Gamescom is off to an interesting start this year. Case in point, Headup Games has announced their first completely in-house project: a sandbox RPG titled Tinkertown.
The Cologne-based publisher has had their hands in multiple eclectic and unique experiences over the years. Examples include Bridge Constructor Portal, a collaboration with Valve's iconic puzzle-platformer series, and the turn-based zombie survival RPG, Dead Age. Now with Tinkertown, they are diving into full development, and the pitch is pretty simple: a top-down fantasy adventure you can play with friends.
The game will feature a procedurally generated open world, which can be explored alone or via simple drop-in-drop-out multiplayer with up to three friends online. There will be dungeons to explore full of dangerous challenges, but rewards epic loot for those who are prepared for those challenges.
In addition to some impressive looking pixel art Tinkertown will feature a day and night cycle, diverse biomes including deserts, icy tundras, lush forests, and towering volcanoes gushing lava.
Naturally, crafting includes base-building, which the game also sports. In addition to making armor and weapons, you can make furniture, workshops, and machines to help take the edge off of menial activities.
As for RPG elements, there are some standard elements. Your role is determined by the armor and weapons you use, which can be anything from a sneaky rogue, a tough as nails warrior, a wizard that keeps everyone from dying, and anything in between.
Tinkertown definitely wears its inspirations on its sleeve, and it is not a bad look. The gameplay looks like a mix of classic Legend of Zelda, combined with the familiar but inventive crafting games already on the market with a little sprinkle of Diablo's loot system for good measure.
If this remix of different gameplay ideas sounds like fun, the good news is you can see it for yourself right now. Tinkertown has a demo out now on Steam, with the full game entering Steam Early Access later this year.
What do you think of Tinkertown? Does the art style interest you? Let us know in the comments below!
