Another reveal throughout E3’s PC Gaming Show, Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer’s Legacy is sequel to considered one of my favorite action-roguelikes of all time. The unique Unexplored was purely restricted to subterranean dungeons, however the sequel is increasing the motion out into the broader world, and producing adventures that span a number of generations, therefore the ‘legacy’ a part of the title. The sequel has a very new look, upgrading from minimalist 2D to sharply shaded top-down 3D. It’s out subsequent yr, and builders Ludomotion are operating a Fig crowdfunding campaign with a demo for backers, although it’ll nonetheless get made even when it’s not totally funded. Below, the debut trailer.
The unique Unexplored was in all probability the closest I’ve seen to a real-time dungeon crawler capturing the spirit of heavyweight number-crunching roguelikes. Unexplored’s dungeon’s ecology was each bit as essential because the loot you’re hoarding. Foliage is flammable and offers cowl, animals and monsters have survival instincts, and dungeons are generated round core puzzles and narratives. Cracked partitions needing explosives to interrupt? The quest hints could nudge you in the direction of an enchanted bow that fires arrows with explosive drive, the prized possession of an orc warlord. Despite being procedurally generated, it managed to really feel like authored adventures.
For the sequel, Ludomotion hope to retain that feeling that you simply’re taking part in via a narrative, stuffed with clever creatures in your path. Aside from the extra linear overland development, one of many key modifications over the unique is the Legacy system, giving the game extra of a way of long-term development. When you begin a brand new character, you may select to both generate a brand new world, or proceed exploring the one you beforehand died in, after the passage of time.
Choices made throughout one character’s story could have an affect on future ones. Killing a pack of wolves with one could permit a village to develop for an additional to come across. It isn’t at all times a bonus, both, as a conquering empire will enhance their energy with every passing character, growing issue, even when you understand the secure routes. It’s an fascinating idea that goes past Rogue Legacy of Void Bastards type ‘roguelite’ design. I’m excited to see if they will pull it off. Considering that it’s a sequel to one of many smartest games in its style, I’ve obtained excessive hopes.
Unexplored 2: The Wayfarer’s Legacy launches 2020, though those that again the Fig campaign for $25 get a full copy when it’s completed, and quick pre-alpha entry, plus new builds as growth progresses. You may discover the game on Steam here. It’s revealed by Big Sugar.
See our E3 2019 tag for extra protection from the present. Our Brendy and Matt are on the market in Los Angeles, taking part in games and taking names. They’ve additionally been liveblogging the big announcement events with fiercely opposing stances.