Pixels are aiming for the top with the assist of Sword of Convallaria!
Sword of Convallaria is an upcoming game, by developers XD Entertainment Pte Ltd and XD Inc., that takes the classic tactical RPG genre and rejuvenates it with its ‘neopixel’ art style, which features modern illumination techniques that really makes the visual presentation stand out. It features a choice-based story set in a fantasy world predating modern technology.
Beneath the gorgeous presentation lies tactical RPG elements, similar to other games in this genre, but with a twist. In Sword of Convallaria, you are to assemble a coalition of diverse classes that fight under your command.
Each class have their own unique quirks, taking advantage of mechanics like Archers who automatically unleash a counter attack without spending a turn, heavy units who knock enemies back into treacherous terrain and beast-folks who can make traversing rivers of tumultuous currents like it is a walk in the park. Like any tactical RPG, it is up to you to utilize these talents in the best way possible.
Sword of Convallaria is also said to have interactable environments, meaning that, for example, if you set grass tiles ablaze with a fire spell, you can use it to your advantage and knock your enemies to it to deal damage, or obstruct your enemies’ path and gain a positional advantage. Similarly, you will find explosive barrels that you can attack to deal AoE damage.
The secret sauce behind Sword of Convallaria’s beautiful presentation is the use of a 3D engine to convey a level of depth and the aforementioned special lighting methods that make the game so visually eye catching. From the official promotional footage and the playable demo on Steam, the developers seem to have taken this 3D engine to create a beautiful backdrop accompanying the combat.
Sword of Convallaria prides itself on its use of a more natural color scheme to its environment in the sea of highly saturated pixel art style games which they claim is to enhance their storytelling.
On that note, Sword of Convallaria is set in a small country named Iria, boasting an extensive heritage and esteemed for its plentiful crystal ores that are scantly found elsewhere. The peace of this village is dilapidated by the greed of neighboring powers, who want to capitalize on these resources.
As if such political dispute was not enough already, the country of Iria also houses internal conflict. You, as the leader of a mercenary group must find a way to thrive in this setting while trying to grow stronger. Your goal is to free Iria from these troubles while tackling complex ties, relationships and personal struggles.
Supplementing the art, Sword of Convallaria gives significance to the music, with claims of over 50 tracks created by Mr. Hitoshi Sakimoto, that aim to amplify its story beats and high stakes combat situations. Everyone is sure to be captivated by the interactive OST which adapts to the different maps you traverse.
XD’s Sword of Convallaria has a playable demo out right now on Steam and is set to release on the first of August this year on PC, iOS and Android. I would mark my calendar if I were you.
