During a bustling week at Gamescom, the development team at Question unveiled its latest project, The Killing Stone. Set for release on February 18, this investigative deckbuilding horror game challenges players to confront the Devil and break a generational curse. Following a successful demo, the full game is generating significant interest among players eager to engage with its unique mechanics and narrative.
Unraveling a Generational Curse
The Killing Stone transports players to the 17th century, where they step into the shoes of the Maven, a detective investigating the mysterious death of Mariken Svangard. As the Maven delves deeper, an ancient curse affecting Svangard’s family for generations comes to light. To break this cycle of damnation, players must face off against various demons, led by a formidable entity known as One Eye. The stakes are high, as both the Maven’s and the family’s souls hang in the balance during these intense card battles.
The narrative unfolds through a series of strategic encounters, allowing players to choose between modern prose and authentic 17th Century English, enhancing the immersive experience. The game features notable voice talent, including Emma Gregory as the Maven and Liam O’Brien as One Eye, both of whom bring depth to their roles.
Engaging Card Battle Mechanics
Gameplay in The Killing Stone revolves around card battles conducted on the Fanghelia, the titular Killing Stone. Players will use a variety of figurines, spells, and incantations to reduce their opponents’ eye health to zero. Each turn involves clearing minions and employing strategic planning, with a Reserve system allowing players to stack units and enhance their incantations for future rounds. This adds an additional layer of strategy to the turn-based combat.
While not explicitly categorized as a roguelike, the game incorporates elements common to the genre. Players will accumulate special boons between battles, creating a sense of progression. As the game advances, new mechanics will emerge, including a Bargaining system that allows players to negotiate for permanent stat adjustments, further enriching the gameplay experience.
The Killing Stone marks the third title from Question, a studio led by industry veterans Jordan Thomas and Stephen Alexander, both of whom have notable backgrounds in the BioShock series. This latest offering aims to challenge players not only in their card-battling skills but also in their long-term strategic thinking.
For those eager to experience the game before its official release, a free demo is currently available on Steam. As anticipation builds for the full launch on PC, The Killing Stone promises to deliver a blend of intricate storytelling and engaging gameplay.
