Fans of Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger should keep an eye on Forge of the Fae

A rebirth of traditional JRPG classics seems to be on the horizon, and Faerie Blacksmiths could be the next big title to climb that hill. The Kickstarter-backed indie project channels the gameplay, art style and overall flavor of genre-defining turn-based RPGs like Chrono trigger and the original Final Fantasy Games when they were pixelated, colorful and lacked real-time combat.

Faerie Blacksmiths will be the debut title from Wyoming-based developer Datadyne – an unrelated company Perfect dark stock corporation of the same name. The game is described as a retro-modern RPG that is clearly based on a wealth of classic influences while still aiming for at least some innovations in the genre. In this way, the game can be compared to other groundbreaking turn-based RPG hits of recent years, namely sea of stars And Octopathic travelerwho use the lessons of their inspirations to create something new that goes beyond the realm of nostalgia bait. If Faerie Blacksmiths If it turns out to be as good as its trailers and playable content suggest, then it could be one of those contemporary indie darlings upon release.

An August 2023 release is proof that Chrono Trigger's legacy lives on

Chrono Trigger continues to be a landmark in RPG design, as demonstrated by its influence on a new generation of games like Sea of Stars.

Forge of the Fae is a treat for fans of role-playing games new and old

How Forge of the Fae combines classic and modern

A look at Faerie Blacksmiths is all you need to see the clear influences of such games Chrono trigger: Its stunning 16-bit graphics utilize bright colors, pastoral landscapes and simple, effective character design to create a compelling aesthetic collage. Like many other retro-modern indie games, more modern VFX, including simulated light beams and particle effects, are layered over these older graphics, adding texture and depth to the 1990s visual underpinnings. But while Fairy Forge is definitely pretty, the nod to classic JRPGs doesn't end at the superficial level; The gameplay and narrative also seem to depend well on it.

Faerie Blacksmiths is set in an alternate vision of the real world where magic and technology merge to form the backbone of civilization. Players take on the role of an inventor named Fiora who sets out on a journey to uncover a mysterious phenomenon that is causing people to disappear amid civil unrest. Described on Kickstarter as a “story-first” game, Faerie Blacksmiths promises to tell a classic story full of adventure and intrigue while giving the player the opportunity to shape the narrative themselves.

The gameplay is also a clear sign of this Faerie BlacksmithsThe classical influences. Turn-based battles with an emphasis on party composition and stat optimization are reportedly central to the gameplay loop, and environmental exploration will fill many of the interactive gaps between battles. While it probably won't come close to the scope and variety of something like this Final Fantasy 7 RebirthMini-games also seem to play a role in the game, which will hopefully provide some useful variety.

The Celtic influences of Forge of the Fae set it apart

When discussing what makes Faerie Blacksmiths Unlike other role-playing games, the reverence for Celtic culture must be emphasized here. The visual design of the game world, which includes both urban and untamed areas, is clearly reminiscent of 19th century Ireland, and many of its mystical lore are also inspired by Celtic mythology. In particular, the game's titular “Fae” world draws heavily on Irish folklore, resulting in a decidedly unique JRPG premise. Time will tell what Faerie Blacksmiths will look like upon release, but its unique blend of classic gaming and real-world influences certainly has the potential to make it something special.