When it comes to video games ARPG is more of a marketing term than a real subgenre. Let’s face it, how many RPGs can you name that don’t essentially rely on progression-through-murder? Even games that hang heavily on their stories are afraid that if you don’t get to climb to the top over a mountain of skulls then the player might lose interest and go play Halo or something. Which is why the recently kickstarted Unrest by Pyrodactyl Games is so refreshing.
“Unrest : An Unconventional RPG Set in Ancient India”
There’s nothing in that title that doesn’t interest me, and it only gets better as you read on:
Unrest is an adventure RPG that adapts to death, failure, and the choices you make.
Play as ordinary people struggling for food, safety, freedom, and a chance at peace.
Explore an ancient Indian city using conversation, manipulation and (rarely) violence.
The music is beautiful, the art charming and the writing is by Rutskarn (he of Spoiler Warning fame and evil master of puns). I genuinely hope this game succeeds, not only for its own sake and that of the team, but in the hope that it encourages more of this sort of thing.
Legends tell of heroes, villains, and quests that save the world from darkness. The streets tell a different story.
Unrest is available on Steam right now. Buy the soundtrack edition, it’s totally worth it. Once I find a way to embed the music, or even a preview, on this site it’ll get a post all to itself. And once I’ve had a chance to really get my teeth into the game itself you can expect me to wax philosophical about that too.