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German fantasy epic Blackguards spawns sequel in January
Developer Daedalic Entertainment will return to the dark fantasy world of German pen and paper hit The Dark Eye for a sequel to 2013's Blackguards to be released on January 20, 2015. Fans of the first game will be pleased to hear that several Blackguards from that adventure will return in the sequel, though Daedalic warns that things have been going poorly for the original cast. Since the events of Blackguards, the dwarf Naurim, for instance, has grown fat and lazy following his success as a gladiator while the wizard Zurbaran was found by his former captors and sold into slavery. Though these characters have fallen from glory, Blackguards 2 protagonist Cassia seeks them out in the hopes that the once-heroic figures can aid in her goal of assuming the Shark Throne. Daedalic offers scant information on gameplay changes, but claims that Blackguards 2 enhances the turn-based tactical roleplaying elements of its predecessor with numerous fan-requested changes, like improved line of sight and combat cover mechanics. At launch, Blackguards 2 will be available from all major online retailers, though eager fans can currently pre-order the sequel for $30. [Image: Daedalic Entertainment]
Examine the vast skill system found in Blackguards
Blackguards is a recently released strategy roleplaying game from Daedalic Entertainment that features an obscene level of character detail, as evidenced by this look at the game's skill trees. Functionally, assigning skills in Blackguards is pretty simple. You earn experience which gives you points that can then be assigned to various categories including weapon talents, magical aptitudes or miscellaneous abilities. That's all typical of the genre, but where Blackguards differentiates itself is in its breadth of available skills. As you can see in the above footage, the skills menu found in Blackguards is simply massive. What's more, the game doesn't confine players to pre-determined upgrade paths. Each character is able to learn any skill, so if you'd prefer your burly warrior to toss fireballs instead of swinging an axe that's entirely up to you and your available pool of Adventure Points. For more information on Blackguards, pay a visit to either Steam or the game's official website. If you like what you see, know that both the standard and deluxe editions of Blackguards are currently available from Steam at a ten percent discount.
Blackguards makes its PC, Mac debut ahead of schedule
Despite the game's original January 24 release date, Daedalic Entertainment has opted to release turn-based roleplaying epic Blackguards a bit early. Described as "a turn-based RPG with strategic combat," Blackguards initially sounds like a typical high-fantasy roleplaying game, with one big twist: Instead of teaming with noble warriors of virtue on a holy quest to slay the minions of evil, you play as a convicted murder who joins forces with other criminals. According to Daedalic, "their good deeds are neither acts of kindness nor heroism, but according to their roguish nature rather a result of their attempts to save their own hides." Visit Steam or GOG and you'll find Blackguards available for purchase in both PC and Mac iterations. Steam is currently offering two versions of Blackguards - a Standard Edition at $36 and a Deluxe Edition at $54 - while GOG solely features the Blackguards: Special Edition for $43.40. Each version of the game includes its own bonus materials, so read the descriptions carefully before you check out. Alternately, if you've already purchased the game's Early Access incarnation on Steam, you'll soon see your game update itself to its final, retail version.
Blackguards Early Access now available to Mac users
Whether you prefer Windows or OS X, you can now enter the high-fantasy world of Blackguards via Steam's Early Access service. There are three purchasing options available for those too impatient to wait for a full-fledged retail release of the turn-based roleplaying game. $25 grants you access to the Blackguards beta. For $35, you'll receive beta access, a 150-page art book, the game's soundtrack, a digital world map, video interviews with the developers at Daedalic Entertainment and six wallpapers for your computer. Spend $50 and earn everything in that last package, plus free access to the game's first DLC release, a gratis copy of The Dark Eye – Chains of Satinav, and your name will be added to the Blackguards' credit roll. In addition to bringing Blackguards to the Mac, Daedalic Entertainment has also released a new trailer for the game, which can be seen above.
