Upon loading up the free Steam combat demo of Runes, it was immediately apparent that this open-world fantasy RPG emitted a powerful aura. The fan control on MSI Afterburner went into overdrive, signaling the intense nature of the game. Despite the untextured enemies resembling Metal Gear Solid’s cyborg ninja, there was something about Runes that drew me in. The sheer moxy of the game, despite its unoptimized state, left me intrigued.
While initially hesitant to write about a demo that was just a slice of combat before the Kickstarter campaign, the lack of textures and rough edges in Runes did not deter me. The stamina-based combat system with directional slashes, parries, and dodges showed potential for depth, even in the midst of the chaos. The arena mode offered a glimpse of the progression system, with perks and difficulty levels to unlock as you play.
It’s worth noting that Runes is not the first game on Steam to bear that name, raising questions about originality. Yet, the audacity of the developers in creating a game with such a generic title speaks to the confidence they have in their project. While the demo may not be suitable for those who prioritize graphical fidelity or have overheating GPUs, there is a certain charm in the game’s unpolished state that piques curiosity.
For those seeking a more polished indie fantasy RPG experience, Ardenfall presents a viable alternative. Drawing inspiration from Morrowind, Ardenfall offers a rich, immersive world that balances exploration with guidance. While Runes may lack the refinement of Ardenfall, it presents a different kind of appeal – one that challenges conventions and invites players to look beyond the surface.
Runes may not be the most optimized or visually stunning RPG on the market, but it has a certain allure that is hard to ignore. The demo, while limited in scope, showcases the potential for engaging combat mechanics and a lighthearted narrative. Whether Runes will successfully launch on Kickstarter remains to be seen, but for now, it stands as a testament to the creativity and boldness of indie developers in the gaming industry.
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