A new game on Steam aims to focus on what really matters in RPGs: a game world that feels truly alive and real. The fact that the graphics are not exactly cutting-edge hardly bothers anyone.
Which game is being talked about? It bears the simple name Sword Hero and is an action RPG from solo developer ForestWare. The medieval fantasy setting strongly resembles the old Gothic games from Piranha Bytes.
However, in terms of gameplay, it seems that another game has had a significantly larger influence, namely Kenshi. This is already evident in a gameplay trailer for the game.
You can see this gameplay trailer here:
What is Kenshi? Kenshi is one of the best open-world games on Steam, developed by a solo dev over a period of 12 years. What makes it so special is the focus on the sandbox elements of its game world.
- You start your journey as a complete nobody and must first find your own place in the world – whether as a warlord, slave, or mere fodder for cannibals.
- Kenshi does not tell a predefined story – you write your own story
Kenshi in Fantasy Medieval
And what does that have to do with Sword Hero? The game apparently wants to hit a similar note. From the very beginning, you can freely explore the entire game world. However, this can quickly backfire – for example, when you encounter an enemy who turns out to be too strong.
In the gameplay trailer shown, the player character confronts a large group of bandits. Where in other games you would just need to reload a previous save or respawn at a safe spot if you are defeated in combat, here you wake up right where you fell. Only you do so without your valuable belongings – and if you are really unlucky, without your left arm.
Additionally, the game is said to feature dangerous weather types, NPCs with daily routines and memories, a robust crime and reputation system, and much more. Although there is a story unlike in Kenshi, there are no invincible NPCs – no one is safe from death at your hands.
Players Love Focus on Gameplay over Graphics
What are the reactions to the game like? Many players already love that the developer focuses on a game world that feels realistic instead of just looking realistic.
As rogue_of_the_winds writes in the gameplay trailer on YouTube: “By limiting the visuals, you’re able to tell a much larger story, in a much larger world […]. This is everything I’ve been wanting from gaming for over half a decade. Well done.” This comment currently has 768 likes, so it receives a lot of support.
When will the game be released? Sword Hero has not yet announced a specific release date or timeframe.
Chris Hunt, the creator of Kenshi, spoke a few months ago about the planned sequel. He also revealed why his game is so successful. You can read the reason in our article on MeinMMO: Developer of popular RPG on Steam reveals his recipe for success, saying players should be made to suffer.
