The wait for my favorite game from Gamescom 2024 is almost over with the release of New Arc Line. This isometric, party-based CRPG is set in a world torn apart by conflict between mages and technologists.
Players can choose their character’s race and allegiance, influencing interactions with others. The game’s demo offers a glimpse into a city grappling with an illness called the Iron Plague, where the player is tasked with bringing infected individuals to a hospice for study.
The demo showcases the flexibility of the game, allowing players to tackle situations in various ways, with consequences for their choices. The gameplay includes dice rolls and passive skill checks, reminiscent of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Combat is turn-based, inspired by games like Divinity: Original Sin 2, and affected by the player’s class and abilities. Abilities used in certain locations can alter a character’s appearance, adding depth and context to the gameplay.
The backbone of New Arc Line’s story is the conflict between mages and non-magic users, blending typical fantasy tropes with the Industrial Revolution. The game also incorporates elements of immigration and exploration, reminiscent of Dragon Age 2.
Even without a hands-on demo, the game effortlessly showcases the captivating traits of the CRPG genre, akin to Baldur’s Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin 2, and the Dragon Age games. New Arc Line stands out as a promising addition to the CRPG genre, offering a rich and immersive gaming experience.
Fans of CRPGs should eagerly anticipate its release and keep an eye on its development.
