Sword Hero, developed by ForestWare and published by Crytivo, offers a compelling glimpse into its ambitious vision of an expansive, interactive open-world RPG. This indie title, still in development, has generated considerable buzz with its demo available on Steam.
The demo showcases Sword Hero’s dynamic combat system. With a foundation in highly reactive combat, players can engage in scenarios where dismemberment plays a critical role. The ability to lose a dominant limb and adapt using planned robot prostheses when they become available in the game presents unique challenges.
Intricate Systems Enhance Gameplay
ForestWare's integration of permanent limb damage and bionic augmentation offers players myriad ways to navigate the world, whether fully natural or entirely augmented. The game’s design presents systems where NPC reactions are influenced by player actions, as illustrated by the "Tragedy Events." These events record player deeds and alter behavior, enriching the interaction within the world.
Engaging and Challenging Combat Mechanics
Combat in Sword Hero is distinctively chunky, providing a satisfaction that few games achieve. The demo highlights the ability to aim weapon swings mid-animation, coupled with Sekiro-style perfect blocks that repel adversaries and grant mana. ForestWare incorporates elements like a powerful kick to ragdoll enemies, although the spells feel slightly underwhelming for now. Enemies in the demo are intelligent; they loot bodies and, intriguingly, lob insults during battles.
Exploring a Dynamic Open-World
Diving deeper into the game's realm reveals a rich tapestry of lore interwoven into the environment. Sword Hero introduces players to a kingdom known as Wes, located on a unique ring world, with places like Wesport, guarded by a formidable three-headed dragon. The surroundings evolve from peaceful vistas to dangerous territories, and at night, torches become essential. ForestWare offers gameplay without invisible boundaries, encouraging exploration.
The tactile nature of the world means every item can be interacted with, be it picking up, carrying, or even using as projectiles - from weapons to severed limbs. Amidst these features, the developer has hinted at the potential for expanding on these systems, showcasing the desire to support an expansive game world.
With Sword Hero’s expected Kickstarter launch in January, the anticipation associated with this indie marvel continues to grow. Fans eager for immersive, reactive RPG experiences will find much to anticipate in ForestWare's intriguing creation.
