Hey everyone, James here, Brand Community Manager at 505 Games and I’m here to announce that our next game Miasma Chronicles is coming to PlayStation 5, May 23rd – yes, soon!
For those of you unfamiliar with Miasma Chronicles, let me set the scene… Miasma Chronicles is an intensive tactical RPG from The Bearded Ladies. We join brothers Elvis and Diggs on a journey of discovery deep into a New America that has been ruined by a devastating force known only as “Miasma”.
What is Miasma Chronicles?
Miasma Chronicles is set in the near future, shortly after an environmental renaissance that should resolve worsening ecological problems. Companies were quick to take advantage of these issues and being environmentally friendly was simply seen as “good business”.
Fortunately, one man implemented a solution, and the result was a period of balance between humanity and nature – Great Stability. Since then, the world has changed and a new threat has emerged, a force of nature now dominates, known simply as Miasma.
Over the years people have learned to co-exist with the Miasma, but now it gets angry, causing death and destruction. Can it be destroyed? Can it be tamed?
The First Family now rules this post-apocalyptic New America. They rule through exploitation and fear. Citizens of small towns are mining resources to help fund their “mission” to rid the world of miasma – and line their pockets.
Ok, what about the gameplay?
Miasma Chronicles was designed as a tribute to old PS1 RPGs (Xenogears, Final Fantasy, etc.). These are the kinds of games we love to play and love to create.
It’s primarily a tactical game that will test your skills and patience, but you’ll also explore a variety of environments ranging from small towns, sprawling forests and giant industrial cities – encountering weird and wonderful characters throughout. along the deep narrative.
The story centers on two unlikely brothers, Elvis and Diggs. Their mother simply got up and left when Elvis was young, leaving a broken heart, a metal glove, and a message to find her. Obsessed with her search, the brothers will travel across America meeting new friends – and enemies with their own intentions – along the way. Revelations must be earned.
Tell us more about the fights!
As mentioned, Miasma Chronicles is a turn-based tactical game, an evolution of the tried and tested formula that players of The Bearded Ladies games will be familiar with.
Enemies in Miasma Chronicles can be tough, and you’ll need to use all of your patience and tactical skills in encounters.
The ambush is a way to gain the upper hand. Pre-position your team in real time, looking for the best coverage and environmental benefits. Isolate and eliminate the most problematic enemies first, this can allow your team to sweep and dominate.
Another way to gain an advantage on the battlefield is to use stealth; Look for perfect ambush positions, spot enemies, and silently take them out to tip the numbers in your favor.
During combat, we wanted an easier tactical experience for new players, but without sacrificing the deep tactical mechanics that players enjoy. Thus, we have introduced 2 ways to play;
Light tactics – This is meant to be an on-ramp for players new to tactical games, the emphasis on RNG (random number generator – the classic hit chance) is reduced and more under the hood, things are changed to give players a more accessible tactical experience. That’s not to say there isn’t a challenge here.
Complete tactics – It’s the full tactical RNG experience, which experienced players will love. You may find that critical chance is handled differently than other tactical games – we encourage you to get above 100% critical chance by manipulating weapons, tactical positioning and upgrades, etc. Any score above 100% is converted to bonus damage.
Speaking of aiding you in battle, let’s talk about those weapons! Weapons! Weapons!
In total we have 21 guns of varying powers and capacities, each one is fully upgradeable with scopes and accessories; including your trusty Assault Rifle, shotguns that destroy cover, sniper rifles that bring enemies into cover, and the Bouncer, which bounces a projectile around the map – and much more.
Along with guns, we also have Miasma powers, providing magic-like powers to anyone wielding a gauntlet. Miasma’s powers are overpowered and can turn the tide of battle in your favor with the snap of a finger.
We can’t wait for you to experience all of this and more. No matter how you choose to play Miasma Chronicles, you’ll be immersed in a world and story you haven’t experienced yet. Looking forward to seeing you on May 23.
