If you know of Zen Studios then you will know that they are the guys and girls behind the surge in pinball gaming popularity. In fact, without beating around the bush, they’ve single-handedly taken the pinball scene and turned it on its head with the release of the recent Pinball FX3 and the many tables it holds. Now though it seems like they are branching out and away from the high-score gathering ball-pinging pinball, to venture into the world of classic first-person dungeon crawling with Operencia: The Stolen Sun on Xbox One and PC.
Thrusting us into a fantasy world that defies convention, Zen Studios have created the land of Operencia in order to pay homage to the first person dungeon crawler from yesteryear. Running with a turn-based combat system, Operencia delivers a mix of mythology and historical accuracies to create one brand new gaming experience.
Inspired by Hungarian folktales, Operencia dips into a deep tale that Zen Studios have lovingly put together, allowing you to check out hidden tombs, head through cursed castles and work your way up a World Tree in order to reach the Copper Forest of the Lands of Gods. If this all sounds a bit high and mighty for you then you need not worry as a stunning set of hand-drawn cutscenes and character portraits will bring everything to life, whilst fully voiced roles add in some much appreciated enthusiasm and drive.
From there you may expect a simple journey, but the inclusion of many puzzles, riddles and crafting opportunities will see the grey matter tested fully with Operencia: The Stolen Sun, particularly as you work through the 13 maps thanks to some deep turn-based battling options.
Sold yet? You should be and with Zen’s track record, chances are that Operencia: The Stolen Sun on Xbox One and the Epic Games Store will certainly be worth a little look. A price of £24.99 or a download via the Xbox Game Pass system helps sell it even more and so if you are interested a trip to your favoured digital store will see Operencia pushed into your life.
Our full review of Operencia: The Stolen Sun on Xbox One will be sent live as soon as we can. Make sure you check it out to discover whether the old Zen Studios’ magic has crossed genres to the land of the dungeon crawler.
Game Description:
Zen Studios’ modern homage to classic first-person dungeon-crawlers takes you to the land of Operencia, an unconventional fantasy world inspired by a faraway land referenced in countless Hungarian folktales. An old-school turn-based battle system combines with inspiration from Central European mythology to offer an RPG experience that feels unique yet also familiar. Where History Meets Legend Operencia is home to an intriguing mix of unexplored mythology and fantastical versions of actual historical locations (e.g., Deva Fortress, Balvanyos) and characters (e.g., Attila, Seven Chieftains of the Magyars), all coming together to form one cohesive new gaming universe. Several of your own seven party members take influence from heroes of forgotten tales told hundreds of years ago, such as the brave knight Mezey and Sebastian the Dragon Slayer. A Tale for the Ages An unknown force has abducted the Sun King Napkiraly, leaving Operencia in a state of perpetual darkness – and eventual doom. From hidden royal tombs and cursed castles to an ascent up the World Tree to reach the Copper Forest of the Land of the Gods, explore diverse settings throughout the far reaches of the land…and beyond. Each location boasts its own unique atmosphere, visual style, level design and puzzles, and many take place entirely outdoors. Beautiful Presentation Breathtaking hand-drawn cutscenes and fabulous 2D character portraits bring the story to life in a style not easily compared to any other game. More than 30 colorful roles are fully voiced through top-tier performances authentic to the game’s Central European roots. Puzzles Everywhere From intricate riddles to selecting the proper ingredients to craft new items, dozens of puzzles challenge your brainpower throughout all of Operencia. Classic Gameplay and Exploration Along with a deeply strategic turn-based battle system full of spells and special skills to execute, tile-based movement encourages thorough exploration of each area. For added challenge, turn on Cartographer mode to plot out each of the 13 maps yourself. How many secrets will you find?
