Of Blades & Tails

In October 2022 the turn-based action-RPG genre was added by another interesting project. Early Access got the game Of Blades & Tails, created by a modest indie studio Felix Laukel. For the distribution of the product is responsible publisher Pineapple Works.

What is it?

The developers from Felix Laukel were inspired by such hit games as Stoneshard and the first part of the Diablo Franchise. But they wanted to create something new, not just copy the game mechanics from other games. Thus, the idea of turn-based RPG with action and strategy elements was born. The action unfolds in a vast 2D world, which is to be explored for a few dozens of hours.

Visually, Of Blades & Tails is reminiscent of games for NES and Sega in the eighties and nineties. However, in fact, the graphics and effects are much more complex than they look at first glance. The pixel old-school visuals are well-crafted and complemented by modern effects.

The adventure begins!

The main character in the story is a cunning fox named Reik. He has to leave his home village to save his own clan. After the adventure has already begun, the main character realizes that what is happening around him affects all the inhabitants of the fairy-tale kingdom. And only he has the power to save the inhabitants of this land.

Reik must explore dozens of vast locations and dungeons that are randomly generated. In their territory are hidden numerous clues and useful objects that will help the fox to understand what is happening. All locations are populated by a variety of creatures. And these can be either friendly or neutral anthropomorphic brutes, or aggressive characters. With the latter are to enter into a turn-based battle.

As you progress through the story branch, Reik will complete numerous quests and side quests. Upon release, you will be able to start the game in one of three modes:

• Relaxed – simplified battles and hints throughout the missions
• Adventure – medium difficulty level
• Challenge – variant for hardcore gamers who prefer difficult tasks

The first option is optimal for a leisurely and quiet exploration of the world. The second level of difficulty is suitable for most users, who want to plunge into the game. And the third mode will be a delight for fans of difficult tasks.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Among the pluses of the game, it is worth highlighting:

• A huge open world with dozens of locations and dungeons
• Procedural generation of the environment
• Turn-based combat mode, thanks to which you can plan and think through every action
• Interesting setting
• A well-thought-out main story and side quests
• 10 talents and 48 abilities already in early access
• A huge number of available items, including legendary items

The main drawback is that the game is in early access. So far in Of Blades & Tails some options are not available, such as an increased difficulty level.