The war is lost, the rats are taking over and the Captail lies in ruins. You’re only option now is to run and try and save as many as you can along the way. Put together a ragtag crew of survivors as you scavenge and fight your way to safety.
Shardpunk: Verminfall is the upcoming turn-based, tactical RPG. That’s part XCOM part Darkest Dungeon releasing on the 13th of April 2023 on PC. With a demo still live following the recent Next Fest, it’s the perfect time to take a look at this solo-developed game. It’s really good fun, by the way.
What is Shardpunk: Verminfall?
In Shardpunk: Verminfall you’ve already lost the war. Now you’re on the run. Trying to stay alive whilst also trying to save others. You will need to search for supplies, keep on the move and use every item and skill you have at your disposal.
Furthermore, you’ll wield a Steampunk arsenal of weapons in tactical grid-based battles where your crew will be able to make use of their unique skills to overcome the odds stacked against you. As you progress you will maintain and upgrade your equipment and weapons and make difficult decisions that will influence your future.
With branching missions, you will decide where to take your group in hopes of escaping the oncoming hordes of vermin.
With a mixture of humans and bots in your gang you will have a diverse set of skills to choose from in battle that will allow for many different tactical approaches to fights.
Victorian Steampunk
I’ve already dabbled in the demo that’s available and was immediately enjoying the combat.
It was fun and intense. Mixed with the fact that during fights and missions, you will have to scavenge for supplies. It added an extra layer of tension to things. Taking the time to search every inch of an area can leave you in a more vulnerable position to enemies. That being said, if you don’t spend time searching you may not have the supplies to keep your group alive and healthy.
In between missions, you will have to feed your group. As well as upgrade gear and weapons to stand a better chance going forward. Tune weapons, strengthen armour, and get new abilities to help in battle. Furthermore, you will want to keep stress in the group down by giving pep talks.
The Victorian Steampunk art style looks great. The environment is well-detailed with pixel-perfect spaces to fight in and explore. Additionally, the animations and effects look awesome in battle.
Shardpunk: Verminfall is being developed by a solo developer – Clockwork Pile and I think they’re on for a great first game! However, you don’t need me to try and convince you, go and check it out for yourself!
-Will
