Passageway of the Ancients is launching today on Steam!
Created by a four-person studio in Abilene, Texas, Passageway of the Ancients pays special attention to storytelling and combat mechanics – taking inspiration from the best elements late ‘90s and early 2000s RPGs had to offer. Get hyped to explore a brand new CRPG filled with dimly-lit halls, creepy crawlies, complex turn-based combat – and plenty of magical items and loot in every room, of course 🙂
Launch Trailer:
Story & Gameplay
Passageway of the Ancients takes you to the world of Aieryon – the galaxy’s sole remaining magical planet – where you explore the city of Ithgar to solve an unspeakable crime. Beset with grief, you’re tasked with surviving deadly creatures lurking behind every door while gathering clues, managing your party, and leveling up your characters. You also must pick locks and solve Runic puzzles to gather the best loot.
Combat is tough, intricate, and always surprising. Passageway of the Ancients employs both turn-based and real-time combat – taking inspiration from historical weapons and tactics. Furthermore, you’ll have dual personas to deal with – a hidden “Dragonkindt,” and a public-facing race of your choosing (Dwarf, Elf, Human) – which must be leveled up at the same time. Knowing which one to use (and when) is half the fun.
Protect the Passageway: Studio Origins
Passageway Games was founded in 2014 by septuagenarians Jon Grierson and John Hendrick – who first worked together 30 years ago on a medical device. During that project, Hendrick was impressed with Grierson’s work ethic, creativity, and technical skills. Leveraging his 50-year history with RPGs, Grierson approached Hendrick with the idea of working together again – this time, on an indie game (!)
Key Features
- Engage in Turn-Based & Real-Time Combat: Use both turn-based and real-time elements – drawing on real medieval weapons and tactics.
- Unleash Your Dragonkindt Nature: Develop your character’s two personas simultaneously – a hidden “Dragonkindt,” and a public-facing race of your choosing.
- Sharpen Your Wits & Make Strategic Choices: Manage battle spoils, solve puzzles, adjust the frequency of special activities, choose interactions, and gather clues.
- Wield Powerful Magical Items: Carefully equip items affecting intelligence, will, and other character attributes.
- Customize Your Character: Choose your character’s alternate persona, appearance, and gender as Dwarf, Elf or Human.
Availability
Passageway of the Ancients is now available on Steam. The game is compatible with Windows and Linux.
Learn more about Passageway Games and and Passageway of the Ancients here.