TURN-BASED PARTY RPG SPIRE OF SORCERY GETS ITS BIGGER UPDATE TO DATE
The specialization system improves deck customization by allowing players to join up to 2 schools of magic
Indie studio Charlie Oscar released today the biggest content update so far for their turn-based party RPG Spire of Sorcery, available on Steam Early Access for €20/$20. This update expands the storyline with a whole new chapter, but also makes the map larger with new stories and quests, as well as implementing several new key features to the game. Chapter 3 brings the group of runaway mages into the Elderwood, home to two tribes in conflict, and a dark secret that looms over both. This new biome comes too with new creatures, alchemic recipes and ingredients.
On top of this new section of the storyline, this major update brings relevant changes to one of the core mechanics of the game, implementing schools of magic that will make each character unique. Mages now can specialize in up to 2 schools, out of a total of 9. At the start of the game players choose 1 school per mage, for free, out of the 4 permitted by the Empire; later on, new schools can be unlocked, and mages can change their school allegiance at a special room at the Spire.
On top of this new section of the storyline, this major update brings relevant changes to one of the core mechanics of the game, implementing schools of magic that will make each character unique. Mages now can specialize in up to 2 schools, out of a total of 9. At the start of the game players choose 1 school per mage, for free, out of the 4 permitted by the Empire; later on, new schools can be unlocked, and mages can change their school allegiance at a special room at the Spire.
The new schools alter the composition of the decks that are the core of the game's magic system. Each school brings with it its own set of elements, and when players change the school you also alter the composition of a mage's deck – expanding it when they specialize in a second school. Decks include the elements needed for that school in particular, plus additional elements to support other mages in the party.
This new system also mean a change in Spellboooks: each mage now has a separate Spellbook for each of their schools of magic. Spells have been updated and assembled into trees, and some spells are only accessible once you open the ones that precede them on the tree. Their UI has also received several quality-of-life changes. Another new feature is the addition of Monoliths –special constructions scattered through each map, sources of magic that players can harvest to operate the rooms in the Spire. And finally, the Spire itself has received a brand new room: the Transmutation Hall, used to obtain alchemic resources.
This new system also mean a change in Spellboooks: each mage now has a separate Spellbook for each of their schools of magic. Spells have been updated and assembled into trees, and some spells are only accessible once you open the ones that precede them on the tree. Their UI has also received several quality-of-life changes. Another new feature is the addition of Monoliths –special constructions scattered through each map, sources of magic that players can harvest to operate the rooms in the Spire. And finally, the Spire itself has received a brand new room: the Transmutation Hall, used to obtain alchemic resources.
ABOUT SPIRE OF SORCERY
Spire of Sorcery is a turn-based party RPG with deck mechanics. At the core of the game is a system of tokens that allows to combine spellcasting, alchemy and equipment and affect both opponents and environments. You control a party of runaway mages, set in a quest to help the sentient magical citadel mend the broken world of Rund. Explore the world, and use your spells, alchemy, and gear to engage with the realms of life, death, and chaos to help the sentient to confront your enemies and gather resources and knowledge to increase your power. Manage your party, taking their mood and personal traits into account; find new members and level them up to make your cabal more powerful. In combat, cast your spells using a unique deck-building system, and empower your mages with alchemic potions and special equipment.
KEY FEATURES
- Explore the original world of Rund to discover new creatures, locations, and resources.
- Cast spells, including combos, to affect opponents and trigger environmental effects.
- Concoct alchemic substances that range from curative to explosive.
- Defeat your enemies combining the effects of spellcasting, alchemy & equipment.
- Manage your party, considering mood and personal traits of its members. Upgrade their stats to reach their true potential.
- Customize the looks of your party members with alchemic and food resources that change their appearance.
- Collect resources to cook food that may taste great (or horrible).
- Expand the Spire with new rooms that offer new mechanics.
- Try again: the world is larger than just one playthrough. Every challenge has alternative solutions. Try again with a different party for a different experience!
ABOUT CHARLIE OSCAR
Charlie Oscar is an independent team of video game industry professionals based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The studio was founded in 2013 with the goal of developing original video games and board games for a global audience. Their first game, the native digital board game Gremlins, Inc., was released on Early Access in 2015 and moved to full release in 2016; since then has become a cult classic, with a dedicated community that keeps playing and competing in its tournaments to this day. Spire of Sorcery began as a prototype in 2018, and entered a Limited Early Access period in late 2019. By the autumn of 2020, after several playable prototypes, the game has pivoted to its current concept of a turn-based, exploration-heavy party RPG.
