Urtuk is an open world, tactical turn-based RPG in a low-fantasy setting. Guide your band of adventurers through the ruins of an ancient world. Recruit new followers, loot the corpses of your fallen foes, and do your best to survive in this harsh and unforgiving realm.
The game's core combat loop centers around engaging in turn-based battles on hex-based maps. What sets the combat apart is the remarkable depth and customization options available to players. Each character has a unique set of abilities, weapons, and traits that players can further enhance through a mechanic called "Mutators." Mutators are special abilities that players can extract from fallen enemies and then apply to their own units. This allows for an incredible degree of character progression and build customization. Players can create synergistic team compositions by equipping their units with complementary Mutators, such as a tank that can push enemies into environmental hazards or a ranged unit that gains bonus damage when attacking from high ground. The tactical combat itself is also highly engaging, with factors like line of sight, elevation, and environmental obstacles playing a major role. Thoughtful positioning and skillful use of each unit's abilities are key to emerging victorious, as the game eschews random chance in favor of deterministic outcomes. This creates a satisfying sense of mastery as players learn to navigate the game's intricate combat system.
To further enhance the tactical depth, the game features a procedurally generated campaign that presents players with a different set of challenges on each playthrough. The overworld map is divided into interconnected nodes, each of which can contain a variety of encounters, from combat missions to resource-gathering opportunities. The procedural nature of the campaign means that the specific sequence of battles, enemy compositions, and map layouts will vary from one run to the next. This, combined with the extensive character customization options, encourages players to experiment with different strategies and party compositions in order to overcome the challenges they face.
The game's world is a bleak, low-fantasy setting characterized by a pervasive sense of decay and despair. The hand-drawn art style, featuring gritty, muted colors and unsettling enemy designs, contributes to the game's oppressive atmosphere. This dark tone is further reinforced by the harsh consequences of failure, as the permanent death of a party member can have a significant impact on the player's ability to progress.
The game has been praised for the ongoing support and communication from its sole developer, David Kaleta. The game has received a steady stream of updates and improvements based on player feedback, demonstrating a commitment to the game's continued development and refinement. This level of engagement from the developer has been highly appreciated by the game's growing community.