Conquer or save fantasy worlds in Pinoy-made games Ruinarch, Mula, and Re:Archer

If you love swords, sorcery, and everything in between, then we suggest checking out the following three Pinoy-made fantasy video games!

1. Ruinarch                                   

To be released via Steam in 2020, “Ruinarch” is a simulation/strategy game where you play a demonic overlord hell-bent on ruining lives and conquering worlds.

“Ruinarch” generates diverse fantasy worlds, factions, races, and characters, making each playthrough unique.

Once your playground has been created, you can employ a rich variety of tactics to eliminate your enemies, like erecting demonic structures that can spread your malevolence throughout the lands, summoning demons to do your bidding, or even starting a zombie apocalypse.

Using deception, blackmail, abductions, threats, and other devious strategies, you can also sow chaos in populations so that they destroy themselves from within.

“[W]eaving tales of anguish and woe are central to ‘Ruinarch’s’ gameplay,” said Maccima Games.                                               

“Ruinarch’s” A.I. is what allows complex character interactions and stories to develop.

For example, you can “inflict the local hero with lycanthropy and watch as his once-loyal followers turn on him when the full moon rises,” or “turn the local village idiot into a cultist that secretly works on your behalf.”

The smallest change to a single character can “start a domino effect that could end up ruining multiple people’s lives,” said Maccima Games CEO and Game Designer Marvin Apacible. “We want the players to experience emergent stories that they themselves have a partial hand in making happen.”

Despite “Ruinarch’s” dark themes, Maccima Games believes the game imparts valuable lessons to players, as it shows “how easy it is to destroy society when someone or something creates fractures and misunderstandings between different groups,” said Apacible.

“In the game, the player may encounter multiple factions, each having some quests to defeat him. But he may turn the factions against each other, and the factions may end up sabotaging each other's quests. Had they just united, they could have easily defeated the player and saved the world. I think it’s a timely message and I hope that even through our game’s dark humor and premise, players can still take away this underlying theme.”

“Ruinarch” was originally called “World’s Bane.”

“After a bunch of discussions for new names, as well as a survey, we ended up with the current name ‘Ruinarch,’” which makes Apacible “think of a ‘Monarch of Ruin,’ which perfectly fits the premise of the game.” 

2. Mula: The Cycle of Shadow

Available on Steam and Green Man Gaming, “Mula: The Cycle of Shadow” is a hack and slash adventure where you explore dark dungeons, carving up hideous monsters and unraveling secrets along the way.

It follows the story of Wave who, at the cost of his own existence, must serve as the next guardian of world of Mula.

Playing as Wave, you begin “Mula: The Cycle of Shadow” with one of three primary items. Each item is unique and will influence your play style and overall gaming experience.

You then explore various regions filled with monsters, traps, and collectible items. Expect lots of challenging platforming, and even vicious, gigantic bosses such as the Tengu, Manticore, and Minotaur.

You’ll also need to solve numerous puzzles to gain access to hidden rooms and other secrets. Clues to such mysteries come in the form of visual prompts, or vibrations if you’re using a controller.

“Mula: The Cycle of Shadow” took inspiration from Capcom’s “Mega Man X” series and its central protagonist, Zero.

Having loved fantasy hack and slash games since childhood, Troy Santiago—Boozer Game Studios’ Founder and “Mula: The Cycle of Shadow’s” Creative Producer and Lead Programmer—had also always wanted to develop a game in the genre.

Santiago was hoping to complete the development of “Mula: The Cycle of Shadow” between 6 months and a year, but the effort ended up taking longer.

“It took two years to finish and not all of the game was included in the final release,” said Santiago.

Nevertheless, Santiago is happy with “Mula: The Cycle of Shadow.” He’s particularly proud of its art and animation.

People who’ve played “Mula: The Cycle of Shadow” have also praised its action, challenging gameplay, mysteries, primary items, visuals, and tight controls.

3. Re:Archer

Available for free on Kongregate, “Re:Archer” is an idle role-playing game (RPG) which plays non-stop, even when you’re offline.

“Re:Archer” puts you in the shoes of an elven archer named Sylpheed, who is the lone survivor of her people. With bow in hand and the  magical creature Feli by your side, you embark on a quest to reclaim the lost essence of the deceased elven spirits.

“Re:Archer” has you fighting countless waves of monsters, as well as tougher mini-bosses and bosses. While Sylpheed fires her arrows automatically, you can also manually trigger special attacks, including a slow-moving arrow made of energy that pushes targets back, and a shower of arrows that impales every enemy in sight. You can also command Feli to fight.

Slaying enemies awards experience points, allowing you to level up your attributes. You can also equip unique, stat-boosting spirits; complete quests for rewards; unlock powerful artifacts; and explore various regions populated by all manner of monsters.

Quitting the game doesn’t mean Sylpheed takes a break from the game; you can turn off the PC and go to sleep, then come back to the game to find out Sylpheed has jumped a considerable number of levels from fighting monsters offline.

“Re:Archer” also benefits from lovely art and animation, and catchy music.

“Re:Archer” was inspired by “Tales of Berseria” and other titles in Bandai Namco’s beloved  Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) series “Tales of.”

“The team is a big fan of RPGs and JRPGs in general,” said RecastStudios CEO, Business Analyst, and Programmer Kevin Brian Valmonte. “We wanted to make a JRPG for the idle game genre.”

On Kongregate, “Re:Archer” is a 4-star game boasting more than 1 million plays. In their effort to craft the perfect idle RPG, RecastStudios continues to listen to player feedback for ideas on how to improve “Re:Archer.”

“It's a pleasant experience chatting with players that enjoy and support your game,” said Valmonte. — LA, GMA News