Indie developer Shiny Shoe has released the latest trailer for its upcoming title Inkbound which showcases a new element of the title: combat. Inkbound is a unique title that combines co-op tactical roguelike mechanics together with MMO elements and the new trailer showcases just how this all works out. Narrated by Mark Cooke, Shiny Shoe’s co-founder and CEO, the trailer explains the basics including how the action transitions from real-time exploration to fast-paced, tactical battles.
Check out the new trailer below before we jump into additional details:
Inbound is set in a world where stories come to life out of a sea of ink. Sticking true to the nature of roguelikes, each run in Inkbound is unique and you will come across a series of threats that are trying to destroy these stories. While combat in Inkbound is tactical and turn-based, it is unlike you have ever seen in a game before. Each player controls their own character in combat, and they can act in any order they like. Most combat mechanics are generic-like abilities and are locked behind the available mana and each player only has a set number of turns.
After the players’ turn, it is time for the enemies, and they will complete their turn. A combat scenario ends when all enemies are dead. Abilities and movement can be chained quickly in the game to make the gameplay fluid. For characters, you will also get to make decisions on what you want to upgrade from the character build screen. This is unique for the run and once the run is over, these upgrades will be gone as well. Based on your choices, you will have a unique character for each run with upgrades of your choice.
Apart from combat and character development, another important element of each run will be loot. You will be required to find loot that will help you increase your power. If you find a powerful set of similar items, it will help you create a powerful synergy. You can find loot by exploring the map, buying from merchants, or defeating powerful enemies in the game. You will also get to choose various environments to visit and loot as you make progress during the run. If all of the party members are wiped out, your run will be over, and you will need to start afresh.
You can sign up for an upcoming beta on the official game website and add the game to your Steam wishlist as well if you like what you saw today. Additional details about the game will be revealed in the upcoming weeks. A release window for the game is not known at this point however the developer is aiming for a 2023 release. In the meantime, make sure to check out the game’s announcement trailer as well.
What are your thoughts on the combat breakdown in the new trailer of Inkbound? Let us know in the comments section below.
