The Hand of Merlin

The Hand of Merlin is a combination of turn-based strategy game and rogue-lite with RPG elements set in a universe that merges arthurian legends with science fiction in horror climates. Room-C Games and Croteam, known for their Serious Sam and Scum series, are responsible for the game.

Plot

The action of the game is set in a world inspired by arthurian legends, in which, creating a team of four members, we set off on a journey through the dimensions leading us through various places - Jerusalem, Albion, Al-Andalus and others. The aim of the game is to find fragments of lost pieces of our soul and try to save the worlds we visit from extermination.

Mechanics

Before you set off, you need to gather a team and this is where the adventure begins, recruiting four heroes, differing in appearance and skills. During the game we can improve the attributes and randomly generated sets of character's abilities along with the experience gained. Properly selected skills are crucial, especially since in The Hand of Merlin death is permanent and when our team is killed, we have to start again.

During the game we explore the map, trade, take part in random meetings and events, but above all we fight. We are facing turn-based battles with both human and demonic enemies. These do not give us a discounted tariff, so in order to get out of the whole fight you need to use the benefits of the terrain in the form of covers or higher points. Besides, it would be worthwhile to provide our heroes with appropriate equipment. And so we invest in weapons and armour, provided that we have enough gold to spend with the trader we meet. In their assortment we will also find a precious artifacts, whether a King Arthur sword or other peculiar and powerful items.

Fortunately, there are still powerful spells that we send to our enemies in the form of a meteor shower or a lightning storm. In order to learn them, it is necessary to acquire soul stones during our journeys, which restore our lost powers. There is also a roguelite element of the game, because the spells taught are the only ones that go on to the next adventure, after we have died and the more we play, the stronger we become and the better we do to save the world.

Technical aspects

The Hand of Merlin is a three-dimensional game observed from an isometric view, during which we move around the world map and take part in skirmishes in limited locations. The game combines the atmosphere of medieval fantasy with elements of science fiction with a touch of horror in the background.

The game is held by people working on such games as The Talos Principles or The Phoenix Point.