New release: Eschalon: Book III
The premise:
Eschalon: Book III brings the trilogy to a climactic end as you seek to uncover the mystery of your past, the secrets of the Crux stones, and who the Orakur really are. You’ll traverse miles of virtual wilderness and dungeons, filled with secrets and danger, in an unparalleled role-playing experience designed to feel like a true pen-and-paper RPG.
Although this game caps off a trilogy, Basilisk Games state that Book III “can be fully enjoyed even if you’ve never played the previous games.” I found that to be true for Book II, so I’m sure they can make it happen with the third installment as well. However, as we discovered during that last IndieRPGs.com episode, there are definitely some plot spoilers in the intro cinematic; if you’re someone who is playing the Eschalon series for its plot (not the best reason to play them, IMO, but whatever), then I’d consider playing them in order.
Anyway! Here’s the release trailer:
Among the game’s features, as described by Basilisk Games:
• Dozens of fan-requested features and updates to the engine and rule set.
• Hundreds of graphic updates including re-rendered tiles, new spell effects, and enhanced environment effects. New sound effects and music in crystal-clear HD audio via an updated sound engine.
• Expanded stats for creatures give them new abilities, defenses and vulnerabilities. Combat will require new levels of strategy.
• New spells and hundreds of new items for you to discover. A huge world filled with secrets, riddles, traps, treasure, and glory awaits you!
• Book III is not a dumbed-down “RPG for the masses”. Rapid button clicking won’t save you here. Eschalon pays honor to the greatest RPGs of the past, with unlimited character development options and freedom to explore the world as you wish. The difficulty of the game does not scale to your character.
• Developer tools to be released shortly after the availability of the game. Build your own maps and make your own adventures!
• Single player only, like a great RPG should be.
The fact that they’re releasing the game’s map editor shortly after release is particularly appealing; mod support adds a lot of value here.
You can snag Eschalon Book III on GOG.com and on Steam for $17.99 (10% off the regular price of $19.99). For Windows, Mac and Linux.
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