Atlus to publish ‘Game of Thrones’ action RPG in 2012
Squee?
A roleplaying game based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling fantasy series A Song of Fire and Ice seems like a no-brainer, and now Atlus has announced that indeed, the publisher that recently brought us the insanely difficult Dark Souls is teaming with Cyanide Studios and HBO to do just that. With a story written “under the supervision” of the millions-selling author, Game of Thrones–the game–” promises to deliver the ultimate interactive role-playing experience for fans. The game is filled with familiar locations straight from the pages of the beloved fantasy saga along with the likeness of some actors portrayed in the series.”
With a due date of early 2012, the game has obviously been in the works for some time. According to a press release from Atlus:
In this 30-plus hour action RPG, players will enter the gritty and medieval fantasy world of Westeros. As one of two original characters with disparate motivations, both former soldiers of Robert’s Rebellion, players will forge alliances and wage battles as they play a pivotal role in the ongoing war for power of the Seven Kingdoms. Their journey will span numerous quests, during which they will interact with many characters and make key decisions that impact the realm.
Also hinted in the press release is the suggestion that both combat and politics will have a major role in the game, as they most certainly do in the novels. Game of Thrones “ introduces an innovative “active slowdown tactical combat engine” in which combat mirrors the series’ thoughtful approach to war and politics: fighting slows but never stops entirely, forcing the player to make quick, pressured choices before their enemy strikes again.”
As exciting as the announcement is, it’s worth noting that Cyanide is also responsible for the generally poorly-received and lackluster RTS Game of Thrones: Genesis, which seemed to scream “quick cash in” and disappointed many fans of the series. With its rich lore and complex story, Game of Thrones seems tailor-made for an RPG approach. The game will be released for XBox 360 and PS3 in early 2012.
When not playing the role of composer, director, conductor, playwright, and educator, Mark Steighner slips into his secret identity as a video games journalist and games enthusiast. Mark spent a number of years reviewing games for gamershell.com and contributing to the now-defunct “Eat My Bomb” gamershell podcast. Mark lives in the Pacific Northwest.
