Druidstone: The Secret of the Menhir Forest

[petri]

It's been a long wait but finally the new project Juho and I have been working since last fall sees the light of the day! The game is called "Druidstone: The Secret of the Menhir Forest" and it's a fantasy RPG with tactical turn-based combat and roguelike elements. More info and screenshots on our shiny new website at http://www.druidstone-game.com. You can also follow the development of the game by following @DruidstoneGame on Twitter (and @petrih3 if you prefer more personal battle stories).

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Druidstone: The Secret of the Menhir Forest is a fantasy roleplaying game, in which you play the role of a druid who has just been reincarnated. Who are you? How did you die? Your mind is foggy. You only know you are here for a reason. The forest called you here because it needs you.

The world of Druidstone is a vast procedurally generated forest where you explore ancient ruins, battle monsters with spells and swords, and meet interesting friends and foes. Battles will be fought on a two-dimensional grid using a tactical, turn-based battle system. Using your limited resources wisely is important for surviving in this dangerous world. You start the game barehanded, only clad in a simple cloak but as you discover the secrets of the Menhir Forest you will get more powerful and learn new abilities and battle tactics. At the heart of Druidstone is a gripping story which is told through the encounters and characters you will meet. Perhaps you will team up with an ally or two along the way?

Druidstone is developed for the PC by Ctrl Alt Ninja, a group of game designers, programmers and artists who have previously worked on the critically acclaimed Legend of Grimrock games. Ctrl Alt Ninja was founded in 2015 by designer-programmer Petri Häkkinen and art director Juho Salila for creating their next dream project.

http://www.druidstone-game.com
Twitter: @DruidstoneGame

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Please let us know what you think!

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[Jgwman]

Looks cool! Love Juho's art as always. I'm not usually big into true turn-based combat, but I'm sure you'll make it interesting Will be watching.

Any news as to projects the other AH devs are working on at the moment? I expected this announcement to be an AH project. (Good choice of name for your new team, by the way )

[eon]

@petri why don't you go on crowdfund? Pillars of Eternity 2 had great success.

This is the FAQ from website:

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FAQ

What platforms will the game be released on?

We are currently focusing on bringing the game out on Windows. Other platforms are possible later.

When will the game be released?

We are still early in the development and we don’t want to lock ourselves to a release date yet.

What are the classes/races/skills?

We are trying out various ideas and currently it looks like the system will be classless and you can develop your main character into the direction of your choice. New abilities can be learned using a point buy system. For example, you can specialize in spells, or melee weapons in one run, or you could be the jack of all trades.

What can you tell about the tactical battle system?

Battles are fought on a two-dimensional grid and creatures can vary in size from one square to huge multi-square bosses. The battle system is tactical and turn-based so you have plenty of time to think through your options. During each battle round a creature can move up to its Movement Speed and perform an attack or use a battle tactic or special ability. You learn new abilities and tactics as you progress in the game. Managing spells and other resources wisely is the key to winning battles.

How many playable characters will there be?

The story of Druidstone is centered around you, a druid who has just been reincarnated. You will meet other characters along the way who may help you in battles… or maybe even deceive you.

Will there be puzzles?

It is possible that there will be some puzzles, but it is not the main focus of Druidstone. Instead we are concentrating on the tactical battle system, exploration and storyline.

Will there be multiplayer?

At this time, we have no plans for multiplayer.

What inspired you to make this game?

Most modern computer RPGs today have dropped the grid and have a semi-realtime battle system, which we think reduces the tactical aspect of combat. Instead we harken back to golden days of RPGs with grids and turn-based combat. We look for inspiration in several games such as Pool of Radiance and the other Gold Box games, roguelikes (especially ADOM), XCOM, FTL, Ultima series and Final Fantasy games (especially those released on the PS1).

What happened to Almost Human?

Druidstone is developed by Ctrl Alt Ninja, who share many people from Almost Human. Almost Human is still alive but no new games are currently being developed. It is possible that Almost Human returns with another game some day, but meanwhile the Ctrl Alt Ninja team is fully focused on Druidstone. Technically we are a different studio (the ownership and structure of the companies are different). Think of us like members of a band who enjoy this so much that we have a dual membership in another band.

What can I do to help?

Glad you asked! Please spread the word about Druidstone. You could start by telling your friends on Facebook, Twitter and gaming forums. We are a small team and we don’t have any marketing people, so any help is much appreciated! Thank you!

[petri]

@Jgwman: Thanks! Juho, in addition to being an overally awesome guy, definitely has the skills needed to make great graphics for games! I'm truly privileged to work with him again (hehe, we're really happy with the name too!)

@eon: crowdfunding is basically banned by (stupid) laws in Finland. So far the success of Grimrock has allowed us to prototype on new game ideas (hell, we made 7 game prototypes before settling on Druidstone!) and keep the families fed while we set up this project. That said, making a game costs a lot of money (outsourcing music, paying salaries, taxes etc.) more than you probably think, so we'll look into other options down the road. Some sort of preorder is not out of the question if that is something people would be ready to do.

[Isaac]

This is an unexpected surprise; and welcome news.
Is this the Shinobi engine? It looks interesting.

Does this mean Almost Human has changed names, or split into a sister company? A side venture, or a new one entirely?
—Nevermind, I see the answer posted in the FAQ:

SpoilerShow

Druidstone is developed by Ctrl Alt Ninja, who share many people from Almost Human. Almost Human is still alive but no new games are currently being developed. It is possible that Almost Human returns with another game some day, but meanwhile the Ctrl Alt Ninja team is fully focused on Druidstone. Technically we are a different studio (the ownership and structure of the companies are different). Think of us like members of a band who enjoy this so much that we have a dual membership in another band.

**Congratulations, and good luck with the new title! I'm looking forward to the new details as they are released.

*** Is Druidstone in some ways anything like a turn-based version of Gauntlet?

[eon]

crowdfunding is basically banned by (stupid) laws in Finland. So far the success of Grimrock has allowed us to prototype on new game ideas (hell, we made 7 game prototypes before settling on Druidstone!) and keep the families fed while we set up this project. That said, making a game costs a lot of money (outsourcing music, paying salaries, taxes etc.) more than you probably think, so we'll look into other options down the road. Some sort of preorder is not out of the question if that is something people would be ready to do.

I didn't know that for Finland laws. That's something what should be changed.

1. Could you share more concept art and screenshots in the future?
2. Is Menhir Forest one connected area or you can travel between areas through the world map?
3. Are there taverns and inns ?

[zimberzimber]

Looks promising, will definitely give it a try when I get the chance!
But now for the real question - will modding be a thing?

[petri]

@Isaac: Thanks! This is all very exciting! And I'm really glad we can finally talk about the game.
Yes, Druidstone is using the completely new Shinobi engine.

Is Druidstone in some ways anything like a turn-based version of Gauntlet?

Hmm.. maybe a little But combat is more tactical, think of like XCOM but with fantasy genre. Also combat is only half of the story. There's a big world to explore, NPCs and of course the story.

Could you share more concept art and screenshots in the future?
Is Menhir Forest one connected area or you can travel between areas through the world map?
Are there taverns and inns ?

Yes, we'll surely post more art and screenshots in the future. Menhir Forest is one connected area but there area different subareas with different type of environments, creatures, etc. like on the Isle of Nex in LOG2. We are still quite early in development. We'll reveal more info on the blog as development progresses!

[petri]

But now for the real question - will modding be a thing?

Too early to say for sure. Really like the idea of moddin so we'll certainly think about it.

[Zo Kath Ra]

Are there gameplay videos yet?