When it comes to backing games on Kickstarter, it’s a bit hit or miss. On one hand, I’ve backed some games years back that still haven’t seen the light of day. On the other hand, I’ve been able to help developers make some pretty good things, like Boyfriend Dungeon. Arcadian Atlas… well… I backed it over seven years ago now. I never thought it would actually happen, though the updates ramping up should have been a clue. Back in early 2017, the target release date was early 2018; that definitely didn’t happen. But it’s finally ready. Arcadian Atlas will be be launching in late July 2023.
Arcadian Atlas is a narrative-driven isometric tactical RPG set in Arcadia. The nation is tearing itself apart via political factions and treacherous intrigues. Evil forces are beginning to awaken. The queen is willing to do anything to ascend the throne. Nobody is safe.
The release date trailer revealed today shows a glimpse at the deeply strategic combat and tense choices players will need to make in order to save the vibrant, historical world of Arcadia:
To save Arcadia, players need to build an elite part of adventurers from over 12 classes, each with custom skill trees and equipment, ranging from potion-brewing apothecaries to magic-channeling warmancers. The battles are strategic and turn-based. Every single action counts. Just one wrong move could tear both your party and the land apart for good.
The game’s stunning pixel art pairs with its rich story, pushing players into tough emotionally-driven choices and sending them down an unforgettable path. Now that the Atlas – a power that can change life in an instant – has been unleashed, no one is safe.
Developed by Twin Otter Studios (started by a pair of siblings, which I love to see) and published by Serenity Forge, Arcadian Atlas will be released for PC via Steam on July 27. It will be released for consoles (no specifics yet) later this year.
Nice when long-in-development Kickstarters finally become real. I got deep into Kickstarters in the late 2010’s/early 2020s, because it really felt like a “high point” of indie development — which I still think. Indie market is shrinking lately for some reasons…
The success rate of games I’ve backed has been hit-or-miss. Not in how fun they are. But in whether or not they’ve ever been released. So many were projected to release in 2020 or 2021, and devs are “still working on it!” I feel like half the time these games are side-projects that indie devs work on in their spare time, and when their real life jobs and families take precendence, the kickstarter passion-project just gets put on the back burner. Thousands of crowd-funders spinning their wheels, wondering if they backed a dev team that can finish a game…
Looking forward to Arcadian Atlas!