Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out is one of those sequels where you don’t necessarily have to play the original title (though you can connect the games to carry over some choices if you’d like). While a direct sequel to the first game, it’s also in the lineage of King of the Dragon Pass. It features detailed painterly artwork, an interconnected narrative, and clan management with consequence. Back in April, I wrote about the announcement of Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out. At the time, the release date window was “summer” (the publisher is Canadian so this meant June-Septemberish) and the game is set to meet that goal with its official launch date set for late August.
The game takes place centuries after the original Six Ages, but its gameplay remains the same: make difficult choices, fight in turn-based combat to ensure the clan’s survival, and become immersed into the world of Glorantha through its lavish art. Your clan is struggling to survive in the Bronze Age world that is facing an existential crisis while going through a transformation. Ten generations after the events of the first game, some gods have already perished and humanity is on the brink of annihilation. The laws of physics are subordinate to the whims of the gods and the spirits.
There’s rarely a right or wrong answer to an issue, whether you’re dealing with angry ghosts or clan policy. Choices have socio-economic impact, advisors often squabble amongst themselves, and some consequences aren’t known for decades and might even affect future generations of a character’s bloodline.
Clan management involves exploring the wilderness, trading with (or raising) your neighbours, settling disputes (whether mundane, spiritual, or political), improving livestock pastures, making offerings, building altars, and travelling to the Otherworld. The game is meant to be replayed; it’s actually described as “immensely replayable.” One playthrough takes about eight hours for a new player. There are over 600 interactive scenes with multiply story-driven outcomes.
In addition to a PC release, the game is also coming to iOS. iOS makes sense for Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out, as short episodes and automatic saving mean you can play when you only have a couple minutes to spare. The built-in saga records your story for you and advisors keep track of your promises (though they can be a bit judgemental about it).
Developed by A Sharp and published by Kitfox Games, Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out will be released for PC and iOS on August 21.
It has to be said each time: don’t f*** with the ducks.