How many genres is too many to merge together in a new Steam game? Three? Four? Well, the real answer is: as many as you like, just so long as it keeps you hooked and offers up something novel. From what I’ve seen so far of Darfall – an upcoming mashup of RTS games, city builders, class-based RPGs, and horde-slaying action games – it seems to be finding that sweet spot. With its Steam demo leaving a good impression, this Paradox-back strategy game is shaping up nicely, and now Darfall has confirmed that its release date isn’t too far away.
As mentioned, Darfall is quite hard to pin to a single genre. By design, it offers two distinct gameplay experiences that coincide with its day-night cycle. When the sun’s up, you’ll be merrily building a settlement, managing your citizens and workforce, and heading out into the world to find loot and resources. However, at night, zombified demons and beasts rise from the dead and lay siege to your settlement – as a result, you need to ensure it is well fortified and protected, and that you master your character to become a force to be reckoned with in battle. Slay the monsters and defend your people during this RTS game-style phase, and your city will live to see another sunrise.
Darfall also gives you a lineup of heroes to play as, each with different abilities and playstyles. You could be Ardan, the elemental wizard that uses devastating spells on enemies, or Nariel, the animal-whispering archer that has a deadly bow in her arsenal, but what matters is playing into their strengths. As you progress, you’ll also find artifacts which can be used to make your hero even more powerful.
Aesthetically and thematically, Darfall once again shows its tendency to draw from several inspirations. While it’s set in a fantasy game world, the nightly battles against increasingly large and powerful hordes of undead creatures makes it feel like a zombie game. Add to this its decision to go with a low-poly art style, and it certainly feels unlike any other recently released strategy experiences.
Coinciding with the release of a new trailer, which covers the lore behind the game to set up some narrative stakes, developer SquareNite and publisher Paradox Arc have revealed when Darfall will be let loose.
The Darfall release date has been locked in for Thursday, May 8. If you can’t wait until then, you can still try its Steam demo right now. To download it, wishlist Darfall, or learn more about the game, head to its Steam page here.
Alternatively, head on over to our lists of the best city building games and best strategy games to warm up with some similar experiences.
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