Slow stabber Immortal Planet is out now
Got the stamina?
I wrote about isometric action-RPG Immortal Planet [official site] two months ago when a release date was announced: based on early gameplay footage I liked what I saw, but I wasn't sure about the combat, which looked repetitive. Well it's just come out for real now, and the launch trailer suggests the swordplay might be more varied than I first thought.
It's a 'Souls-like' (drink) game based on slow-paced melee combat. You're not going to rush in whirling your sword around your head and hope for the best: you have to dodge and block enemy attacks and manage your rapidly-depleting stamina bar, as well as strike when enemies are tired. I like the aesthetic, and it's from the creator of turn-based stealth hack-and-slash Ronin, which was rather good.
The new trailer is below. It looks like there's actually a good range of attacks and dodges to use, as well as lots of different weapons (there's a sword that transforms into a trident at 00:31):
Each level has a single checkpoint, so you drop in and start exploring. If you die, you go back to the start and lose experience, but you can pick that experience back up at the spot you died. There's "multi-stage struggles" with bosses at the end of the level, too, and lots of options for character customisation.
Here's a little more on the combat, which seems to be the standout bit:
"Patience and focus are much more important than reflexes. Block, dodge and tackle enemies while managing your stamina. You can see enemy stamina and exploit it to stun them when they are exhausted."
If that more cautious approach tickles your fancy, it's on Steam and GOG for £9.89/13,49€/$13.49, which includes a 10% discount until Thursday.