The soulslike subgenre of action-adventure RPGs keeps going and going, yet most new titles, while intriguing, fail to truly push the formula forward. Mouseward is side-stepping the problem by adding a Nintendo 64-inspired ‘collectathon’ element to the mix.
The announcement arrived today straight from developer and publisher Finite Reflection Studios, who promises “a nostalgic love letter to the golden age of 3D adventures.” So, how does this even work? Well, while the structure and visuals are those of collectathons of old, it appears “cryptic clues” and the familiar governing aesthetic full of dark locales give Mouseward a clearly souls-y atmosphere.
As for the combat, it’s stamina-based and mirrors the familiar enemy encounters found in soulslikes, complete with blocks, parries, and dodges which also remind us of Ocarina of Time and other classic Legend of Zelda games. It’s safe to say most veteran gamers will be enchanted by the pitch alone, but thankfully, you can also watch the announce trailer below:
“In Mouseward, you become a Royal Mouse Guard returned to life by a mysterious starfall; the same starfall that has covered the land in celestial fragments which warp the world and revive the dead. Your oath never ends, even in death, and as a dutybound rodent you have vowed to free the kingdom from this curse and restore it to greatness.”
At the time of writing, Mouseward is only confirmed to hit PC (Steam) when it’s done, though an early build of the game can be downloaded right now via itch.io.
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