Step into a vibrant, Arcanepunk world with Battle Chasers: Nightwar, an indie RPG that masterfully blends the aesthetic of western comic books with the deep, strategic mechanics of classic JRPGs. Developed by Airship Syndicate and published by THQ Nordic, this title serves as a high-fantasy revival of the beloved comic book series created by Joe Madureira. Players are thrust into a world of magic and machinery, tasked with preventing a nefarious plot to resurrect an ancient demon.

A Classic RPG Experience Reimagined

At its core, Battle Chasers: Nightwar delivers the nostalgic satisfaction of classic console greats. The game features a traditional turn-based combat system that rewards tactical thinking and resource management. While the foundation is familiar, the gameplay introduces several innovative layers to keep veterans engaged:

  • Overcharge Mana System: A unique twist on standard mana management. As your characters land basic attacks, they accumulate "overcharge," which can be utilized in place of mana for powerful abilities, creating a strategic "dance" during long encounters.
    • and Battle Bursts: As your party takes damage, a burst bar fills, allowing you to unleash devastating area-of-effect attacks or provide vital heals and buffs to your allies.
  • Deep Progression: As you level up, the game introduces new mechanics in a steady stream—from new abilities every two levels to customizable passive perks—ensuring players are never overwhelmed but always evolving.
  • Complex Crafting: Dive into an intricate crafting system that utilizes an ingredient-overloading mechanic to forge epic gear and items for your party.

Explore the Lost Continent

The narrative begins with a cinematic airship crash on the mysterious "Lost Continent." Following a pirate attack, your ragtag group of heroes must navigate a world filled with danger and discovery. The game features an expansive overworld peppered with hidden dungeons, rare bosses, and unexpected encounters with both friends and foes.

The dungeon crawling experience is highly dynamic, featuring randomly-generated environments loaded with traps, puzzles, secrets, and loot. To survive these perilous depths, players must utilize the unique dungeon skills inherent to each hero, making every expedition feel distinct and rewarding.

Assemble Your Party

Players build their adventuring party by selecting three heroes from a roster of six iconic characters from the original comic series. Each hero brings a distinct playstyle and set of tools to the battlefield:

  • Gully: A powerhouse wielding her father’s massive, strength-granting gauntlets.
  • Knolan: The formidable and knowledgeable wizard.
  • Calibretto: The heavy-hitting war golem.
  • Garrison: A skilled and disciplined swordsman.
  • Red Monika: The agile and cunning rogue.

Who is This Game For?

Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a must-play for fans of the "Golden Era" of JRPGs who crave a westernized art style. If you enjoy deep dungeon delving, strategic turn-based combat, and rich world-building inspired by the works of Joe Madureira, this title offers a compelling loop of exploration and character optimization. It is ideal for players who appreciate the tactical depth of titles like Final Fantasy paired with the gritty, action-oriented atmosphere of Darksiders.

Platform Availability: Originally released in October 2017 for PC, Mac, PS4, and Xbox One, the game later expanded to include Nintendo Switch and Linux.