This Lovecraftian horror CRPG is a love letter to Ultima and D&D classics, and even Baldur's Gate 3's director is raving about it: "This is one I've been waiting for"
Jun. 4, 2024Skald: Against the Black Priory isn’t for the faint of heart, but you won’t find anything like it without a time machine
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There’s a bangin' new horror CRPG paying tribute to classic Baldur’s Gate and Ultima games, and not only is it a huge hit on Steam, but it’s also being praised byBaldur’s Gate 3director Swen Vincke. Frankly though, nothing can steep you in this game’s vibe quite like the ’80s TV commercial-inspired launch trailer above, so be sure to watch that before you continue reading.
One look atSKALD: Against the Black Prioryis all it takes to know it’s clearly inspired by legacy CRPGs, with its faithfully presented Commodore 64-era pixel art and neatly arranged UI, but it’s also a Lovecraftian horror game. Based in a grim-dark fantasy world, Skald will introduce you to heroes doomed to tragic fates and “violent deaths” thanks to a dangerous world filled with “deadly creatures.”
Shortly after release, Vincke shared his own enthusiasm for the project, although it’s unclear if he’s booted it up just yet. Regardless, I can only imagine how much of a confidence this tweet is for developer High North Studios.
It was clear after playing for just a couple of hours that Skald is something special, with a depth to the storytelling, gameplay, and graphics engine that belies its $15 price tag. Trudging through grueling tactical battles and consuming mountains of text-based lore reminds me that gamers from the Gold Box generation of RPGs were just built different, and although I’ve gotten myself lost in a few caverns, I’m totally absorbed in the fleshed-out world, focused story, and Lovecraftian atmosphere. And yes, there’s an optional CRT filter in case you justneedscanlines for immersion.
Befitting of a grand Lovecraftian tale, you play as a single-minded mercenary of broken mind and spirit, gradually peeling back the layers of a grand scheme orchestrated by an evil empire and exploring a mysterious eldritch universe entirely indifferent to your pain and suffering. Assigned to a ship bound for the island of Idra in search of a missing noble and childhood friend, you’re attacked by a giant tentacle monster and washed ashore before learning your origins as a member of a disgraced family. Naturally, where things go from there is almost entirely up to your own choices.
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I’m intimidated by Skald in the same way that I am when I crack open the first book in a massive high fantasy series, and although I can’t help but remind myself that despite many attempts I’ve never actually finished The Lord of the Rings, I’m hopeful that this lovingly built CRPG has been modernized just enough to keep the pages turning.
Otherwise, here are thebest RPGsyou can play right now.
After scoring a degree in English from ASU, I worked as a copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. Now, as GamesRadar’s west coast Staff Writer, I’m responsible for managing the site’s western regional executive branch, AKA my apartment, and writing about whatever horror game I’m too afraid to finish.
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