Here’s a fascinating mash-up of mechanics for an RPG. Baladins is developed by Seed By Seed and being published by Armor Games.
This game has you form a party of four, where each character can be assigned to a player via online or local co-op (solo play is also available), and go embark on a quest.
You have five classes to choose from and none of the traditional trifecta of classes are here. No tanks/warriors, no rogues/thieves, and no mages. Instead you get to be a cook, a pyro, a dancer, a luxomancer or a bard.
From there, you are free to go on an adventure through the four regions. There’s no combat, instead all your interactions are dialogue choices and dice rolls, with various outcomes from any questlines.
After the end of an in-game six-week period, the party will be summoned upon to see Colobra, the time-eating dragon. Should the dragon determine the party not have done enough adventuring, you’ll be sent six weeks back to begin a new time loop.
“With Baladins, we want to provide a whimsical twist on the classic CRPG while making it as accessible as possible to genre newcomers,” said Dan McNeely, CEO & Founder of Armor Games Studios. “We encourage players to embark on this approachable and inclusive choose-your–own-story melding time loop mechanics with colorful, fantastical charm.”
It’s a fascinating twist to a co-op RPG, and a new take on a time loop game. Baladins pairs its bold gameplay hooks with a charming art style, featuring paper cut-out sprites and blobby, diorama-esque 3D environments, giving it a playful tabletop look.
Baladins releases on May 14 on PC (Steam).