The RPG genre has taken many forms over the long history of the video game industry. From the world of first-person shooters to the expansive MMO genre, RPGs are so expansive that almost every gamer can say they've played one at least once. One of the most classic kinds of RPG is the isometric RPG, pioneered by franchises like Diablo. The genre has somewhat fallen off in popularity since its rise in the 90s, but there are still some developers that hold on to what made the isometric RPG so popular to begin with. Dark Crystal Games is one such developer, and its new title Encased looks to give gamers an all-new isometric experience.
As the technology of the video game industry has evolved, classic RPGs have gradually fallen into a more niche audience. There are standout releases from time to time, with one of the most notable being the roguelike Hades. Encased appears to play to both sides of the isometric RPG fanbase, by providing an experience similar to classic titles of yesteryear, while also staking its own claim in the genre. Game ZXC attended a pre-show held by Koch Media regarding its new Prime Matter publishing label, where the inspirations and motivations of Encased were laid out.
The Classic Origins Of Encased
When looking at the style and gameplay of Encased, it's clear that a lot of inspirations were taken from the original Fallout games. Before the franchise was known for being one of the most immersive first/third-person RPGs in the industry, Fallout was known for taking players through vaults in an isometric format. The essence of that isometric gameplay is clear in Encased, as players get a perspective that not only follows their character, but allows them to view the whole world around them.
The tone and theming of Encased also takes notes from the Fallout series as a whole. The game follows an alternate history where a mysterious dome was discovered in 1970s America, and technology is significantly more advanced. This echoes the same story structure of much of the Fallout games, where the vaults contain their own mysteries for players to discover. It's a tried narrative at this point, but Encased seems to have freshened it up enough to where it shouldn't seem stale for players that have played similar games before.
With Encased taking an approach that's seldom seen from new IPs nowadays, isometric RPG fans could be in for a pleasant surprise with the game. The persistence of Diablo and surprise hits like Hades have shown that there's still a decent market for games of this style, so hopefully Encased will fall on similar success. With the support of the newly established Prime Matter publishing label on its side, Encased just might be an isometric RPG to watch out for.
Encased releases in September for PC.