Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch — Everything We Know

Although Marvel's Midnight Suns dominated turn-based strategy RPGs in 2022, it wasn't the only game responsible for the genre's rise in popularity. Lost Eidolons had its own turn-based narrative, which was ironically also a hero's journey in which you guide a band of allies through an epic adventure, which drew a fair amount of attention in its own right. It may have not broke headlines nor is it a perfect all-around title, but it had the potential to be a great game. Nonetheless, even if Lost Eidolons isn't that game, could Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch be?

From the same developers, comes a spin-off, not a sequel, to the Lost Eidolons universe. Why a spin-off rather than a sequel? Ocean Drive Studio, Inc. is hoping to improve on feedback from Lost Eidolons while retaining the good elements from the first game for a whole new experience. We won't lie: we're very excited about what they're cooking up. If you are too, then keep reading to learn everything there is to know about Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch.

What is Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch?

According to the developer log on Steam, “Veil of the Witch is a turn-based tactical RPG with rogue-lite elements. It takes place in the same world as Lost Eidolons, and is set shortly after the events of the first game. But it's an entirely standalone experience you don't need any prior knowledge to play.”

So, you don't have to play through the original game to jump into this spin-off. Although we're sure it wouldn't hurt if you did. Nonetheless, the developer mentions that old fans should expect a “tighter” and “more-focused game”, that has more of what they love, while “New players will find a rich world and characters, a fast and gritty combat system, and an addictive, looping structure that sets the game apart from the rest of the genre.”

Gameplay

There appears to be one major change to the gameplay in this spin-off, and it can be summed up in one word: speed. “Lost Eidolons was a linear, story-driven RPG that unfolds gradually. Veil of the Witch, on the other hand, is fast, gameplay-driven, and hits the ground running immediately.” says the developer.

“In Veil of the Witch, things are much more stripped-down. Each character has a single class, with fixed weapons and armor, and a very specific playstyle. There's still progression and choices to be made (skills to unlock, gear to be upgraded, and so on) but generally it's all a lot tighter and more focused now.”

In terms of gameplay, Veil of the Witch will have nine characters to choose from, “over 200 unique skills, upgradeable equipment, and 30+ game-changing Artifacts.” On top of that, the game is a roque-lite in nature. As a result, “Each time you fall in battle, you'll return to your base camp and rise again stronger.”

Story

Since Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is a spin-off, it's immersing you in a new narrative. One set after the events of the original game. “On the edge of death, she comes to you: the Witch of the Crossroads. Your memories are hazy. But her offer is crystal clear. Now, cast back into the land of the living, it's up to you travel the shores of a mysterious island, scouring the armies of the dead and those who command them. No matter how many tries it takes.”

The good news is you won't be alone; in fact, far from it. Other people have washed up on the islands, and you have the chance to bond with them, hear their stories, and possibly write new ones together.

Development

With a developer log, a Steam page, and an official reveal trailer (which we've embedded below), it's safe to say Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch is well underway. Furthermore, developers Ocean Drive Studio, Inc. have previously worked with this engine. As a result, they know what they're doing this time and should be much better at brushing up on the details. In addition to improving upon the feedback from their first title.

Trailer

Fortunately, we do have an official reveal trailer for Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch and it's doing a pretty good job of getting us excited. Nonetheless, take a look for yourself and share your thoughts in our comments section below.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

The final detail that everyone wants to know is when Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch will be released. Before we go any further, we should point out that, unlike Lost Eidolons, Veil of the Witch will “pursue an Early Access model, as well as actual open game development with ongoing community involvement.” With that in mind, Ocean Drive Studio, Inc. expects to launch Early Access in 2024.

We do know that the game will be released on PC. Furthermore, on next-gen Xbox and PlayStation consoles. What's more, the developers are pushing for a Switch release, though this has not yet been confirmed. In addition, there is no guarantee that the game will be released for all platforms at the same time. The final point to mention is that we are unaware of any other game editions. Other than that, stay posted to Gaming.net as we'll keep you update on further details of the game when they come out.

So, what's your take? Are you excited about Lost Eidolons: Veil of the Witch? Will you be picking up a copy when it is released? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!