the stubborn defender Roran can take damage for allies, eventually building up for a strong counterattack. You’ll often use fancy area-of-effect attacks as well, targeting enemies in a row or clumped together. During all this chaos, you’ll build up your āSuper Meterā by taking and giving damage. Use what you’ve built up to unleash powerful attacks, or even go into Ultimate Mode for a stunning finisher that’ll also revive any injured party members. Unfortunately, enemies have their own shady tactics, and you’ll need to be careful with each fight. A sloppy team might not stay alive for very long!
I’m looking forward to exploring Gaia’s colorful pixel environments, which include a forest filled with bioluminescent plantlife, and a Western-inspired desert town with even more alien flora. Take your time and enjoy the journey; the world will never feel lonely or empty, as your party members regularly chat with each other and comment on important things that catch their eyes. Quality conversations after dramatic events may even result in a new item or useful skill! Meanwhile, you’ll enjoy some vibrant cinematic art during major plot points, bringing you closer to the game’s stylish characters and world.
This intriguing fantasy tale still needs some help reaching its funding target, with stretch goals set to add hidden bosses, additional sidequests, and more. The developers also mention that outside funding may be needed to finish the game; hopefully this won’t be too difficult to obtain!
All in all, The Dawn’s Circle looks like it’s shaping up to be a grand time for fans of strange pixelated worlds, turn-based combat, and meaningful LGBTQ+ storylines. Adventure and danger await; can the power of friendship save us? Find out in spring 2027!
Disclaimer: While it’s possible some of us at RPGFan may be backers of the games mentioned in these articles, this does not influence our coverage or our featured game choices. We make our selections simply based on the active campaigns we feel our readers might find interesting, and we are not given special access or perks by the developers.
tl;dr: We think these games show potential and want to share them with you.
