Radical Fish Games, the indie studio celebrated for its 2018 hit CrossCode, has unveiled details about its newest project, now officially titled Alabaster Dawn. Originally known under the working name Project Terra, this new game is set to continue the legacy of CrossCode with its unique blend of retro-inspired visuals and complex gameplay.

A Look Back at CrossCode’s Success

CrossCode, released in 2018, made waves in the gaming community with its top-down action RPG format, seamlessly blending a retro aesthetic with modern gameplay mechanics. The game’s success extended beyond its initial PC release, leading to subsequent launches on consoles such as Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in 2020. Set in a distant future, CrossCode was praised for its polished pixel art, smooth physics, and engaging combat system, earning it a 94% positive review rating on Steam and several awards.

Given the widespread acclaim, expectations have been high for Radical Fish Games’ next project. The development of Project Terra has been shrouded in mystery since it began, with fans eagerly anticipating what the studio would bring to the table next.

Introducing Alabaster Dawn

In a recent announcement, Radical Fish Games finally pulled back the curtain on Project Terra, revealing the game’s official title—Alabaster Dawn—and dropping the first reveal trailer. Much like its predecessor, Alabaster Dawn is set to be a top-down 2.5D action RPG, maintaining the beloved retro art style of CrossCode while pushing the boundaries of polish and detail.

In Alabaster Dawn, players will step into the shoes of Juno, an enigmatic character known as the Outcast Chosen. The story unfolds in a world that has fallen under the Shadow of Nyx, leaving humanity and the gods in a dormant state. Juno’s mission is to awaken both the gods and humanity, a journey that will involve rebuilding settlements, advancing scientific knowledge, and exploring a vast world filled with secrets and ancient structures. The game promises to deliver intricate puzzles, intense combat, and a deep, compelling narrative that will keep players engaged for hours.

What to Expect from Alabaster Dawn

While the game is still in its early stages, with only a few hours of gameplay completed, the developers have big plans for Alabaster Dawn. The reveal trailer offers a glimpse of the game’s rich environments and fluid combat system, which will be familiar to CrossCode fans but enhanced with a new level of detail and complexity. The game’s visual style retains the charm of retro pixel art while incorporating more advanced lighting and effects, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience.

Radical Fish Games has also announced plans to release a public demo of Alabaster Dawn in early 2025 on Steam, giving players an early taste of what’s to come. The game is currently available to wishlist on Steam, and fans will have the opportunity to try out an updated demo at Gamescom 2024, where Radical Fish Games will have a booth showcasing their latest work.

Future Release Plans and Early Access

In keeping with their approach to CrossCode, Radical Fish Games is considering an early access release for Alabaster Dawn in late 2025. This strategy proved successful for CrossCode, allowing the developers to gather feedback and refine the game before its full release. By following a similar path, the studio aims to ensure that Alabaster Dawn meets the high expectations set by its predecessor.

Final Thoughts

With Alabaster Dawn, Radical Fish Games looks poised to deliver another captivating retro-style action RPG that builds on the success of CrossCode. The new game promises a blend of engaging puzzles, dynamic combat, and a richly woven narrative, all set within a beautifully crafted world. As anticipation builds, fans can look forward to exploring this new universe and discovering the secrets that lie within.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of CrossCode or new to Radical Fish Games’ offerings, Alabaster Dawn is shaping up to be a must-play title when it launches. Keep an eye out for the demo in early 2025 and the potential early access release later that year.

Also Read: