Tabletop gaming has always had its own niche! Some people prefer dice, and characters, but the world of video games is merging this classic experience with new tech! This leads us to an exciting title- Sunderfolk, from Dreamhaven!
Sunderfolk: A TTRPG-Inspired Game
Sunderfolk is a tactical, turn-based RPG! But what's so special? Well it looks to capture the same thrill of tabletop roleplaying games but removes those aspects that are so hard for people to get into. There’s a streamlined, simpler setup and the controls make it really simple and intuitive.
This comes from some seasoned veterans, Dreamhaven. They aim to do things that “transform game night,” It's hard not to get excited from just hearing that pitch! And the company's reputation only fuels those expectations further.
- The brains behind this operation? The co-founder of Blizzard, Mike Morhaime
- There's also a unique Secret Door studio
- Those behind Riot Games and Blizzard
They brought Anjali Bhimani, a very talented voice actor, known for projects like Stray Gods and Overwatch.
Unique Characters- The Sunderlings
What’s even better about Sunderfolk? There are characters and animal companions to pick from, making the game’s experience super rich.
There are even more choices.
- Ranger
- Bard
- Arcanist
- Berserker
- Pyromancer
- Rogue
When you’re setting your game there is an entire animal element as well.
- A powerful polar bear.
- A secretive raven.
This combination of animal and class give players even more of a fun experience. During my time playing I even chose a fiery salamander, calling my new friend "Sallymandy." The variety in each character, that starts off strong only makes them better and better with the number of skills they can take on.
Gameplay And Missions
This game is packed with adventure, there is more to it than what most games offer and it's hard not to want to jump in and try out its features.
Here's a glimpse.
- Explore
- Puzzle
- Combat
- Rescue
- Survival
The missions themselves give an epic level of excitement.
- My team completed some very fun rescue and puzzle-themed missions which were really intense! It included having to escort some villagers in danger, to using the Berserker to help a trapped beetle move along!
- A great moment came in this game which is also known for bringing a strong strategic game to the fore!
- This is known for its epic, crazy level design as you make your way through dangerous cave systems! What stands out most was the intensity, and unpredictability of how enemies appear!
There is a lot of fun that comes in, for example, naming allies.
- Our team found themselves stuck and facing off with an even greater amount of foes!
The unpredictable chaos gave our team some laughs.
Combat System:
The most thrilling parts! This game uses a really intuitive combat system, mixing game and phone together in ways no one saw coming.
- Players can choose their attacks and strategy via cards.
- There is a big array of options!
- However, at any one moment there are only 3 you can choose
Using intuitive touch gestures is incredibly smooth.
- Each character has a special attack or power. For my character Sallymandy was very fun, because she brought fire skills! It's great as players gain more levels she'll even bring the skills of environmental manipulation using fires!
- There’s even this unique Fate card system, offering more opportunities to add tension, making players consider their strategies.
- Each turn order can also be changed!
Each character brings a strong sense of play as the developers took advantage of offering diverse ways to customize the characters as they made more progress! There are various ways players can control their experience! Difficulty selection allows them to play the way they desire. Each setting really enhances your chances to experiment and improve.
Final Thoughts On Sunderfolk
Between sessions players are free to move their avatars! That’s a fun new detail, especially in the areas.
- A place where players can mail gold!
- There's the place to purchase special Fate cards or even Trinkets
Outside of the battle! There is the world that grows with you. There are even areas you can even level-up your town or interact and form relationships, that aren't directly tied to leveling your character.
The whole package comes together quite nicely. The streamlined mechanics are designed so well it will appeal to casual and veteran players alike! Sunderfolk looks like its ready to go beyond those typical games, and the potential for an entire campaign feels promising and well worth checking out. It succeeds in making people enjoy themselves and creating these meaningful relationships amongst the group. The game has it all: laughs, suspense, intense moments and some truly epic games with the power of friendship. What might be even more exciting for players, it launches for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Steam sometime in 2025!
