Wildboy Studios and Untold Tales bring Norse mythology RPG ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree to the Nintendo Switch and PC in early 2023
Developer Wildboy Studios and publisher Untold Tales are bringing ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree, a Norse mythology inspired RPG, to the Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam) in early 2023. It was originally released in 2019 as an Apple Arcade exclusive. A demo for the title is now available on Steam to try out.
ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree is described as a "hand-drawn, story driven, rhythm combat RPG" that provides a "haunting take on Midgard" as players encounter choices that will affect the story and ending.
People will control a Norse heroine named Estra and she is left to wander a world that the gods have abandoned. Now, the Elder Tree that the gods used to protect is now open to exploitation and its vast power is a threat in the wrong hands.
As players play through the game, they'll encounter puzzles. Some may allow for errors, though several might close the door shut on some revelations if a single mistake is made and affect the story or ending in that playthrough.
Meanwhile, the rhythm combat in ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree is "inspirted by the mechanics of titles like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution." Wildboy Studios and Untold Tales have mentioned that combat is entirely skippable if players can't jive with its rhythm-heavy nature.
Watch the announcement trailer down below, along with more info and screenshots.
Untold Tales have partnered with New Zealand based indie studio Wildboy Studios to bring ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree to PC and Nintendo Switch.
Inspired by Norse mythology, this hand-drawn, story driven, rhythm combat RPG blends narrative, exploration, and music all into one special journey. Meet and converse with a slew of diverse characters, explore a haunting take on Midgard and make choices that influence your story and ending.
A PC demo has just been made available and will also be taking part in the Steam Next Fest.
Game Features
- The Story of a Norse Heroine - The gods have abandoned this realm and left the mortals behind to deal with the fallout. With Odin’s chosen guardians gone, the sacred Elder Tree, which they swore to protect, is exposed to abuse and manipulation. Now, the only remnants of hope reside in Estra, the daughter of mankind’s last great leader.
- Puzzles with Consequences - Along the journey, Estra will need to solve incrementally challenging puzzles. But brute force will get you nowhere. Not every puzzle allows for multiple mistakes and failure is certainly an option, causing the answers you seek may be lost if you make the wrong decision.
- Combat with a Beat - Violence isn’t always necessary, but, when push comes to shove, ATONE’s combat is a delicate dance of sword and axe. Combat is grounded in the rhythm game genre and inspired by the mechanics of titles like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. Music is a crucial component, with each fight receiving its very own song. For those born with the natural rhythm skills of a forest troll, combat is entirely skippable.
- Music at the Heart - Composed by Australian artist Luminist, the soundtrack at the heart of ATONE is a synth-heavy score mixed with digitally corrupted sounds of period-specific instruments.
ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree is coming to PC and Switch in early 2023.
