An upcoming tactical game on Steam combines at first glance the intense battles of an XCOM with the dark comic style that players know from Darkest Dungeon.
Which game is being discussed? We are referring to Prelude Dark Pain, the first game from the Spanish indie developer Quickfire Games. It is a tactical RPG with turn-based combat that transports you to a grim fantasy world. Prelude Dark Pain will be released on Steam, but a release date has not yet been determined.
The developers of Prelude Dark Pain are launching a Kickstarter campaign on April 29, 2025, to fund the game. This announcement is accompanied by a trailer that already shows some gameplay and conveys the atmosphere of the game.
You can watch the trailer for Prelude Dark Pain here:
A blacksmith becomes a rebel
What is the game about? Prelude Dark Pain takes place in the world of Statera. It is under the tyrannical rule of the Order of the Ashen Crusade – an order that worships the Lord of Pain, who devastates the land.
You are Soren: once a warrior, now an ordinary blacksmith. With the help of your companions, you lead the rebellion against the bloody regime. You will fight not only against its henchmen but also against the creatures summoned by the order through its activities.
Visually, the game looks remarkably similar to the dark Steam hit Darkest Dungeon. However, that game was a rogue-like that guided you through grim dungeons and dark forests. Prelude Dark Pain is less claustrophobic but still dark.
Turn-based combat with over 20 heroes
The gameplay is more reminiscent of turn-based tactics games like XCOM:
- From an isometric camera perspective, you move your heroes around in battles like on a chessboard.
- There are more than 20 heroes to choose from, but you can only take five into battle.
- Each hero has a specific role – some deal damage particularly quickly, while others support your group members.
If you manage to flank enemies or attack from behind, you deal bonus damage. However, keep in mind that this applies to your enemies as well. Therefore, the proper positioning of your heroes is of great importance.
A significant contribution to the dark atmosphere of Darkest Dungeon was made by Wayne June’s work. His narration was omnipresent in the game. However, June passed away in January 2025. Developers and the community bid farewell: One of the darkest voices in gaming is forever silenced
