The tactical RPG genre is set to welcome a fresh contender as Quickfire Games announces Prelude Dark Pain, a game that intertwines elements reminiscent of the popular XCOM series with the grim undertones of Darkest Dungeon. This new entry promises to push the boundaries of tactical strategy games, delivering an intense experience set against an evocative backdrop of gothic architecture.
Players will delve into a world where they manage a diverse group of heroes in their battle against the formidable Order of the Ash Crusade. The game’s strategic depth is enriched by its intricate positioning mechanics, which demand careful planning and execution on part of the player. Heroes can be selected from eight distinct classes, each bringing unique abilities and strategic advantages to the battlefield. This variety ensures that every battle is an opportunity to test different strategies and adapt to the challenges posed by the dark, immersive world.
Diverse Heroes and Compelling Missions
The game offers more than 20 heroes, each with their unique backgrounds and skills, crafting dynamic teams to oppose the Ash Crusade. As players navigate through intense encounters, they'll engage in crafting and upgrading their arsenal, ensuring their heroes are equipped for the arduous journey ahead. Yet, with every mission comes risk; side missions not only offer rewards but also the potential loss of cherished characters, adding a layer of emotional weight and strategic decision-making that fans of the genre will appreciate.
Prelude Dark Pain’s attention to detail extends to its atmospheric setting, where the gothic environment plays as much a role in the story as its characters. The carefully crafted world provides a haunting stage that enhances the stakes and the narrative depth, inviting players to immerse themselves fully in the game’s lore.
Quickfire Games has slated Prelude Dark Pain for a 2026 release on Steam Early Access, allowing players to be part of the game’s evolution as feedback will play a critical role in shaping the final product. This approach not only fosters community engagement but also ensures that the game will meet the high expectations set by its inspiration from genre staples like XCOM and Darkest Dungeon.
