The early access RPG Entropy from developer James Wragg represents a significant shift from the team’s previous title, Dread Delusion. While Dread Delusion was an homage to classic first-person RPGs like The Elder Scrolls, Entropy draws heavily from JRPG influences, reminiscent of titles such as Final Fantasy 10.
However, it breaks from traditional JRPG formulas by offering expansive party sizes, tactical battles, and unique gameplay mechanics like locational damage and permadeath. Wragg cites Fallout 1 as a major inspiration, especially emphasizing the game’s locational damage system akin to OG Fallout’s called shots. This system allows players to target specific enemy limbs for strategic advantages, like inflicting debuffs or disarming foes.
Entropy’s aesthetics and gameplay evoke a similar desolation found in Fallout, combined with a touch of humor reflective of the world before its collapse. Inspiration also comes from Mordheim, the tabletop game, leading to a robust customization element within the game’s mechanics, allowing for vast weapon diversity without a high demand for intricate assets.
Unlike traditional AAA RPGs, the game’s low-fi graphics permit more extensive customization and experimentation, aligning with Wragg’s deep-dive exploration into tabletop RPG systems that have influenced digital formats.
Entropy is currently available on Steam with a free demo, and it encourages players to engage with its innovative side quests and storytelling depth.
