Retro-themed RPG makes us want to plug in our PS1
The PlayStation 1 (PSOne!) era was really interesting in how it handled RPGs. Not only was there an influx of projects coming from Japan, but the US and Western developers were heavily experimenting with first person adventures. This timeframe in console RPG creation was often tumultuous, as developers tried to appeal to more audiences on consoles than ever before. Publisher DreadXP is taking a look at what could have been, revealing a full version of Dread Delusion is in the works.
The game, a first person RPG, is designed as if it was created for the original PlayStation console, featuring blocky polygonal visuals and low-res textures. The gameplay even pays homage to what was felt in PC RPGs of the time, like Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, and adjusts the overall package with modern, quality of life touches. It captures ideas from Kings Field, making for an almost souls-like feel to the experience: players take on the role of a prisoner/warrior whose goal is to either heal a cursed world or loot it for its treasures. With humanity heading for cities in the sky, the land below has become nearly impossible to navigate, full of monsters and perilous hazards.
It’s an interesting concept, especially now that the pixel-style era for indies is starting to shift towards PS1/N64 polygonal aesthetics. We’re seeing a lot of Action FPS games popping up aping that time, but now the RPGs may also have their time in the sun. At least Dread Delusion may be a solid step in that direction. The game is now in Early Access, with no launch date revealed yet.
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