Studio Poor Locke is set to launch Crimson Capes on PC via Steam on February 12, delivering a hand-crafted sword-and-sorcery adventure that reimagines the Souls formula in two dimensions. Blending deliberate combat, non-linear exploration, and online multiplayer, the game aims to capture the tension and discipline of Souls-style design in a side-scrolling world.
Players become Milon the Tempest, a witch-hunter leading the elite Crimson Capes guild against a growing wizard conspiracy in the kingdom of Amvros. Contracts across ruined towers, ancient strongholds, and forgotten wilds slowly reveal darker forces—and the true cost of power.
Combat centers on animation-commit swordplay inspired by realistic techniques. Feints, thrusts, guards, and precise timing shape lethal duels. Four playable heroes offer distinct weapons and skill trees, while elemental magic—wind, thunder, fire, and darkness—is woven directly into battle.
Exploration rewards curiosity, letting players tackle locations in any order to uncover hidden artifacts and story threads. Online, hunters can team up in co-op or invade others as hostile Deathblades, adding unpredictable PvP encounters. Optional dynamic hunts introduce randomized challenges reminiscent of dungeon-style runs.
Rendered in rotoscoped pixel art with a gritty pulp fantasy vibe, Crimson Capes launches at $15 (10% launch discount). Manuals and a printable map are included, with consoles planned later.
