The modern Polish studio From Chaos is made up of former members of The Witcher developer CD Projekt Red, Frostpunk developers 11 bit studios and home 4X Paradox Interactive, under the leadership of former Gwent developer Tomek Dietrich – so it’s no surprise that their debut game, Liegecraft, is a substantial bearded event historical strategy RPG.
It’s a turn-based game in which you play as a cute little despot running around a medieval world, building castles, gaining vassals, gathering armies, and completing tasks that require branching dialogue. There is a pleasant atmosphere upstairs and downstairs. On the one hand, you can paint toy towns on hexagons like in a time-honored 4X or Civ clone; on the other hand, you can cut to a banquet scene and see a drunken dignitary throw a glass at your horse master. Here’s the trailer.
“Liegecraft is a 4X strategy RPG that combines the in-depth diplomacy and statecraft of Crusader Kings 3 with the directness and focus on player decisions of Yes, Your Grace,” explains the press release. “Take on the role of a medieval monarch and lead your kingdom to prosperity. Wield your vassals as your right hand: give them titles, grant them lands, and demand loyalty as they expand your influence.”
Expect “a strong focus on RPG-caliber interaction and character development,” with exploration and questing reminiscent of Heroes of Might & Magic (specifically the third installment). Combat can consist of high-stakes duels between named characters or full-blown army battles, and there are technologies to unlock this across multiple eras. There will be “high replayability, with countless combinations of characters, vassals and map generation”, not to mention a map editor and sharing features.
In terms of Crusader Kings’ personality simulation, your vassals have distinct positive and negative traits and are capable of quarreling with each other and rival rulers if left unattended. What I’m most interested in is the prospect of “immersive real-time events,” ranging from lavish feasts and inn brawls to royal hunts and castle dungeon exploration,” where “you’ll interact directly with your vassals, manipulating them into not doing so.” Don’t jeopardize your carefully laid plans.
If you’re reading this, From Chaos, I’m not necessarily hoping for a red wedding, but it would be nice if I could recreate it drinking scene from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. Or maybe this clip from Blackadder.
Liegecraft will be available in early access next year. The only thing that bothers me is the art direction, which seems a bit plain. Maybe I could afford a few more beards? Maybe some extra curly bits on the locks? Here Steam page.
