Classic RPG goodness from a small team.
Written by Jason Venter
Published Apr. 17, 2024
Thrilling new RPGs sometimes come from unexpected places, and that looks like it might be the case with Runa, a promising new game currently in development by the team at Fennec Studio. Launched only just recently, the Kickstarter campaign has already raised nearly $87,000 despite starting with a modest goal of only $47,823.
The team cites classic JRPGs as its influence, as if such references were necessary. One look at the brief clips shown on the Runa Kickstarter page makes that much obvious all by itself. Indeed, drooling over the lush environments, complete with soaring birds and wandering pedestrians, it's difficult to believe we're looking at something produced by a team of only three passionate people.
Seriously. I can't stop looking at those images. Let me loose in your world, Fennec Studio!
Combat will be turn-based, which as far as I'm concerned is another box checked in the "Winning" column. Players will get to explore a kingdom/world known as Akasha, which includes destinations such as the Port City of Tuuken, the Nexus City of Enyth, and the Abandoned Ruins of Nilisel.
Combat consists of a seven-element system, and players will be able to swap out any of their four party members without wasting turns. It will also be possible to date characters, with more than 15 romance options already promised. Oh, and there are skill trees. Of course there are skill trees!
There are all sorts of tiers with some pretty big rewards on offer, as well as stretch goals. Some upcoming options include a physical edition of the game, a farming mini-game, and additional characters to romance. Languages are up in the air still, with an English version being the first priority (and yes, there will be voicework).
Runa is expected to arrive in 2026, and it is already well into its development. Backers can spend €25 to secure access once the game arrives in Early Access, though it should also come to PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox consoles. Clearly, there's value there that some folks can't resist; rewards such as the Mount & Pet Pack are almost gone, despite costing €95. People are excited about the project and it's not difficult to see why.
Check out the Runa Kickstarter page to see some of the images for yourself, and to learn more about the game and its ambitious developers.
