We’ve learned (via IGN) that a new Dungeons & Dragons game is heading to PC in 2015.
The game is a joint collaboration between n-Space and Digital Extremes, titled simply Sword Coast Legends. You’ll be allowed parties of up to four players to cooperatively adventure together, managed in real time by a real-life (player) Dungeon Masters. The studios hope the game will hearken back to older, classical fantasy RPGs.
The experience in Sword Coast Legends is meant to develop a relationship between the adventurers and the dungeon master, reportedly going above typical asymmetrical multiplayer games we’ve seen thus far. The goal is to create a mutually symbiotic experience for each unique group’s tastes.
For example, if the players are seeking out a specific kind of challenge, the Dungeon Master is then encouraged to set that kind of experience for them. However, the DM is also given specific tools that enable them to also aid players in getting out of sticky situations, as well as being rewarded themselves for consistently making fun adventures.
“Dungeon Master Mode is going to allow players to quickly jump in and play as a real-time DM in a way that has never really been fully realized in a video game,” said Dan Tudge, President of n-Space. “DMs are able to adjust encounters, place, promote, manage and even control monsters, set traps, reward and punish party members – all in real time.“
There will be no prior knowledge of scripting or coding needed to be a Dungeon Master, however. There will be a real time interaction interface, which includes a campaign mode, which – you guessed it, allows the Dungeon Master to create entirely unique, customized storylines.
Players will be able to play with up to three other friends as previously mentioned, in a four person adventuring party. Sword Coast Legends also gives the players the option to switch off and player in a more single-player like environment, enlisting the aid of allies that you meet in the game itself.
“When I directed Dragon Age: Origins the mission was to create the ‘spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate’ and I think players really felt like Origins achieved that,” said Tudge. “With Sword Coast Legends we are also continuing the legacy of the Baldur’s Gate series so you will see strong influences from not only those games, but from Dragon Age: Origins as well. You will definitely feel the influence in the tactical party-based combat, pause and play and character progression, but it’s the rich story and memorable characters where the influence is strongest.“
While the developer has described the core mechanics of the game, we still don’t quite know what the core story will entail. This includes the single-player campaign, the multiplayer one (or if they’re one of the same), and the overall narrative. However, we do know that the mechanics in game are inspired by the 5th Edition D&D rules set, where classic examples like the Fireball, the Magic Missile, and so on are in game. n-Space also mentioned that players who are familiar with The Forgotten Realms setting will find something to relate to.
“You can certainly expect to visit iconic locations along the Sword Coast,” said Tudge, “and you may even run into a few familiar faces along the way.” As expected, the developer is looking to expand the game post-launch, with downloadable content.
Sword Coast is coming to Steam and various other digital distribution platforms sometime later this year.
