Kyn (with Gameplay Preview)

It takes skill these days to make a roleplaying game (RPG) different, which is what the outset of the upcoming PC title Kyn hopes to do by throwing genres together. It mixes strategic encounters inspired by Syndicate Wars in a party system designed on simplified leveling and looting to go with it. There may even be some morality involved in an open world. It looks like a traditional party-based RPG for now, but the chunks it throws around could keep things interesting.

Combat is viewed from an isometric perspective in basically rendered environments with green grass, bumpy dust roads and so on. It’s the generic standard without frills, but there’s enough color at least. What’s more important is that regions are left open with branching paths that can lead to potential side missions and entirely different dungeons with puzzle sections. Some of these also make use of splitting up the party, making choices matter. Add in the possibility to find treasure in nooks and crannies and there’s an incentive to start dwindling.

Each character can only apply two skills in total from its three leveling trees. Therefore, building a specialized unit is probably going to pay off. That packs together teams like a brawler supported by an archer, a healer and so on. There’s also a special stone abilty, but that wasn’t really elaborated on in the preview build, neither is the basic morality element that has enemies protect their own innocents. It is another range of game elements though.

When going back to town after each mission, characters can use points to level up in one of three ways, which also unlocks more skill in that trait. Moreover, this time can be used to craft the loot from dropped enemies into some primo equipment that will serve for the next objective. Both materials and gear are divided in rarity and these offer a wide selection of possibilities. It may take a bit to sift through, but at least it poses an alternative to simply buying new items.

With combat taking place in real time and builds requiring a specific approach, some larger encounters can become hectic. Certainly as some enemies will block or flee while other reposition, a good view can help win the fight. When moments get too tense, it’s possible to temporarily slow down time. Here, it’s possible to make use of one of the many available skills at leisure, instead of having to time it. Especially limiting the amount of special attacks that can be used drives the challenge in Kyn. If a character dies, the battlefield changes drastically as they may hold abilities vital for survival.

So far, Kyn looks functional and broad enough to titillate the hardcore RPG fan. By putting some more effort into making exploration, crafting and morality even more appealing, it could reach well beyond that as well. It’s getting there, but it can definitely also still use some love. If you’d like more information, then take a look at the gameplay commentary below where we go through most of Kyn’s build.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed (@Daavpuke)