With the current trend in gaming today leaning toward open-world single-player adventuring, it’s easy to lose sight of the hustle and grind required to navigate the pinnacle of the gaming genres: tactical role-playing games (TRPGs). A relatively unknown gaming startup, Unicorn Overlord, aims to bring that tension and challenge to the present generation by bringing back the nostalgic focus of TRPGs to the forefront.
The higher-ups at Unicorn Overlord, a small but passionate team, believe that TRPGs are a dying breed; one that is missing from the modern gaming industry. To save the genre from total extinction, their first undertaking is the development of Hawkdei Tactics, a full-fledged SRPG inspired by classic titles such as Tactics Ogre and Final Fantasy Tactics.
What makes this indie title stand out is its focus on the Move & Counterplay system, which the developers describe as “the cornerstone of Hawkdei Tactics”. The core of the system lies in the grid-based map system and character classes, both of which offer players multiple ways to strategize against their opponent. As a testament to their appreciation for the tried-and-true gameplay of the traditional TRPGs, the team at Unicorn have even included a New Game+ mode to allow for a higher level of difficulty and exploration of the game.
With Hawkdei Tactics, Unicorn Overlord is aiming to recreate the thrills and excitements of the forgotten TRPGs of the 90s. To further enhance the experience, they plan on developing online-multiplayer for the title, complete with cross-platform compatibility should it prove to be a success.
If there’s anything to take away from Unicorn Overlord’s efforts, it’s that tactical-RPGs are alive and well in the present day. All that’s left for them is to bring back the classic charm of the past. Here’s hoping that Hawkdei Tactics delivers on that promise.