During Gamescom we got invited to get hands on with a wonderful roguelite strategy game called Shadowveil: Legend of the Five Rings which is a game developed by Palindrome Interactive. We spent roughly 15-20 minutes with this game carrying out different runs and asking a bunch of questions which the developer Filip answered quickly and with in-depth response which showed a great passion for this game.
What is Shadowveil: Legend of the Five Rings?
Shadowveil: Legend of the Five Rings is set in the rich universe of the Legend of the Five Rings which is a fantasy world centred around the fictional land of Rokugan, a romanticized version of feudal Japan, where seven Great Clans compete for power and influence. The game combines elements of RPG unit development, card-based combat, and tactical decision-making.
In the game, you command a party of samurai on expeditions into the Shadowlands. Your role is to make strategic decisions, guide your party, and develop powerful combat combinations using cards you earn in battles. Each expedition is unique, offering dynamic gameplay that challenges you to adapt and strategize.
Key Features
Roguelite Gameplay: Each expedition into the Shadowlands is unique, with procedurally generated maps and encounters that ensure no two playthroughs are the same.
Card-Based Combat: Combat is driven by a card system, where you collect and use cards to perform actions, cast spells, and execute strategies.
RPG Unit Development: You can develop and customize your party of samurai, enhancing their abilities and equipping them with powerful gear.
Strategic Decision-Making: The game requires you to make tactical decisions both in and out of combat, balancing risk and reward.
Rich Lore: Set in the Legend of the Five Rings universe, the game features a deep narrative and rich world-building elements.
Progression
Character Development: As you progress, your samurai gain experience and level up, unlocking new abilities and improving their stats. You can customize their skills and equipment to suit your strategy.
Card Collection: Throughout your expeditions, you collect cards that represent different actions, spells, and abilities. Building a strong deck is crucial for overcoming tougher challenges.
Gear and Upgrades: You can find and equip various gear that enhances your party’s capabilities. Upgrading your equipment is essential for tackling more difficult enemies and scenarios.
Story Progression: The game features a rich narrative that unfolds as you complete missions and explore the Shadowlands. Your choices can influence the story and its outcomes.
Resource Management: Managing resources like health, energy, and supplies is critical. Making strategic decisions about when to push forward or retreat can impact your overall success.
Unlockables: Completing certain objectives and challenges can unlock new characters, cards, and abilities, providing more options and strategies for future playthroughs.
Combat
Card System: Each character in your party has a deck of cards that represent their abilities, spells, and actions. During combat, you draw cards from these decks to perform various actions.
Real Time: Combat is real time based, this allows you to plan your main moves carefully before indulging into a real time battle. You can choose which cards to play, targeting specific enemies or supporting your allies before a real time battle commences.
Energy Management: Each card requires a certain amount of energy to play. Managing your energy efficiently is crucial, as it determines how many actions you can take each turn.
Synergy and Combos: Combining different cards and abilities can create powerful synergies and combos. Strategically using these combinations can turn the tide of battle in your favour.
Tactical Positioning: Positioning your characters on the battlefield is important. Some abilities have area effects or require specific positioning to be most effective.
Enemy Variety: You’ll face a wide range of enemies, each with unique abilities and tactics. Adapting your strategy to counter different types of foes is key to success.
Dynamic Encounters: Each combat encounter is unique, with procedurally generated elements that keep battles fresh and challenging.
Clans
In Shadowveil: Legend of the Five Rings, the factions and clans are drawn from the rich lore of the Legend of the Five Rings universe. Here are some of the key clans you might encounter
Crab Clan: Known for their strength and resilience, the Crab Clan defends the empire from the threats of the Shadowlands.
Crane Clan: Renowned for their elegance and skill in diplomacy, the Crane Clan excels in courtly intrigue and artistry.
Dragon Clan: Mysterious and philosophical, the Dragon Clan is known for their unique fighting styles and spiritual insights.
Lion Clan: The Lion Clan is the epitome of martial prowess and honor, serving as the Emperor’s right hand in military matters.
Phoenix Clan: Masters of magic and spiritual knowledge, the Phoenix Clan wields powerful elemental magic.
Scorpion Clan: Cunning and secretive, the Scorpion Clan excels in espionage and manipulation.
Unicorn Clan: Known for their horsemanship and exploration, the Unicorn Clan brings exotic customs and tactics from distant lands.
These clans each have their own unique abilities, strengths, and playstyles, adding depth and variety to the game.
Sounds cool right? Well we thought so and could see the time, effort and love put into this game.
Why not check out some in game screenshots of what we played and a trailer for the game below.
Check out below the all new Gameplay Trailer