When people want to play epic, sprawling, Elder Scrolls-style RPG’s, the iPhone isn’t necessarily the first gaming device that comes to mind. Yet with games like Ravensword and Xenome establishing a solid presence on the portable, and titles like The Shadow Sun in the works, it seems as though the iPhone is quickly becoming the destination of choice for the genre. Aralon: Sword and Shadow is the next title that’s set to join their ranks.
When people want to play epic, sprawling, Elder Scrolls-style RPG’s, the iPhone isn’t necessarily the first gaming device that comes to mind. Yet with games like Ravensword and Xenome establishing a solid presence on the portable, and titles like The Shadow Sun in the works, it seems as though the iPhone is quickly becoming the destination of choice for the genre. Aralon: Sword and Shadow is the next title that’s set to join their ranks.
Developed by Galoobeth Games in conjunction with Crescent Moon Games (the developers behind Ravensword), Aralon promises to offer an epic storyline with over 30 hours of gameplay. As is par for the course with such games, players will be able to complete side quests in addition to the main story, choose from different races and classes when creating their character, and acquire a variety of items and weapons.
The game is set to offer three playable races (Human, Elf and Troll) as well as four character classes (Warrior, Rogue, Ranger and Mage), each with their own sets of abilities and special powers. Variety seems to be the name of the game with Aralon, as the developers are promising 500+ items (and more to come) and 60+ in-game locations to visit.
Veterans of the genre may notice that the visuals feel a tad familiar, and that’s not without reason. Mark Jones, one of the artists who worked on the groundbreaking RPG The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind has contributed his talents to the project, helping to create a vibe that feels largely influenced by this classic game.
In addition to the surface gameplay, Aralon: Sword and Shadow is set to feature a number of gameplay mechanics for those who want to take the experience a little deeper. Expect to engage in herb gathering, item crafting, dual-wielding, lock-picking, and more. We’ve also been told that the game is striving to have an edgier feel than most, so players can look forward to some morally questionable options, like choosing to grow and smoke their own tobacco.
Aralon: Sword and Shadow looks to be shaping up nicely. If you’re looking to take up arms in the Kingdom of Aralon, you won’t have long to wait – Crescent Moon Games is aiming to have this one on the App Store by Christmas.
