(Heads up: I received a code for Towerborne #giftedbyxbox and via Keymailer – just so you know!)
Alright, let’s talk about a game that’s been on my radar: Towerborne! From Stoic, the minds that brought us the incredible Banner Saga, and published by Xbox Game Studios, this one’s shaping up to be a seriously cool action RPG. I’ve been diving in, and there’s a lot to unpack, so let’s get to it.
Your Hero, Your Style: Awesome Anime Looks!
First off, the art style? Love it. Towerborne has this really vibrant, anime-meets-cartoon look that feels fresh and fun. When it comes to making your character, your Ace, you’re not going to be short on choices. We’re talking tons of options for hair, facial features, and even custom designs. It’s clear they want you to craft a hero that really feels like yours, and I’m all for that level of personalization.
Going Solo or Teaming Up? Your Call!
Now, how do you play? Towerborne gives you options. You can totally tackle the dangers of the world solo. Be warned, though – it definitely feels like it’s designed to test your skills if you go it alone! It’s possible, for sure, but expect a challenge.
For me, this kind of game really sings when you bring friends along. You can team up with up to three other players, either online or even old-school couch co-op. Honestly, fighting off hordes of monsters and strategizing with pals just clicks. It’s that classic beat ’em up feel, but with a modern twist.
Gear, Glorious Gear (With a Personal Touch!)
What’s an action RPG without loot? Towerborne delivers here. You’ll be gathering a wide variety of weapons – think Warclubs, speedy Dual Daggers, classic Sword and Shield, and hard-hitting Gauntlets. Each weapon type changes how you fight, which is great for finding your perfect combat rhythm. Plus, there’s plenty of other gear to deck yourself out in. And the best part? You can slap customizable skins on your weapons and gear. So, not only do you get stronger, but you can look awesome doing it.
So, What’s the Story? The World of Towerborne
The setup for Towerborne is pretty intriguing. A massive calamity has basically wrecked the world, and the last scraps of humanity have holed up in a giant sanctuary called the Belfry. You step into the boots of an Ace – a hero who’s been brought back from a spirit realm, gifted with some pretty cool powers to fight back.
Your job? To head out from the safety of the Belfry into the “Wilds.” These are dangerous, ever-changing lands full of monsters and mystery. You’re not just fighting; you’re trying to reclaim what was lost, uncover the truth behind the big disaster, and protect the folks back in the Belfry. It sounds like the story is going to grow over time with new updates, which is exciting!
How Does It All Play? Diving into the Mechanics
From what I’ve experienced and seen, Towerborne feels like a mix of side-scrolling brawler and action RPG. You’ll be running around, bashing monsters with satisfying combos, and using special abilities. The combat feels like it’s got that “easy to learn, hard to master” vibe, which is always a good sign.
You’ll be venturing out from the Belfry onto a world map that kind of looks like a hex grid. As you explore and beat missions, you unlock more of this map, finding new places to go, new baddies to fight, and, of course, new loot to snag. There’s also a skill system for your Ace, so you can tailor your hero’s abilities as you level up, and you can equip things called “Aspects” to further customize your build.
It’s worth noting that Towerborne is in Game Preview right now, with the full free-to-play launch slated for 2025. This means it’s still evolving, with the team at Stoic planning to add more stuff like new areas, enemies, and story bits as time goes on.
If you’re into action RPGs that let you team up with friends, love a good bit of character customization, and enjoy a vibrant art style, Towerborne is definitely one to keep on your watchlist. You can find out more over on the official Towerborne website.
Let me know if you’re planning on checking it out!