Tides of Annihilation: An Action Adventure Game Set in a Fantasy London Inspired by Arthurian Legends

Tides of Annihilation: A New Era in Action-Adventure Gaming

Among the standout titles showcased at Gamescom 2024 was Tides of Annihilation. After a protracted embargo period, we are excited to finally share our insights following its recent reveal during the latest State of Play broadcast.

Development and Aesthetic

This visually stunning, single-player action/adventure game is powered by Unreal Engine 5 and brought to life by Chengdu’s Eclipse Glow Games. Originally known as Ghosts of Fog, the game fuses modern-day London with fantastical elements, particularly drawing inspiration from the legendary Arthurian tales and the iconic Knights of the Round Table.

The Heroine: Gwendolyn

Players will step into the shoes of Gwendolyn, the sole human survivor navigating a post-apocalyptic London. Her quest centers on the dual aims of reclaiming her legacy and restoring her homeland. As the gameplay unfolds, Gwendolyn unlocks the ability to summon two legendary Knights of the Round Table to join her in battle. Early gameplay footage showcased a robust combat system characterized by its speed and intensity, with promises of customizable combat skills enhancing player engagement.

Game Mechanics and Design Inspiration

Tides of Annihilation appears to draw significant inspiration from renowned titles like Monster Hunter and Shadow of the Colossus. Players will encounter colossal bosses that function almost as self-contained levels, allowing for exploration and interaction. Furthermore, the game’s structure echoes the Metroidvania genre, featuring interconnected levels and shortcuts, adding layers of depth to navigation. Remarkably, the developers portray London as a character within the narrative itself, akin to a tree, with each iconic landmark transformed into a story-rich locale.

The Development Team

At Gamescom 2024, Eclipse Glow Games showcased a team of approximately 100 developers, with plans to expand to 130 by the time the game enters its beta phase. The team’s experience is notable, with several members coming from prestigious studios such as Sega, Ubisoft, and Gameloft. For instance, the producer has a background in combat design from Yakuza 0, while the lead programmer contributed to technologies behind Assassin’s Creed and Prince of Persia.

Future Expansion and Availability

The developers have indicated that, similar to Black Myth: Wukong, Eclipse Glow Games has received backing from Tencent but maintains independent ownership. Plans are already in motion to potentially expand the franchise to incorporate other mythological themes, including Egyptian, Chinese, and Japanese lore, subject to the game’s success.

Currently in development for both PC and consoles, Tides of Annihilation does not yet have a publicly announced release date. For further insights, check out our Q&A feature with the development team.

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