“Rose of Starcross” by Peyton Burnham.
“[A] turn-based, story-driven [role-playing game.] […] Explore and learn about the state of Starcross and its characters. […] Fight enemies with timed attacks and [minigames] based on the magic [you are] using and protect yourself from enemy attacks with multi-direction blocking, jumping, and dodging!”
Even though Peyton Burnham lists the “Super Mario” RPGs, the “Mother” series and other various titles as main influences, the first title that came to my mind was “UNDERTALE” to compare this game with. That is not only because of the pixel art or the wacky attitude of some of the characters, but also because of the fighting system in “Rose of Starcross”. While the game is still in its demo state, you can already feel that it is trying out a different approach to the traditional turn-based battles.
For example, while you can just attack your enemies, block their strikes or use an item, you can also use magic. That surely seems pretty conventional, but you do not just lose some mana points and then all of a sudden hit the fiend creatures, as instead you have to succeed in a minigame. For instance, if you want to use the magical crossbow, you must shoot your three arrows at the right moment, as they are constantly moving from left to right and vice versa.
Magic can also not only be used in combats, but in the game environment itself. While you can activate specific artifacts with shooting your sorcerous crossbow, another spell will allow you to double jump over otherwise too deep waters. That is why the discovery of new magic spells will also allow you to explore unknown terrains of the mystical terrains. An interesting journey to the world of Starcross awaits you. [PLAY]
