The upcoming action-RPG Empyreal, developed by Silent Games and published by Secret Mode, is set to launch on May 8th. A demo is already available on Steam, and after checking out the game, I’ve already formed some thoughts—mostly positive ones. Here’s what stands out.
Engaging Combat and Unique Graphics
The combat in Empyreal centers around wielding an array of magical halberds, railguns, and cooldown-based spells as you face off against ancient robots while unraveling the mysteries of a lost civilization. The third-person combat has a dynamic feel that might remind you of the recently released Eternal Strands, though it lacks real-time physics and destruction. Nonetheless, it looks fun, even if certain animations feel a bit stiff at times.
One thing that caught my attention was the damage number pop-ups. They’re a bit odd, looking strangely thin compared to the weighty character models and environments. This mismatch gives the odd impression that you’re smashing a checkout machine instead of fighting massive golems. It’s a minor thing, but it’s worth noting.
Biomes with Philosophical Depth
What sets Empyreal apart is its world-building. The game features four distinct biomes, each inspired by different philosophical principles. Game director James Rogers describes these realms as reflections of concepts like “nature” and “technology,” with one biome resembling something out of Rime—an arid, desolate landscape beneath a scorching blue sky, filled with hexagonal plates.
The biomes exist inside a colossal alien Monolith, and your mission as an “elite mercenary” is to investigate it while battling ancient mechanical enemies. The game’s story hints that the lost civilization may offer lessons for the modern world, including how history itself might be seen as a journey toward a greater purpose. And of course, the Monolith holds plenty of loot along the way. The key will be distinguishing between the loot that powers up your character and the items that tie into the game’s larger philosophical themes.
Customizing Your Environment with Cartograms
While the game’s environment isn’t procedurally generated like Remnant 2, the biomes are hand-designed, offering a more curated experience. A neat feature is the Cartogram system, where players can alter the layout and chemistry of these biomes. These items influence enemy types, drop rates, and even the overall odds of encountering certain events. You can even gift these Cartograms to other players, adding a level of community interaction that’s reminiscent of other games like Nightingale, which uses tarot cards to influence game dynamics.
Interacting with Other Players
Although Empyreal is primarily a single-player experience, there are unique ways to interact with other players. After defeating bosses, you can send items through dimensional rifts and encounter spectral representations of other players, much like the asymmetrical online play in Dark Souls. While the game’s focus is on solo play, these moments of interaction provide a connection with other adventurers, adding a layer of depth to the experience.
Final Thoughts
Empyreal seems to combine action-packed loot hunting with a touch of philosophical depth, setting it apart from many other RPGs in the genre. The mix of strategic combat, immersive environments, and the exploration of grand themes through biomes and Cartograms offers something fresh and engaging. Despite minor issues like the unusual damage number pop-ups and some occasional animation hiccups, the game looks poised to deliver an exciting, thoughtful experience.
Empyreal launches on May 8th, with a demo available now on Steam. If you enjoy loot-driven RPGs with an intriguing narrative and customizable gameplay, this game should be on your radar.
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