Towerborne crosses action RPG systems with good old fashioned beat ’em ups

Towerborne crosses action RPG systems with good old fashioned beat 'em ups

As a longtime fan of old-school beat ’em ups and the strategic depth found in games like The Banner Saga, I was intrigued by Towerborne from the moment I heard about it. But after getting my hands on it at the recent Xbox preview event, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it’s not just another RPG, but a refreshing take on the beat ’em up genre.


Developer Stoic aims to create something grand with the upcoming game, Towerborne. At first glance, their intention seems to be building a long-lasting live service action RPG where players continuously return. Yet, after experiencing it at the recent Xbox showcase in Los Angeles, Towerborne appears to have a more straightforward feel – reminiscent of classic beat ’em up games.

As a brave gamer immersed in the world of Towerborne, I find myself part of the last vestiges of humanity huddled within the protective walls of the Belfry. It’s my duty as an Ace to safeguard the townsfolk from the monstrous forces that relentlessly seek to breach our defenses. These beasts are eager to feast on human kind, and it falls upon me to vanquish them. My journey takes me beyond the safety of the Belfry, where I engage in fierce battles across diverse landscapes, ensuring that the fight for survival continues.

Towerborne crosses action RPG systems with good old fashioned beat 'em ups

In Towerborne, the gameplay seems rich and complex. Players will have an Umbra companion who offers special abilities and powers. These abilities can boost the player’s chosen weapon, whether it be a War Club, Dual Daggers, a sword, or other weapons they choose to wield in combat. There are numerous weapons that can be unlocked and upgraded. By gathering ingredients during their journey, players can enhance their weaponry and armor, making them ready for tougher challenges ahead.

In simpler terms, when I started playing Towerborne, I went in without much prior knowledge or expectation. Consequently, I treated it like a typical brawler game, using my dual daggers to defeat enemies either one by one or in groups with special abilities associated with the weapons. There was also an attack connected to the Umbra I was employing, but at that moment, I had no clue about its purpose. It wasn’t until later, after I finished playing, that I learned more about the experience I had just had.

In the realm of beat-em-up games, Towerborne’s fighting feels incredibly rewarding. On second thought, the concept of a live service cooperative brawler is quite appealing. Instead of exploring new territories, battling fresh opponents, and embarking on quests in a typical RPG or online dungeon crawler, the notion of experiencing this within the beat-em-up genre presents an innovative and intriguing twist, one that I’d be keen to explore further. If Stoic continues to create colossal bosses like Pangojira, a massive subterranean brute with multiple attack phases and minions, I’d look forward to returning for more.

Due to the narrow focus of my preview, I can only discuss Towerborne’s combat system. However, it’s worth mentioning that developer Stoic is planning a rich character development system and numerous customization options. Notably, Towerborne will debut on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview at a premium cost. Upon reaching version 1.0, the game will switch to a free-to-play model, generating revenue primarily through premium cosmetic items.

We can’t wait to explore more of Towerborne once it becomes available, especially any extra story tidbits from the creators behind The Banner Saga. Keep an eye out as we anticipate the early access phase to start on Tuesday, September 10th.

This sneak peek originates from a preliminary PC demonstration that was played live at the Xbox showcase during Gamescom in Los Angeles, California. Keep in mind that the complete version may undergo changes.

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2024-08-27 18:27