Indie publisher 663 Games has recently unveiled a playable PC demo of Realm of Ink, available via Steam, providing a fresh look at the upcoming action roguelite game. Developed collaboratively by Leap Studio and Maple Leaf Studio, Realm of Ink sets out to distinguish itself from others in the genre with its unique art style (a combination of 2.5D Chinese-style ink painting and modern art direction), gameplay supported by multiple characters, and a narrative focusing on the philosophical significance of life and the beliefs of nihilism and existentialism.
The newly released demo grants players access to the game through the perspective of Red, one of the primary characters. In this demo, players are invited to traverse the first full level set within the enchanting confines of the Ape Kingdom, culminating in a boss battle.
This initial foray into the game’s world showcases the three major combat schools: Scarlet Sword, Shadow Twin Blades, and Azure Aura Blade. Each school offers a unique approach to combat, ensuring that players can find a style that suits their preferences. Additionally, players will get their introduction to Ink Pets, with these creatures serving as your companions throughout your journey. Depending on various Ink Gem combinations, they have the ability to undergo a transformation, evolving into various distinct forms with unique moves to assist you in combat.
Realm of Ink is slated for release later in 2024.
About Realm of Ink
During the hunt for a cunning Fox demon, the heroine and expert swordswoman Red, discovers that she is a fictional character within the short story collection called Realm of Ink. Only by unlocking the dark secrets of the Book Spirit will Red discover the truth of her existence and defy her fate.
The story unfolds in a virtual realm called “Realm of Ink” where inhabitants unknowingly exist as mere fabrications within a fictional world. Controlled by the mysterious Book Spirit, they obediently follow predetermined fates, oblivious to their cyclical lives.
Realm of Ink’s Promoted Features
In the Realm of Ink, the puppets awaken – Begin your journey as the swordswoman Red, gradually unlocking additional characters as you progress. Utilizing the Fox Demons’ immortal power, traverse treacherous ‘Story Relics’ and confront four bosses with unique backgrounds to escape from the ever-changing Realm of Ink. By surmounting the various challenges and obstacles ahead, you will redefine your ‘destiny’ through the constant cycle of rebirth, wielding your sword with resilience.
Exquisite Ink-style Art – From the verdant Buddhist forests, the frigid enchanted Monkey Kingdom, and the gentle yet terrifying waterland to the ancient and reverent ruins of Mausoleum, the four major levels each have a guardian, and their mysterious pasts await your exploration. Wielding a sword, venture alone through the dim world and overcome formidable foes. Explore and conquer over 20 creatures with distinctive Chinese characteristics, including the Fox Demon, Peony Fariy, and Mirror Sprite. Each of them comes with a unique backstory.
Fierce battles with infinite creativity – Embark on thrilling battles and explore diverse combinations to craft your unique combat style. Choose from 3 playable characters: Unparalleled Swordswoman Red, Nightmare Hunter Wang Ding, and Fox Judge Ning Ye; and equip yourself with 9 powerful weapons, including the Scarlet Sword and the Shadow Twin Blades. Further enhance your abilities with over 20 distinctive Ink Gems such as the Tiger Ink, Venom Ink and Curse Ink and discover a vast array of over 120 Artifacts including the Shadow Kite, the Lamp of Seven Stars and the Doom Gauge.
Various combinations and builds – Ink Gems have assorted appearances, and they will reinforce one another. Use them to explore diverse builds of martial arts schools and master powerful skills of Yin and Yang to defeat enemies with a single strike.
Discover rare magical treasures – Hundreds of rare magical treasures trigger various unique effects and provide distinctive attribute bonuses, empowering your martial arts schools and allowing you to effortlessly defeat all enemies! You can also engage in long-term character development outside of combat and unlock new combinations of moves and combat styles. With a dual-cycle system inside and outside combat, you’ll have a fresh experience every time!
A journey into the unknown, composed of distinctive stages – Explore a variety of battle stages and routes where you can collect Ink Relics, fortune and magical treasure as well as duels with bosses. In this exhilarating journey into the unknown, you will enter various stages and encounter a diverse cast of NPCs, making the entire journey full of surprises!
Fight alongside your intimate Ink Pets – Mysterious in origin and adorable in appearance, the Ink Pets will be your companions. As the Ink Gems level up, your Ink Pets will also undergo a transformation, becoming more powerful to fight alongside you!
