Hack-and-slash dark fantasy title Warlander has been delayed just months before its planned release date. Originally scheduled for the third quarter of 2019, right around the corner, the game is now scheduled for early 2020. Presumably close to completion, the game has been delayed due to a shift in the development phase, as a result of feedback from internal testing.
“We’re thrilled with the stages of development Warlander has reached and deep internal testing has allowed us to make improvements to the game,” said Goran Rajsic, creative director for developer and publisher Clock Drive Games, for which Warlander is their debut title. “We’re working on revamping the game’s fighting mechanics from a faster arcade-like style to slower, more tactical slashing maneuvers. We want players to act as wise warriors, tactically approaching their enemies, looking for the opportunity to strike them with the killing blow!”
As described on Steam, Warlander takes players on a journey of vengeance in a world torn by conflict between the Old Gods and the new Techno Order.
Techraptor covered the game’s announcement back in March, noting the game's appealing core mechanic - enemies come to pieces with each swing of the player’s glowing sword based on a realistic mesh system. Inspirations are purportedly Metal Gear Rising and Jedi Knights, explaining the desire to emphasise tactics within the sword-combat system.
The announcement trailer depicts the striking hack-and-slash combat and a dark, stylised world. Within the trailer, a protagonist accustomed to war asks his seemingly sentient sword, “What do we do now?” To which the weapon replies, “Now we feed the tree.” Said tree is a mutated, many-eyed behemoth with a gaping, sharp-toothed maw, festering in a cavern. The trailer promises a degree of mystery and peppers intriguing elements amid the combat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmfrGCmSVmM&feature=youtu.be
Though excited players will be disappointed by this delay, a more challenging, measured combat system will add satisfaction to every successful slice, and bring the game closer to the developer’s vision of a rewarding, high-stakes experience.
Players will finally get their hands on Warlander in early 2020 when the title will be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
Were you anticipating playing Warlander in the next few months? Are you excited by the direction Clock Drive Games are taking the title? Let us know in the comments below!
