Square Enix Collective® is pleased to announce that Cardboard Utopia’s tactical RPG Children of Zodiarcs has launched on PlayStation 4 and Steam today, building on a successful Kickstarter campaign that saw the game raise more than a quarter of a million dollars.
Children of Zodiarcs looks to recapture the tactical RPGs that ruled the roost during the 16-bit and 32-bit eras, delivering an adventure set in the fantasy city of Torus – a world split down the middle between affluence and poverty. Players take charge of Nahmi and her fellow outcasts, striking back against the upper echelons of Torus using an exciting new deck and dice based combat system.
“The game tells the story of a band of professional thieves on the hunt for an ancient relic,” details Jason Kim, Creative Director at Cardboard Utopia. “Their adventure sees them infiltrating the private chambers of one of the realm’s corrupt nobles, alerting Toran’s authorities and sending them on the run to stay alive.”
This means taking to the city’s slums and wading through the underworld, chased down by heavily armed city guards, rival gangs, and subterranean cannibals at every turn. It results in action packed gameplay that really pushes the new dice and deck combat system to the limit.”
Children of Zodiarcs is designed to bring together tactical action with card decks and dice that unlock special powers aplenty. One you’ve chosen your attack, the dice rolls to unlock bonuses, delivering attack, defence, healing and special ability modifiers. You can also craft your dice to favour your own particular play style. It’s an approach that guarantees the battles are as varied as they are intense.
“We’ve really loved working with Cardboard Utopia throughout this project, from hosting the concept on the Collective website, through the Kickstarter campaign and now into full release,” said Phil Elliott, Director of Community & Indie Development at Square Enix. “We’re excited to see what the future holds for this talented team, and we’re looking forward to seeing Kickstarter backers and new fans alike get to play the game!”
The story of Nahmi, who was stolen from her homeland as a child, and her friends Pester and Brice, is captivating and their sense of character contrasts with the downtrodden nature of the underbelly they’re forced to inhabit. We think gamers are going to enjoy getting wrapped up in the city of Torus.”
Topping off the experience is a fully orchestrated soundtrack, complementing the mystery of the universe Cardboard Utopia has created.
Children of Zodiarcs is available now for $17.99 / €17.99 / £14.99 on PlayStation 4 and Steam for PC.
