Divided Reigns

Divided Reigns is a large-scale fantasy role-playing game inspired by the great JRPGs of the 1990s, holding onto what made them memorable, strong storytelling, strategic combat and exploration, while still feeling fresh. The main story alone runs more than 70 hours, with plenty of side quests, secrets and Steam Deck support.

The tale follows Captain Ailfred and Lieutenant Shakar after both are cast out of their homeland as they search for peace in a world drawn to war. Along the way they cross paths with the Abeyan pair Habar and Niomi, a father and daughter who wander the land guarding a vowed secret; the fencer Celeste, daughter of one of Kairon's richest men; and the monk Gall, who resents Ailfred for the ruin of his homeland. Nine playable leads in all each carry distinct motives and their own story arc.

Battles have been rebuilt from the ground up around physical weaknesses rather than elements. A steel breastplate may shrug off thrust attacks but fall to side or trip strikes, and an enemy weak to range might prompt you to drop the greatsword and pull out a crossbow mid-fight. Reading enemy art to predict which of eight attack types will land, then exploiting it, is the core of every encounter. The game is the work of Nostalgia Addict Games, a small indie developer active on the Steam discussion boards.