Grid-Based Strategy RPG Prelude Dark Pain Launches on Steam in Early Access

Prelude Dark Pain is a chunky tactical grid-based strategy RPG that’s now out in early access. The game is the debut title from indie developer and publisher Quickfire Games. The game’s title is inspired by opera, where a prelude or overture introduces the world and themes before everything unfolds.

The combat system is grid and party-based, inspired by classics like Final Fantasy Tactics, Tactics Ogre, and Vandal Hearts. While, visually, Mike Mignola’s work on Hellboy was a major influence, alongside the Darkest Dungeon series.

The story takes place in Statera, which is a grim dark fantasy world destroyed by an ancient force called the Dark Pain. Meanwhile, the Order of the Ashen Crusade rules huge parts of the land through blood and terror while worshipping the Lord of Pain.

Still, not everyone has given up. Soren and the Blue Net faction are among the people still trying to fight back against everything going wrong. Soren is the protagonist, who’s retired from fighting and now spends his days working as a blacksmith.

After his family comes under attack from the Order of the Ashen Crusade and its ruthless leader, General Forrel, Soren is forced back into battle. He ends up leading an uprising against the Order. Battles happen on grid-based maps against multiple enemy factions, and each mission throws in its own special challenge.

What’s in store in the Prelude Dark Pain Early Access?

The Early Access version gives you somewhere around 12 to 15 hours of gameplay, covering the entire Act 1. You’ll follow the story through nine playable heroes: Soren, Tizon, Tammais, Maya, Sade, Gala, Rufio, Urza, and Rayder.

Every hero comes with four active skills, two passive abilities, virtues, and together there are around 63 skills available. You’ll also get access to an explorable world map, cutscenes, and the forge where you can craft and upgrade your equipment.

You can grab Prelude Dark Pain in Early Access on Steam for $19.99. It’s also got a 10% launch discount.

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Amrita Sankar

News Writer

Amrita has been playing video games since she was a toddler, so writing about games comes naturally to her. Outside of Gamezebo, she has experience in webcomics and social media copywriting.