The upcoming indie gameBloomTown: A Different Storyis on its way to PC and consoles, and PC gamers can wishlist it on Steam now. The turn-based RPG looks like what would happen if someone combined Netflix’sStranger Thingswith the charming retro-inspired graphics ofStardew Valley.
BloomTown: A Different Storyis being developed by Different Sense Games and Lazy Bear Games and published by Twin Sails Interactive. While this is Different Sense’s first game, Lazy Bear and Twin Sales are more established. Lazy Bear’s catalog includes theGraveyard KeeperandPunch Clubgames. Meanwhile, Twin Sails is primarily a publisher of digital adaptations of board games, including titles like thetactical turn-based RPGGloomhaven.
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BloomTowndoesn’t have a release date yet, though the game’s announcement trailer and Steam page are certainly enough to build intrigue. The player takes control of siblings Emily and Chester as they arrive to spend a summer on their grandpa’s farm. The titular town seems initially like a quaint and cozy community, but it’s clear that something isn’t right. Children soon start disappearing, and Emily, Chester, and their friends must venture into a parallel world called the Underside to saveBloomTownfrom demonic entities.
Based on what developers have shared so far, the game’s backgrounds and sprites look great. Its colorful aesthetic and cartoony graphics also do a good job of capturing the cozy game look. This creates an excellent contrast with the sinister forces bubbling under the town’s surface. The setting and story also giveBloomTown: A Different StorymajorStranger Thingsvibes, though thecult classic 1994 JRPGEarthBoundalso seems like a likely inspiration.
Inspired by retro JRPGs, players and their party exploreBloomTownin a2D pixel art environment. Meanwhile, combat takes place in turn-based instances. Players can have up to four members in their party, with each character bringing unique strengths and abilities to the table. They can also summon demons of their own to create powerful combos.BloomTownadditionally lets players capture weakened enemies to make them join their side.
Another interesting feature is that time advances continuously inBloomTown. Players must decide how to manage their time, juggling exploration, jobs, training, socializing, and gardening as they direct the siblings’ supernatural adventure. However, it’s not clear to what degreeBloomTownplayers will be racing against the clock.
Of course, it’s too soon to say whetherBloomTown: A Different Storylives up to its potential. Still,fans ofStranger ThingsandEarthBoundmay want to keep their eyes on this upcoming indie RPG.
