Band of Crusaders: A Deep Dive into the Challenging Gameplay Experience

In the gaming world, where accessibility often takes priority, there remains a niche for games that cater to a more focused audience rather than striving for mass appeal. Virtual Alchemy is embracing this approach with their upcoming dark strategy RPG, Band of Crusaders. Designed to deliver a challenging and demanding experience, this vision was highlighted in our conversation with the team at Gamescom.

The art director, Kamil Mickiewicz, emphasized the studio’s dedication to their distinct vision for Band of Crusaders, noting that they aren't trying to please everyone. Instead, they aim to attract hardcore gamers who enjoy the complexity found in titles like Wartales, Battle Brothers, and Mount & Blade: Bannerlord. While these games serve as a foundation, they also draw inspiration from classics like Pillars of Eternity, Dragon Age: Origins, and even StarCraft II and WarCraft III.

Mickiewicz detailed the game's innovative combat system, which is described as nearly real-time with pause, using slow-motion mechanics rather than a full pause. He noted that a similar mechanic can be found in Aliens: Dark Descent, but while that game allows players to control an entire squad, Band of Crusaders provides Real-Time Strategy controls for singular entities, creating a gameplay experience closer to WarCraft III, but centered on champions instead of minor characters.

For those seeking a complex RPG to enhance their gaming sessions, Band of Crusaders looks to be an exciting contender. Though recently announced and with its PC release date still unknown, more details are on the way. The full interview dives deeper into the game’s unique mechanics, systems, and inspirations, giving fans an intriguing glimpse of what’s to come.