In recent years, fans of turn-based RPGs have had plenty to celebrate, with releases like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Metaphor ReFantazio capturing gamers’ imaginations. Despite the buzz around these high-profile games, a new contender has entered the scene without the hefty price tag of $60 or $70. Meet New Arc Line, a fresh face on Steam’s early access platform, captivating players with its stunning steampunk-meets-magic world. This intriguing entry could very well challenge the year’s top RPG releases.
As you dive into a quality RPG, making significant choices is key, and New Arc Line places you at the heart of a crucial decision right out the gate. The city of New Arc stands on the brink of transformation, driven by an industrial revolution that’s rapidly replacing its enchantment-based lifestyle with cutting-edge machinery. So, where do your loyalties lie?
Every choice you make – from character creation to picking allies, to determining your enemies in combat – revolves around this pivotal clash between magic and machinery. Begin your adventure by selecting either a human or elf character, symbolizing the tension between the traditional and the innovative. With six main classes and 12 subclasses, each aligned with differing ideologies, your journey allows you to gather like-minded allies for strategic turn-based encounters.
Whether you envision your character wielding spells as a formidable mage or prefer the robust presence of a steampunk warrior sporting a sniper rifle, the combat system promises plenty of excitement. The depth of New Arc Line extends beyond its class system and choice of companions. You’ll encounter and manage various elements such as stuns, status effects, abilities, and stat-enhancing items. While the initial stages might feel somewhat straightforward, as Lauren noted in her preview, there’s significant promise for refinement during early access to unlock the game’s full potential.
The standout feature of New Arc Line is undeniably its setting. Its fusion of magical fantasy elements with steampunk aesthetics creates an absolutely breathtaking landscape. The attention to detail and immersive design of the cityscape are praiseworthy, drawing players into its environment.
It’s important to remember that this is an early access release, which means some features are still under development and there may be a few early hiccups. However, even at this stage, New Arc Line is making a strong impression — not to mention that it’s quite the bargain.
Currently available in Steam Early Access, you can snag New Arc Line with a 15% discount until Wednesday, December 4, bringing the price down to just $16.99 / £14.44. A deep, engaging, and visually stunning turn-based RPG for under $17? That sounds like a win to me. You can grab a copy here.
If this game doesn’t spark your interest as much as it did mine, there are plenty of other fantastic turn-based RPGs to try. Alternatively, our top single-player games list is overflowing with some incredible RPG gems.
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