Dark Deity, the turn-based tactical RPG inspired by the genre’s classics from
developer Sword and Axe, lands a critical hit today by surprise launching for Windows PC
on Steam, as revealed during publisher Freedom Games’ E3 2021 showcase.

Taking inspiration from beloved tactical role-playing games, Dark Deity takes its turn bringing a genre back to its roots. Thirty voiced characters featuring the talents of actors such as Kira Buckland (Nier Automata, Persona 5 Strikers, Demon Slayer) breathe new life into classically styled pixelated characters. Every army takes turns each round moving individual units fulfilling fan-favorite roles, including mages and archers to warriors and clerics.

More than 50 unlockable classes await, providing a diverse crew ready for any situation, but don’t forget; when characters die they stay dead for the rest of the story. The Grave Wounds system, however, avoids the harshness of immediate perma-death. Units can recover a handful of times before succumbing to their injuries. Meanwhile, characters that take actions near one another will bond and unlock one of over 450 interactions resulting in hundreds of pairings.

The story follows Brookstead Military Academy recruits Irving, Garrick, Maren, and Alden as their training and graduation are expedited in response to King of Delia violating a thousand-year-long pact. Being thrust into a complex war, the quartet readies themselves for the possibility of never returning home. Compelling stories, striking character designs, and expressive combat pixel art solidify the early 2000s era Dark Deity aims to emulate.