From Baldur’s Gate 3 to Metaphor ReFantazio, turn-based RPG fans have been spoiled rotten over the last couple of years. While many are big-budget blockbusters, here’s a newcomer that looks to be punching well above its perceived weight and won’t set you back 60 or 70 bucks. New Arc Line has just arrived on Steam in early access, and with a gorgeous world that blends steampunk with arcane fantasy magic, it feels like it could give some of this year’s biggest new RPGs a run for their money.
You don’t need me to tell you that a good RPG is all about making important decisions, and at the very basis of New Arc Line entrenches itself in one such choice. An industrial revolution is hitting the city of New Arc, and the influx of new machines and modern technology is quickly replacing its old, magical way of life. So, which side do you choose to be on?
Every decision you make – from how you build out your character, to who you align yourself with, to who you defeat in battle – feeds into this core split between the magical and mechanical. At the start of the game, you can choose to make your character either a human or an elf – again, a factor in this tug of war between tradition and revolution. There are six character classes and 12 subclasses that owe themselves to either side, and as you progress through your journey you can recruit like-minded characters to your team to assist you in turn-based battles.
Whether you prefer to become a mage casting spells on your foes, or you want to be an armored steampunk warrior using a sniper rifle, the combat should be a real treat. Alongside the class system and your choice of companion, so many other factors will make New Arc Line a really deep experience. Stuns, status effects, abilities, stat-boosting items, all need to be taken into account as well. As Lauren found in her New Arc Line preview, things may feel a tad basic in the opening stages, but with some tinkering throughout early access it should realize its huge potential.
I think the main thing that makes New Arc Line stand out though is its world. It looks absolutely stunning, and the blend of magical fantasy and steampunk is really evident in its design. The level of detail and set-dressing is remarkable and really helps immerse you in the city.
Of course, this is an early access launch, so there are going to be some teething issues and some features that are still being worked on. But already, even at this stage, New Arc Line is looking really impressive – and right now it’s a bit of a steal as well.
New Arc Line is out now in Steam Early Access, and up until Wednesday, December 4, you can buy it with 15% off, which makes it just $16.99 / £14.44. A deep, intriguing, and beautiful turn-based RPG (that you can help shape the future of) for just 17 bucks? Sounds good to me. You can pick it up for yourself here.
If it doesn’t get you quite as excited as it does me, here are some other great turn-based RPGs to try instead. Alternatively, our list of the best single-player games is buckling under the weight of some brilliant RPGs.
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