Sunderfolk, developed by Secret Door under the Dreamhaven banner, reimagines cooperative tactical role-playing by integrating smartphones as controllers. This approach offers a unique way for players to interact with the game, potentially bridging the gap between traditional tabletop experiences and digital gaming. With its vibrant animalfolk characters and polished graphics, Sunderfolk aims to provide an engaging alternative for both in-person and online gaming groups.
Earlier releases in the co-op RPG space have struggled to balance accessibility with depth, often failing to capture the essence of tabletop roleplaying while providing a seamless digital experience. Sunderfolk’s innovative control scheme sets it apart, although questions remain about its ability to attract groups accustomed to classic pen and paper methods.
How Does Sunderfolk Utilize Smartphone Controllers?
Sunderfolk employs smartphones as primary input devices, allowing players to manage their characters’ actions through skill cards displayed on their phones. This setup enables intuitive control over movements, attacks, and abilities on a central hexgrid map.
I was worried about how clumsy it would be to control a tactics game through a smartphone, but it worked remarkably well.
The tactile feedback from phone interactions ensures precise command execution, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
What Features Enhance Cooperative Gameplay in Sunderfolk?
The game incorporates a “coordination mode” where players can collaboratively plan their moves by navigating a shared cursor on the main screen. This feature fosters teamwork and strategic planning, allowing players to synchronize their actions effectively. The absence of a fixed player order further increases flexibility, encouraging dynamic skill combinations and collective decision-making.
What Are the Progression Mechanics in Sunderfolk?
Outside of combat, players engage with their village to upgrade equipment and manage skill cards, fostering character growth over the 30-to-40-hour campaign. Interaction with NPCs is limited per battle, compelling players to prioritize relationships and make meaningful choices that influence their character’s development and the story’s progression.
Sunderfolk seemed promising outside of combat, too.
Sunderfolk distinguishes itself with its smartphone-based control system and cooperative features, offering a fresh take on tactical RPGs. While its success in replacing traditional tabletop elements remains to be seen, the game provides a robust framework for engaging tactical battles and character progression. Players seeking an alternative to the conventional dungeon master setup may find Sunderfolk a compelling option for their gaming sessions.
