Angeline Era launches December 8, 2025 on Steam for Windows and Mac at $24.99, with a 20% discount dropping it to $19.99 for two weeks. Developed by indie duo Melos Han-Tani and Marina Kittaka under Analgesic Productions—creators of Anodyne 2—this 3D action-adventure redefines combat through "bumpslash" mechanics inspired by classic Ys games. Players control Tets, a human adventurer mastering automatic attacks by charging into foes, in a nonlinear world blending intense battles, humorous Fae encounters, and haunting lore about betrayal and yearning.
The 20-30 hour campaign unfolds across Era, a vast unmarked overworld hiding levels in ruins, primordial forests, treacherous mountains, and mines. No hand-holding guides discovery—you explore freely, uncovering challenging fights, whimsical NPCs, and environmental hazards. Combat emphasizes fluid movement: bump enemies to slash automatically while dodging traps and shooting forward-locked projectiles. Progression customizes Tets with weapons and sub-weapons, enabling new paths and boss strategies.
Story and World of Era
Era teems with Fae, Humans, and Angels amid cosmic stakes. The Angel mothership Throne slumbers behind a fierce storm, its secrets key to ushering a new future. As Tets, aided by ally Arkas, you navigate betrayal-ridden lands facing villainous Niamh. Narrative weaves haunting lore through environmental storytelling, NPC dialogues, and boss encounters—fruitless yearning permeates as characters grapple cosmic isolation.
Nonlinear structure shines: overworld traversal reveals levels organically, rewarding curiosity with humorous Fae antics or mysterious landscapes. Devlogs reveal evolving depth—from early sword/gun prototypes to refined bumpslash pacing drawn from Ys: Oath in Felghana. Overkill mechanics ensure consistent challenge: weaker foes one-shot on excess damage, while tougher enemies demand 2-3 hits unless critically crushed into walls. New Game+ alters zone interactions, deepening relationships with bosses.
Levels mix trap-filled platforming, multi-enemy skirmishes, and boss arenas testing mastery. Primordial forests hide giggling Fae ambushes; mines demand precise dodges amid collapsing hazards. Soundtrack spans two $9.99 volumes, enhancing atmospheric tension—available on Bandcamp for direct dev support.
Innovative Bumpslash Combat
Core loop captivates: no attack button—movement is combat. Charge Tets into enemies for automatic slashes, building momentum while evading counterattacks. Forward-shooting gun locks onto nearby targets, perfect for crowd control. Verticality thrives via enemy bounce-jumps (early idea refined for economy).
Combat feels athletic and tense: fast pace demands positioning over button-mashing. Intense bosses require pattern recognition—dodge sweeping beams, crush into walls for overkills. Weapons like alternate swords or sub-tools (bombs, hooks) unlock abilities: hook distant foes, bomb traps. Demo showcases fluidity, running stable at 60FPS on mid-range hardware.
Compared to Ys, bumpslash removes input bloat, focusing reflexes. Multi-enemy fights escalate thrillingly—circle-strafe bats, OHKO weaklings, endure tankier brutes. Devs tuned pacing meticulously, ensuring early-game feel persists endgame via HP-scaled rules.
Graphics, Performance, and Tech
Stylized 3D art pops with vibrant Fae designs, stormy skies, and detailed biomes—Marina Kittaka's polish evident in recent devlogs. Steam Deck verified for portable play. Estimated requirements suit broad audiences:
| Spec Level | OS | CPU | RAM | GPU | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Win10 64-bit | i7-8700K/Ryzen 7 2700X | 16GB | RTX 2060/RX 6600 XT | 50GB SSD |
| Recommended | Win11 64-bit | i7-10700K/Ryzen 7 3700X | 32GB | RTX 3080/RX 6800 XT | 100GB NVMe |
Is Angeline Era Worth Buying?
Absolutely—for action-adventure fans craving innovation. $19.99 launch price undervalues 20-30 hours of replayable exploration and mastery. Demo confirms tight controls, no bloat—pure bumpslash joy. Indie charm rivals AAA: word-of-mouth potential high among Ys, Zelda enthusiasts.
Risks minimal: full Steam refund policy, Deck compatibility. Lacks competition launch week, boosting visibility. OST bonus pack possible. Skip if hating nonlinear discovery or preferring narrative-heavy RPGs—focus is mechanical depth.
Post-launch: New Game+ expands replayability. Devs' track record (Anodyne series) promises polish. At $25 full, value exceeds SNES contemporaries adjusted for inflation. Wishlist now—Q4 timing overlaps Winter Sale.
Verdict: Bump the World
Angeline Era delivers fresh action in saturated market: nonlinear freedom, athletic combat, evocative world. Tets' journey through Era's mysteries captivates dedicated "action sickos." Demo proves concept—full game expands masterfully. Buy for $19.99; support indie evolution of bumpslash legacy.
