The Last Oricru is an upcoming 3rd person action RPG from Prime Matter, Deep Silver’s newly announced publishing label, and Czech development studio GoldKnights. One of several such games in the publisher’s portfolio, it stands out thanks to its emphasis on dynamic storytelling and the world in which medieval and sci-fi elements collide. Earlier this month, we got a taste of this rather interesting blend of ideas during a Koch Media press event.
Our first look at The Last Oricru started with protagonist Silva trapped in a stasis capsule. Distressed and unable to remember how he got there, his cries for help only prompted a monstrous humanoid to swiftly stab him with a spear.
This intro sets the tone for what players can expect throughout The Last Oricru. Silva will get stabbed and bludgeoned many times, as the title borrows a page from the Dark Souls book, featuring combat described as “tough, skill-based, and unforgiving.”
Across its campaign, players will get to take part in both one-on-one duels and mass fights against multiple NPCs. The game’s different factions can fight alongside or against you, depending on the relationships you build during the story. As far as weaponry goes, you’ll have access to one and two-handed weapons, shields, magic, and more.
The Last Oricru features a deep skill-based RPG system but also tries to avoid making players “drown in statistics or complex skill trees.” As enemies fall before you, they drop essences, which you can collect and invest in one of 6 skills.
Combat won’t, however, be the game’s sole focus. Role-playing and dynamic storytelling driven by player decisions are equally important pieces of the puzzle. The world of Wardenia is embroiled in a massive civil war and is no stranger to oppression. Silva has the power to guide the directions this conflict takes.
The choices you make not only influence the war and fate of both individuals and factions, but also create your own version of Silva’s story, which can lead to one of several endings.
At one point during the demo, one faction’s queen was visiting a monastery. Silva was tasked with hiding an illegal item without knowing much about it or the people requesting him to do so. Whether or not you agree to help them can spare a man from getting Sparta kicked into oblivion and Silva from ending up in a cellar.
Decision “influence your entire playthrough,” according to the developer. If, for example, you’re chummy with the ratmen, offering them a medkit can and have them fight alongside you. The ultimate goal with these choices and different character builds is to create an “unique playthrough for everyone.”
The demo then snapped back to a combat sequence, showcasing a boss fight against one of fantasy’s most dreaded creatures – a giant spider. Bosses are “hard and unforgiving,” but an upgrade system lets you improve every item in the game.
This allows you to carry your favorite gear all the way to the end, but you will also find worthwhile items in the world. Better equipment can definitely make fights easier but, in this case, the spider proved a bit too much even for a better sword.
Luckily, The Last Oricru is designed as “both a single-player and a co-op experience.” Couch co-op lets you call a friend to help and even has exclusive “hidden mechanics and features.” In the case of the spider, one player could trap it, making the fight considerably easier. That being said, the title won’t be devoid of difficulty, even when teaming up with another player.
Co-op is also drop-in/drop-out, so you won’t have to set up a rigorous schedule and play the whole game alongside another player, unless you really want to. The Last Oricru is slated to arrive on PC and consoles at some point in 2022.
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