So, there we were, a motley crew of Victorian survivalists. We’d just cracked open a portal to a swamp that was, frankly, a nightmare fuel station. The place was crawling with creatures that looked like they’d enjoy nothing more than to have us for dinner.
One of our own, a wizard or something close, whipped up a spell. It was supposed to guide us through the muck, which, by the way, could give you the plague or something if you hung around too long.
We weren’t alone, of course. The locals, if you could call them that, included rats the size of ponies and frogs you couldn’t fit in a bathtub. They weren’t exactly welcoming. But, we had a mission.
Our target? A Humbaba. Imagine a dragon, but uglier and with a temper to match. This thing was massive, a real unit, stomping around like it owned the place.
Taking it down was no picnic. It cost us a lot – magic bullets, a bit of bravery, and sadly, a few good folks. But we did it. We brought down the beast.
And then, we did what any sensible person would do. We made stew. Humbaba stew. Plus, we had extra bits for crafting. Waste not, want not, right?
This wild tale? It’s a snippet from Nightingale, a game by Inflexion Games. It’s hitting early access on PC come February 20. I got a sneak peek, playing for about six hours.
Nightingale’s a bit different. It’s not your typical survival game with a giant map. Instead, it’s got these smaller, procedurally generated “realms”. You hop between them using magical portals.
You’re not just wandering aimlessly, though. These portals? You control where they take you with these Tarot-like cards. Each card sets up what you’ll find on the other side – be it friend or foe, day or night.
The game’s got the usual survival game jazz – crafting, building, chopping down every tree in sight. But here, you’re also realm-hopping for resources.
Sure, the survival bits are familiar. But feeding yourself and staying rested? That’s crucial if you don’t fancy dying.
Your big goal? Find Nightingale city. It’s a journey through realms, filled with adventure and a sprinkle of magic. Think Pan from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, but less whimsical and more survivalist.
You start off stranded, thanks to a deadly fog from a portal in 1889. Your goal is to find safety in Nightingale city, but it’s a tough road.
The game’s got a Victorian vibe, inspired by the novel Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. It’s about magic as an academic pursuit, which fits perfectly with the game’s setting and mechanics.
Nightingale supports co-op play, which is a blast. The developers even gave us a peek at the mid-game. Your gear matters here, dictating your strength and survival chances.
The game’s combat is a mix of melee and shooting, with a dash of magic for good measure. And there’s plenty to explore, from loot-filled vaults to puzzles that’ll test your wit.
There’s also a hint of story and quests, giving the game a bit of an MMORPG feel. You’ll meet historical figures and literary characters, each adding flavor to your adventure.
Eventually, you’ll reach The Watch, a social space to mingle and gear up for what’s next. It’s just the beginning, with more content planned to roll out during and after early access.
The developers are keen on community feedback, shaping Nightingale into a game that players will love. It’s about building, adventuring, and, of course, surviving.
In the end, it’s the adventure that stands out in Nightingale. Whether it’s building an estate or exploring realms, there’s always something new around the corner.
If you’re into survival games, Nightingale might just be your next obsession. It’s got all the usual elements, plus a few surprises. And with more content on the horizon, the adventure’s only just begun.
