In the earliest iterations of the RPG genre in games, players would fight using a turn-based combat system. While the scope of the combat has expanded in many different directions since those early days, the stats and abilities that signify a character’s growth in RPGs can still be best observed in the turn-based format. As a result, new games using this system are constantly finding ways to innovate on it, such as with the recent announcement of Arcane Rift, a fantasy title with a pixel art style and roguelite progression.
The trailer kicks off by dropping viewers into the action with multiple character types contributing the party including a swordsman, a mage, and an archer fighting against both of them. Each character has access to a list of attributes and abilities unique to them to serve as a base before upgrades are distributed in a roguelite style. The Steam page encourages experimental creation of builds with defensive passives like armor that damages attackers, area-of-effect spells that have a chance to freeze foes, and healing magic to keep party members healthy. There are over 50 skills and over 50 items that can be randomly obtained each run.
Arcane Rift is set in the fantasy land of Amaram with access to medieval technology and magic arts. The heroes stand in opposition with Throuzogard, who seeks the Crown of Wisdom to make himself all-powerful. During the quest, the main character will recruit allies as the last member of the Rift Guild. The trailer reveals branching paths with random events that the heroes can take to reach the end of the story.
RPGs have traditionally told stories with each step planned before players pick up a controller. Arcane Rift promises to capture some of the unpredictability that would come with a real magic adventure by changing each element except the goal with each run. It is set to release on Steam with the release date coming soon.