Of Ash and Steel

Of Ash and Steel is an RPG that combines mechanics from the classics of the genre with some modern conveniences. The game is the result of a collaboration between the independent studio Fire & Frost, for which it is a debut project, and the company tinyBuild.

Plot

Of Ash and Steel takes us to a fantasy world inspired by the Middle Ages, or more precisely – to an island located within the borders of the Kingdom of the Seven. This piece of land once prospered and pulsed with life, but over time it began to decline, ruled with an iron hand that forced people to live in increasing poverty.

We take on the role of a character who, although starting at the very bottom of the social ladder, is destined to influence the future of the entire kingdom. We will also incidentally come to know the truth about ourselves.

Gameplay

Open world

In Of Ash and Steel we view the action from a third person perspective (TPP). The game puts an open world at our disposal, which consists of both outdoor areas and underwater caves. The rhythm of life in the world is determined by changing weather conditions and the daily cycle.

Unlike most other representatives of the genre, we will not find either markers leading us during quests, or level scaling for enemies, thanks to which the challenges posed to us would be adapted to our character. Nevertheless, environmental markers and tutorials have been implemented here, so we are not immediately thrown into the deep end.

As we explore the island, we get to know its inhabitants and the factions that shake it, and we also carry out quests for them. From time to time we have to make decisions that influence the future of our character and the future of both the island itself and the entire Kingdom of the Seven.

Character development and equipment

As we progress, we collect experience points and develop our character in the direction we choose. The skill tree offers three branches, which are linked to survival, crafting, and war. By improving the skills from the trees, we increase our potential in a given field. Our progress does not escape the attention of other characters. While some may initially treat us with contempt, over time the tables will turn and our former critics will begin to treat us more favorably.

Apart from that, our equipment also has an impact on how we cope. As we play, we acquire better items or upgrade the ones we already have. The equipment also allows us to adapt the character to individual preferences. For example, we can turn into a knight in heavy armor or a nimble, lightly dressed warrior with a rapier in hand.

Combat system

In Of Ash and Steel there is no shortage of opportunities to go head-to-head with various enemies. We encounter hostile people, wild beasts, and powerful bosses. On the battlefield, we make use of melee weapons, combat skills, and objects. For example, we can pick up a bottle lying on the ground and throw it at an enemy to briefly stun them.

During fights, we must carefully observe our opponents to detect their weak points and gaps in their defense. It's worth remembering that we are not able to defeat everyone right away. We will only be able to deal with some adversaries at later stages of the campaign.