In most RPGs, you have no issue finding a party to travel with you, and then you just fight alongside them until the deed is done, whether that be getting a specific quest to its close or saving the world from a giant threat. However, in Outcast Tales, Hardlane Studio and Inner Pocket are pushing for something a bit grander. They want you to feel not only attached to those who fight alongside you, but they also want you to fight to keep them alive. Here, the choices you make will affect what happens next, and who lives and dies. Do you think you can handle that weight? If so, you’ll want to check out the Steam Demo that’s out now for it. In the meantime, here’s a breakdown and trailer:

“Outcast Tales is all about the characters you bring along for the ride. Each of the heroes in the cast can be paired with distinct personalities that shape their skills and relationships with party members. Create a book-smart savage who hands out beatings and intellectual musings, or the logical paradox that is a pacifist bounty hunter (their bitey lizard pet didn’t get the memo). Try out different combinations of adventurers to see who can make it out alive!

A good personality can only take you so far. Robots, raiders, and mutants would rather beat you to a pulp than chat about your hobbies. Your squad will settle disagreements in tactical, turn-based fights. Experiment with upgradable attacks, abilities, and team compositions to find powerful synergies that’ll have even the toughest raiders screaming for their mothers.

You’ll never know what you’ll encounter in the desert, as random events and encounters lurk around every corner. Each moral dilemma is yours to untangle. Your unique characters can open up unexpected ways of resolving conflicts, but those same specialities may cause friction between your team. Choose wisely, and don’tbe too surprised when your decisions blow up in your face.”

Here are some key features for you to check out before you dive into the demo:

Lead a band of outcasts: Craft your own band of adventurers by pairing heroes with distinct personalities. Experiment with different combinations in each run to change up the gameplay and uncover new narrative events.

Deep tactical battles: Settle disputes with violence in turn-based, tactical combat. Build up powerful synergies between your squad members and live to see another day.

Settle moral conflicts (or stir the pot): In-between fights, you’ll have to make difficult choices that alter the course of the story. How you handle situations will deepen or dissolve relationships between party members, leading to great friendships, romances or rivalries which can affect their outlook and gameplay.

So, if you’re ready to make a crazy part in this RPG adventure, check out the demo today!