The independent studio has announced Thermocline, a survival horror RPG set on an icy planet. You control a survivor in a hostile environment, combining turn-based combat with temperature management. The key point is that it will arrive free of charge on PC this winter, with paid versions for consoles later. No microtransactions or data collection, according to its creators.
Tactical combat and thermal mechanics in a custom engine ❄️
Development is handled by a small team that has opted for a proprietary graphics engine, optimized to reflect the extreme cold of the setting. Turn-based battles force you to manage resources like body heat and clothing durability. The temperature system affects both the character and enemies, creating an additional strategic layer. There are no complex physics or advanced lighting, but the focus is on gameplay and constant tension.
Free, with no microtransactions: the winter miracle of indie games 🎮
Yes, you read that right: a complete game, without paying a cent, and without being spied on to sell you polar bear skins. It sounds like a fairy tale in this era of battle passes and loot boxes. But wait, it later arrives on consoles for a fee, so we PC players enjoy the bargain while console players wonder if the cold is worth it. At least you won't have to sell a kidney to stay warm in the game.