Independent RPG developer Ossian Studios has revealed its next project, Pathfinder: The Dragon's Demand. The first full videogame adaptation of Pathfinder's 2nd Edition ruleset, The Dragon's Demand is touted as a fully-featured CRPG with a unique tabletop aesthetic.
Ossian is set to launch the game's Kickstarter funding campaign tomorrow, September 24. The Dragon's Demand immediately sets itself apart with its presentation: Characters are static tabletop miniatures in a world that looks both meticulously crafted but also shiny and toylike, almost as if the action was taking place on the bougiest bespoke dungeon tiles nerd money can buy.
While that style seems like it could introduce the similar design limitations as physical tabletop miniatures, one scene from the Kickstarter trailer really got my attention: The adventuring party is clustered on a roof, facing off against a swarm of gargoyle-type monsters that have taken flight, their miniatures just floating in the air like it's nothing.
That willingness to be playful with Dragon's Demand's unique style, as well as the potential for encounters with tactical twists, gives me high hopes for what the RPG has in store.
Ossian described its vision for the game as «Baldur's Gate 3, but Pathfinder, with miniatures,» and there's definitely a Larian twang to its tabletop faithfulness, cheeky, vibrant aesthetic, and promise of varied, creative arenas.