Cult-classic strategy gem Solium Infernum returns through Armello creators

destructoid.com:

League of Geeks, the team behind Armello, is diving into the vault and bringing back a cult-classic. The studio’s next title is a reimagining of Solium Infernum, a political strategy game that pits would-be rulers against each other for the highest seat in Hell.

Originally released in 2009, Solium Infernum did not receive a ton of widespread attention. Victor Davis’ strategy game, created under the studio Cryptic Comet, did latch on with some particular journalists and blogs though. Long series like one over at Rock Paper Shotgun dove deep into the politics and strategy, finding a lot to like about it.

League of Geeks is taking the nuts and bolts of Solium Infernum and reimagining it. Major parts are staying the same: it’s a turn-based strategy game, where two to four players take on the role of Archfiends, vying for the throne of Pandaemonium after the Prince of Darkness has vanished.

Solium Infernum has players all take turns simultaneously. So each person submits their move, and then the turn plays out. Part of the appeal here is that players will be able to play in asynchronous matches. So you could, theoretically, host a match and log in once a day, seeing what’s taken place and what move you’d like to log.

I got to take a hands-off look at the in-development game, seeing what the crew is doing with it. The first big difference is the visual overhaul. Everything has been given a major graphical tune-up, bringing the characters into 3D and given polish that you might expect from the Armello team.

The Archfiends animate and leer at you in negotiation screens. The board is a vast waste of potential and doom. Art adorning big moments is absolutely gorgeous.

League of Geeks is expanding on some ideas as well. Legions,