Indiana Jones-ish, Nazi-mashing tactical RPG Pathway is simply over the horizon, launching subsequent Thursday, April 11th. Developed by Robotality, it’s trying like a significant step up over their debut techniques game Halfway. It seems to be a tantalising mix of FTL, Curious Expedition and cover-based, very XCOM squad fight – there’s exploration, bartering, get together constructing and plenty of RPG granularity, and 5 semi-procedural campaigns. It helps that it’s all wrapped in lush, effectively animated sprites and a really John Williams-inspired soundtrack. Check out the launch trailer beneath.
From what I’ve seen of Pathway to date (Robotality launched a chunk of mostly-uncut footage final month), I’m intrigued by how a lot it leans in the direction of being a party-based RPG whereas nonetheless borrowing numerous FTL’s construction. Each of the 5 campaigns has a number of story targets scattered throughout a big map, however gamers should juggle assets like ammo, gas and cash as they work by means of the event-filled map nodes. The multiple-choice vignettes you get alongside the way in which also can make stat checks, or provide particular outcomes you probably have a personality with particular abilities in your get together.
This being a modern-style pulp journey, there’s simply as a lot Nazi super-science at work as mystical artifacts. Space troopers and ‘Teslaborgs’ appear to be combined in with the common grunts, so there needs to be a very good little bit of enemy selection. The participant’s get together could be very variable as effectively, with every of the sixteen playable characters having a variety of traits that can be utilized out and in of fight. A scientist would possibly have the ability to decipher unusual expertise, and in addition be a dab hand with a ray-gun in fight, whereas a gentleman con-man is likely to be nice at haggling for offers and sniping.
Drawing inspiration from FTL, there’s a little bit of roguelike in there as effectively, with a development system. Players can unlock further characters to select from in future runs and convey again some loot with them if every part goes south. It feels like an thrilling mix of components, and one I’m trying ahead to attempting quickly. The solely factor I might want for (that isn’t listed as a characteristic, sadly) is a marketing campaign editor, within the vein of Chucklefish stable-mate Wargroove. Still, 5 replayable campaigns feels like rather a lot – we’ll discover out simply how a lot very quickly.
Pathway launches subsequent Thursday, April 11th. You can discover it here on Steam, or its official page and it’ll value £13/$14/$16. It’s revealed by Chucklefish.
