Unforetold: Witchstone

Project Witchstone is an isometric RPG with turn-based combat, developed by the independent studio Spearhead Games, creators of such titles as Omensight and Stories: The Path of Destinies. Using the experience gained from previous projects, the developers of Project Witchstone decided to implement a vibrant land that reacts dynamically to the hero's actions, and the goal of the game is set by the players themselves. The main idea behind the game was to create a world straight from pen&paper RPGs, in which the dungeon master can react anything we do.

Plot

Project Witchstone takes us to a fantasy world where technology coexists with magic. The player takes on the role of a nameless traveler who arrives on the recently colonized continent. The settlers decided to break off their relations with the old world and declare independence, which results in chaos, and influential organizations began to fight for power. It depends on us what we do with the world order we find.

Mechanics

Project WItchstone is an RPG using turn-based combat with arcade elements. The player takes on the role of a nameless traveler who arrives to the chaotic wilderness.

At the very beginning of the game we are given the opportunity to determine who our hero is. We choose their race, class (or multi-class), as well as determine the characteristics of the hero we want to play. Traditionally we have a choice of stats: strength, agility, health, intelligence, wisdom and charisma. It is only up to us whether we leave a multitude of corpses on our way or decide to play the tricky thief/diplomat who prefers to solve problems with wit rather than brawn.

The game world is organic and responds to our actions. In Project Witchstone, different factions are fighting each other and this is what governs the rules of the game. Every force in the game world adapts to our actions and at the same time makes independent decisions. This means that influential groups may fight each other even without our intervention (a system known from the Mount & Blade series), but we can actively influence the balance of power. In addition to combat, diplomacy and intimidation options known from many other RPGs, the game offers additional possibilities. Players can commit crimes and other characters can be framed for them. Most of the tasks that we receive during the game are also not predefined, and evolve depending on the current balance of power.

It doesn't matter if we decide to play a peaceful character or a seasoned fighter, sooner or later we will have to engage in a turn-based battle. However, during battles we don't have to be on our own. During our travels we may encounter companions who will join us if we wish them to do so. Characters in combat move in an order depending on their initiative. Everyone has to use move and action points. Action points determine how many times we can use our special abilities. For example, a warrior after a successful attack has a chance to additionally knock down the opponent with a kick, provided that the character have the right number of action points and we successfully execute a quick time event.

On the continent we move through the world map, from location to location. Such travels are made interesting by random events, which are presented to the player in the form of a narrative, and it depends on our decisions and skills how they will turn out.

Game modes

Project Witchstone is a single-player game.

Additional information

Project Witchstone features nice, pastel visuals and detailed and atmospheric hand-made locations.

Last updated on 07 March 2024