True confession: While I admire and enjoy it Undertalethe extremely influential year 2015 Indie RPG Although dealing with conflict peacefully is rewarded, I never really managed to complete the game pacifistically. That’s because I’m getting on my nerves with the bulletproof combat, which requires lightning-fast reflexes and near-perfect memorization in its lengthy and brutal boss battles. So you can imagine how pleased I was when I stumbled upon a charming RPG that swaps edgy, anger-inducing challenges for gentle word puzzles.
Leximan, from developer Knights of Borria immediately caught my eye among the many booths at the indie showcase “Day of the Devs” on December 8th. This was mainly due to its monochromatic pixel art style, which is interspersed with trippy splashes of color. You play as a pointy-hatted wizard with smooth, gliding steps who navigates his way through a variety of colorful dungeons and puzzles.
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As is the case in any worthwhile dungeon, you’ll come across baddies that need to be taken down and Leximan adds a unique twist to the genre’s familiar turn-based combat. When you enter battle, you’ll see a swirling cloud of word fragments in the bottom half of the screen, which you can then use to create mystical incantations. There are different solutions to every situation, and the most obvious word may not be the right – or the most interesting – option. You may have a pretty clear idea of what will happen if you cast Fireball, but aren’t you the least bit curious about what might happen if you choose Hairball instead?
Once you’ve achieved your approach, the following dialogue will dance and shimmer on the screen, often in vivid contrast to the game’s predominantly black and white aesthetic. Occasionally the game’s entire UI will morph or change color – like when I cast Yellow in response to an enemy carrying a green shield. These inventive riffs on the familiar combat system combine to make each encounter feel unique and memorable in its own right. At least during my brief demo, there was no hint of the kind of spammy, repetitive encounters that are often found in retro-style RPGs.
I wasn’t surprised to discover the team behind it as they embrace such funny twists wholeheartedly Leximan is based in the United Kingdom (Cornwall to be precise). There is a distinct dryness and Python-like sensibility to the writing here that sets it apart from others Undertale– and its many imitators – in a welcome way. If you’re a fan of an edgy RPG with tons of personality, you should check this one out.
Leximan does not have a release date yet, but you can wishlist it on Steam to stay informed about future updates.
