RPG Tails of Iron is both Witcher and Souls

It may not look like it, but Tails of Iron—an upcoming medieval RPG about the trials and tribulations of a civilisation of rodents—cited soulslike games as part of its influences, with brutal combat a crucial aspect of its experience. Featuring a flurry of abilities such as dodge-rolls, parry bashes, and fatal executions, you’ll be wielding these moves and taking on the mantle of a young rat prince named Redgi, who is sworn to defend his kingdom against the onslaught of their greatest enemies: the merciless Frog Clan and the leader, Greenwart.

Perhaps because its trailer is narrated by the raspy but dulcet tones of Doug Cockle—the voice of the Witcher series’ Geralt of Rivia—Tails of Iron also carries shades of the Witcher in its tale. Aside from fending off the vicious frog clan, there’s also an expansive kingdom to explore, complete with side quests to uncover and fulfill—so you can earn some extra gold on the side. At the same time, you can outfit your stalwart rat with armour and weapons befitting a Witcher-esque rodent, forge better equipment and brew potions with blueprints found in the wild.

All these are illustrated in the style of a 2D hand-drawn art style, as you overcome savage battles against grotesque, oversized frog generals and other forms of dangerous encounters.

While I resent besmirching the good name of frogs—surely one of the gentlest and most humble creatures on earth—i’m willing to suspend my disbelief for Tails of Iron, whose rats, when delightfully outfitted in royal garb and knightly outfit, look jarringly dissonant from the promised brutality of the game.

Aspiring Witcher-rats can look forward to Tails of Iron when it’s out on September 17 this year.