Sucker Punch may already be hard at work on Ghost of Yotei, while Larian isn’t touching Baldur’s Gate, but another team has unveiled an RPG concept that sounds remarkably compelling.

The year is 1868, and Japan is torn apart by civil war: the traditionalist forces of Shogun Tokugawa face off against the technologically advanced army of Emperor Mutsuhito, backed by the British East Nippon Company. Amidst this chaos, warriors, spies, and mystical beings navigate a world where sorcery and machinery coexist. Ancient temples rise beside steam-powered engines, embodying the stark clash between heritage and modernization. Japan stands at a critical crossroads: will tradition endure, or will progress dominate? The nation’s fate hangs in the balance.

The story follows a daring mission led by Tokugawa’s spymaster, who recruits the ronin Satoru and Akira to protect a mysterious boy with uncontrollable powers. As their perilous journey unfolds, new heroes join their ranks, each carrying their own history and motivations. Together, they face escalating threats, striving to restore their honor and alter the course of history itself. Every choice shapes their paths: forging alliances, breaking friendships, or healing fractured family ties. Decisions will define who these characters ultimately become.

Players step into the role of a master strategist, commanding warriors both on the battlefield and within their inner struggles. Each character has a distinct background, skillset, ambitions, and fears. Assemble a team that reflects your preferred tactics and personality. Battles unfold through classic turn-based combat infused with samurai tactical depth. Characters’ personal goals and relationships influence encounters, adding layers of strategy beyond the blade. By mastering these social and tactical dynamics, you and your party can dominate the battlefield.

Shadow of the Road is developed by Another Angle Games and will be published by Owlcat Games. While its PC release date remains unknown, a demo is currently available on Steam.

Source: Gamingbible, Steam