Sunderfolk is an upcoming co-op game where four players join forces in a turn-based RPG adventure, guided by a game master who narrates the tale.
Picture a world where you and your pals, as furry Sunderfolk creatures, team up to battle the dark influence of shadowstones in the Sunderlands. You can gather around a single screen or play online with friends scattered across the globe. Each player chooses a character class, from the spell-casting Arcanist to the sneaky Rogue, and controls their actions through their phones, making it feel a bit like a digital party game.
The game’s design draws inspiration from popular tabletop adventures, especially Gloomhaven, which shapes its gameplay. “The game that had the biggest inspiration on us, gameplay-wise–I think even some of the audience has kind of seen it in the way that the game plays out–is Gloomhaven,” said Erin Marek, the director. The creators wanted to make something magical and accessible, allowing more people to enjoy the thrill of a good board game without the complicated setup.
Players can form friendships or romantic ties with NPCs, adding a fun layer for those who enjoy dating sims. “We’ve made some of the NPCs romanceable,” Marek explained. This feature offers cool rewards for those who explore these paths. In Sunderfolk, missions are divided into exciting action phases and relaxed town phases, where you can chat with characters, eat snacks, and enjoy a break. One of the coolest parts is the Mad Libs feature, which lets players name things in the game, adding personal touches and inside jokes.
While the game offers some choices, it doesn’t branch out extensively like other RPGs. However, players still have some freedom in selecting missions. “There are main story missions…but in between those, you’re provided with three to four different mission options,” Marek shared. This balance between structure and player choice creates a unique experience.
Fans love getting immersed in these creative worlds where anything seems possible.
Anjali Bhimani, known for voicing characters like Symmetra, is the voice behind every character and the narrator, adding charm to the game. “What appealed to me the most about this job was the actual make of the game,” Bhimani mentioned, highlighting the joy of blending video games with tabletop camaraderie.
Bhimani worked closely with the team to ensure each character had a distinct voice, ensuring they wouldn’t sound too similar, even when several characters appeared in one scene. If you can’t gather a group, playing solo is possible, though not ideal. “So the only caveat is they have to control at least two heroes,” Marek noted, emphasizing flexibility in gameplay.
Scheduled for release in 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, Sunderfolk aims to bring a fresh take on game nights to players everywhere.
