Whitethorn Games and developer EPHEMERA, has announced Kernel Hearts, an upcoming action multiplayer roguelike. Set to release on PC via Steam, the game seeks to blends hack-and-slash combat with roguelike and role-playing elements, all presented with an anime-inspired aesthetic. Players will ascend a deadly celestial tower, building skills after each defeat to overcome monstrous enemies and face a god in an attempt to save the world from the brink of destruction.
In Kernel Hearts, players take on the role of elite android magical girls, part of the M.A.H.O.U Unit, tasked with destroying a god to prevent the apocalypse. The game allows solo or multiplayer gameplay, with up to three allies joining in the fight. The mission begins at the Tower of Babel’s base, where players will battle increasingly powerful enemies while gaining new abilities to aid in their ascent.
As of the announcement, promoted features of Kernel Hearts include:
Ascend to the Ultimate Being of Destruction: In every run, hunt for temporary skills that enhance your attacks, spells, and movement, empowering you to unleash devastating strikes and combos. Use these abilities to conquer the relentless enemies on each floor and exterminate the fearsome boss guardians that rule each domain.
The End is Just the Beginning: Facing enemies of biblical proportions requires persistence and grit, but a sudden demise isn’t the end. After each run, your unit returns to the lab, where you can use the rewards from previous missions to unlock and equip up to 256KB of skill chips. Customize your unit with these chips to match your unique playstyle.
Magical Transformations: The curse of the Tower is ever-present, and spending too much time in one area draws out even more powerful enemies. Harness the Tower’s energy to dispel the curses, briefly transform into your ultimate magical form and unleash annihilating attacks on any foes standing in your way.
Squad Up: Play alone or with up to three friends, honing and synergizing your skills to become the ultimate fighting force to get you to the top.
Friends in High Places: Each celestial domain hosts unique allies to help you on your journey. Befriend them to deepen your bond and maybe find love along the way!
More specifics on Kernel Hearts are set to be announced in the near future.
