Portrayed as both synergistic and opposed forces, technology and magic fuel the conflict that rages through the world of Dark Envoy. The follow-up to 2018’s Tower of Time explores this clash through the perspective of human siblings Malakai and Kaela, while flexing its CRPG muscles thanks to an engrossing skill-based tactical real-time combat system.
Humans are the youngest race in the world of Jäan, but their abrupt arrival paired with an inferior affinity with magic have always put them at odds with the older inhabitants. These differences lie at the core of the conflict that Dark Envoy’s protagonists must navigate as a series of seemingly unrelated tragedies puts their party of relic hunters on a quest that will lead them to their newfound destinies.
As the robots and heavily armored human units of the Empire wage war against the nimble Elemental units of the League and chaotic creatures that make up the ranks of the Hybrid, Dark Envoy doesn’t shy away from thrusting Malakai and Kaela right in the thick of battle.
Combat is something you’ll have to master if you plan on seeing the journey to its end. To this extent, the siblings can pick between four classes and twelve specializations.
Whether you opt to embrace the shadows as a stealthy Assassin or strengthen your bond with nature as a druid-like Summoner, each choice feeds into different playstyles that add new tools and tricks to your arsenal.
Each one of the six companions that joins you also comes with their own set of skills, further adding to the amount of choice – both thematic and skill-related – available.
One way in which Dark Envoy looks to push the boundaries of tactical real-time combat is through the addition of hand-drawn skills.
They essentially allow you to draw the path and shape of your abilities, which translates to a higher degree of control over the battlefield, especially when pesky enemies refuse to kindly line up and get efficiently pelted in the face.
Choice, of course, extends well beyond combat and into Dark Envoy’s story, where you’ll be able to guide the protagonists as they take important decisions with lasting consequences.
The RPG’s five tactical levels accommodate a whole array of gamers, from casual players looking to simply immerse themselves in its fantasy story to seasoned tacticians looking for their next big challenge.
And, if you want more input than your AI-controlled companions can provide, online co-op allows a friend to seamlessly join your campaign.
Whether you’re a newcomer to the genre or a veteran looking for a different flavor of CRPG, Dark Envoy has got you covered.
As of October 24, 2023, you’ll find it available on PC, via Steam and GOG.com for the price of £24.99/$29.99/€28.99. Purchase it close to launch and you’ll also benefit from a 10% discount.
Keep updated on the latest Gaming News by following GameWatcher on X, checking out our videos on YouTube, or by giving us a like on Facebook.
