In a recent announcement by Dreamhaven and its development team, Secret Door, there is a new cooperative tactical adventure game set in a fantastical world on the horizon: Sunderfolk. This game lets players utilize a phone or tablet as a game controller, and is set to be released across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch, and PC through Steam in 2025. The game takes a new spin on traditional gaming, providing an exciting and accessible experience to players of all types, while still managing to present a challenge to those desiring it.
Chris Sigaty, Secret Door’s studio lead, noted the passion for board and tabletop games that exists within their team, explaining how game nights have become a centerpiece of team socialization. This has prompted them to look at their passions and how to translate them into a more streamlined platform, encouraging more players to have the experiences they relish. The main aim for Sunderfolk is to deliver an engaging yet straightforward game, which is easy to start while demanding a degree of skill to master.
Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Dreamhaven, backed Sigaty’s sentiments, pointing out the objective of the team, which is to build games that bring players together through enjoyable experiences. According to Morhaime, Sunderfolk offers a unique gaming experience, fostering memorable moments during the game where strategies are crafted, and victories celebrated. It’s charming and personality-filled, and the team is eager to hear the feedback from players.
Sunderfolk is a revolutionary turn-based tactical RPG adventure game that uses a mobile device as the controller, making gameplay handy and more immersive. The game embodies the spirit of sitting at a tabletop RPG with friends, designed specifically to facilitate a seamless couch co-op experience. As you traverse through the perilous Sunderlands, up to four players can work hand in hand, adopting one of the six avatars each – Arcanist, Bard, Berserker, Pyromancer, Ranger, or Rogue.
In this strategic turn-based tactical combat, there isn’t a designated order of play. Therefore, your strategies can bend according to the circumstances of the battlefield. While unpredictable enemies appear continuously, your party must discover the most effective ways to overcome each scenario.
In between missions, players will find themselves in Arden, working to develop the village. Unleashing and upgrading local vendors, building relationships to gain rewards, and gearing your character with new skills, trinkets, and weapons will form part of your tasks. The characters of Arden are bound by a collective goal: to guard the town and its Brightshard from the corruption of shadowstone and threats from the surrounding Sunderlands.
One of the unique features of Sunderfolk, apart from its cooperative-first experience, is the use of a mobile app as your controller. With a simple QR code scan on your TV or monitor, your smartphone or tablet will transform into a controller, rule book, inventory, etc., tailored for both iOS and Android. This innovation promises an easy learning curve for friends and family as all information rests in the palm of their hand.
The traditional RPG classes have been refashioned in Sunderfolk, allowing players to adopt unique play styles per character. Skill cards, weapons, and trinkets can be used to customize your character’s build mission by mission, making each journey unique. The combat in Sunderfolk draws heavy inspiration from board games, encouraging strategic play and efficient use of skill cards. As the town of Arden faces a mysterious threat, players find themselves juggling between tactical missions and developing the town through upgrading vendors, obtaining new equipment, and nurturing relationships for subsequent rewards.
The official announcement and gameplay trailers for Sunderfolk are available for viewing. The initial screenshots can also be accessed for a visual experience of the forthcoming game.
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