In the world of gaming, a brand new turn-based tactical roguelike is set to make its debut on Xbox consoles. The game, called Oaken, is a unique and mystical experience inspired by Celtic and tribal legends.

The story of Oaken revolves around the Great Oak and its spirits. Players will take on the role of the Lady, a brave little sprout who sets out on a quest to bring back the Oaksong, a spell that has brought peace to the inhabitants of the Oak for countless cycles. Alongside the Lady is Kidu, a fierce and unpredictable fire Spirit, and the Pathfinder, a mysterious mentor who assists them on their journey.

In Oaken, battles take place on a hexagonal grid and require strategic thinking. Unlike other tactical games where the conflict is between two sides, Oaken focuses on the hero character controlled by the player. Heroes can summon spirits, use spells and trinkets, and it’s crucial to keep them alive throughout the battles. The line of sight and action areas in the game are calculated based on the position of the hero character. The Lady and Kidu, with the help of spirit Guides, must navigate these battles and resolve the conflicts in their own unique ways.

The team at Laki Studios dedicated themselves to creating visually appealing and intriguing artwork for Oaken. Drawing inspiration from Celtic and Slavic folklore, they developed cute and whimsical spirits that inhabit the Oak. The design also takes influence from games like Rayman and Final Fantasy, aiming for an adorable yet mysterious aesthetic.

Oaken incorporates mechanics from various games and genres to create a unique gameplay experience. With inspiration from board games like Neuroshima Hex and card games like Hearthstone and Faeria, the game blends tactical elements and roguelite gameplay. Each unit in Oaken has a front and back and can rotate in six different directions on the hexagonal grid. These rotations unlock abilities such as backstabs, dodges, and charges, adding depth to the strategic decision-making process.

Oaken offers a balance of challenge and accessibility to cater to different types of players. While the game is inherently tough on standard difficulty, the developers added a system called Talents and Masteries. This system allows players to gradually increase the difficulty as they progress through the game. Additionally, a Relaxed mode is available for players who prefer a more laid-back and story-focused experience.

Laki Studios, the team behind Oaken, put significant effort into character design and world building. Each spirit in the game underwent an extensive design process, resulting in a cohesive and visually stunning world. The developers aimed to create an immersive experience with a meaningful story behind the cute spirits. To uncover the depths of this story, players will have to dive into the game themselves.

Oaken, brought to Xbox consoles by Red Art Studios, is set to release on July 20. Players can pre-order the game from the Microsoft Store and receive a 20% discount on its full price.