Sunderfolk, a four-player co-op turn-based RPG, aims to bring the joy of tabletop gaming to a broader audience. The game allows players to team up for weekly game nights, immersing themselves in a story where every NPC and player choice is narrated by a game master. While it doesn't offer the same level of narrative freedom as games like Baldur's Gate 3, Sunderfolk focuses on binary choices within a curated narrative. This approach, while potentially limiting in terms of player agency, still manages to capture the essence of a story-driven tabletop campaign with friends.

In Sunderfolk, players can choose from six distinct classes: Arcanist, Bard, Berserker, Pyromancer, Ranger, and Rogue. The game features anthropomorphic animal characters known as Sunderfolk, who must defend their homeland, the Sunderlands, from the corrupting influence of shadowstones. The game can be played either in person or virtually, with each player using their phone to interact with the game, similar to a Jackbox Party game. The action is displayed on a single screen, making it accessible for both local and remote play.

Sunderfolk's gameplay system is inspired by popular tabletop games, with Gloomhaven and Frosthaven serving as major influences. According to game director Erin Marek, the goal was to create a more accessible entry point for those unfamiliar with tabletop RPGs. The game includes a relationship tracker, allowing players to befriend or romance NPCs, adding a layer of depth to the narrative. The game is divided into mission phases and town phases, providing a balance of high-intensity combat and relaxed social interaction.

While the game master narrates the story and player choices, players have some agency in selecting missions and interacting with NPCs. The game master does not dictate player character motivations, leaving roleplaying up to the players. All other characters, including the game master, are voiced by Anjali Bhimani, known for her roles in Overwatch and Apex Legends. Bhimani's involvement adds a professional touch to the game's narration and character interactions.

Sunderfolk is designed to be played with a group, but it also offers a solo experience, allowing players to control at least two characters. The game is set to launch for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC in 2025, promising to bring the collaborative fun of tabletop gaming to a digital platform.

Source link:   https://www.gamespot.com