On A Journey Preview – Turn-based train trouble

thesixthaxis.com:

On A Journey, a new turn-based RPG currently being developed by Mowlo Silk, is set in a world that has elements of the medieval era combined with lashings of steampunk. On A Journey’s demo – available now as part of the Steam Turn-Based RPG Fest – drops you right in the middle of the story with a small group of revolutionaries on a mission to destroy cargo on a train, and derail it before it reaches the Capital City. The reason for this is twofold. First, it is to stop the transportation of Emerald Wood, a magic infused wood that helps prop up the power of the Queen, and second to destroy a prototype enemy mech weapon.

We joing Uther and Tristan as they jump on to the target train from a bridge as it heads towards the city. The scenario begins with you controlling Tristan as he makes his way across the carriage rooftops, a sequence that leads up to QTEs for certain actions. Failing a QTE can dump you into a bad situation, for example, mistiming the button press to push a couple of enemy Ya’al knights out of a train carriage ended up in a combat scenario instead.

Combat is a classic turn-based system with an ATB bar filling up for each character until it’s their turn to act. In addition to the standard weapon attacks and magic abilities, there’s also a fury bar, which grants a special attack to deal high damage with – Uther’s Fury is a storm which fires a lot of icicles at enemies, for example. Some enemies are weak to certain types of magic, which you’ll want to learn to exploit. Uther also has an additional Summon option, costing 200 MP and 50 Fury points, but it is worth it as it brings in a giant rabbit called Roger that rolls towards enemies causing area damage.

Building a well-rounded party to cover the various magic elements will be a key to success, and exploring the character menus shows that Mowlo Silk has plans for a lot of magic and Fury powers in the final game. You’ll also be able to augment them with accessories that can provide bonuses and buffs.

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