Finnish Roguelike With Imps & Ice Trolls Is a Must-Play
▼ Summary
– The author prefers 2D tile graphics in fantasy games, valuing evocative sprites and flavor text over high-end graphics.
– Tuoni is a turn-based tactical roguelike inspired by Finnish folklore, featuring buildcrafting and a CRT filter.
– Finnish folklore in Tuoni is darker and more primordial than Norse mythology, with eerie forest spirits and mythical creatures.
– The game offers flexible skill progression, allowing players to mix abilities from different archetypes like Arms Fighter and Battle Shaman.
– Tuoni is set for release in 2026, with a demo potentially available later this year, and is currently wishlistable on Steam.
Exploring the dark forests and icy depths of Finnish folklore has never been more captivating than in Tuoni, an upcoming roguelike that blends tactical combat with rich mythological storytelling. While flashy graphics have their place, there’s something timeless about the immersive power of well-crafted 2D sprites and evocative text, qualities this game delivers in spades.
Developed by Old Dog, Tuoni promises a turn-based experience steeped in the eerie beauty of Finnish legends. Unlike the more familiar Norse sagas, this setting leans into primordial mysteries, think whispering forests, shadowy spirits, and creatures like the Näkki lurking by murky ponds. The game’s procedural worlds are described as places where “ancient wrath” stirs beneath the surface, offering a fresh take on fantasy that feels both haunting and original.
A recent gameplay trailer showcases battles against Maahinen imps and Suli trolls, their icy vapor-cloaked forms hinting at the game’s attention to atmospheric detail. The inventory screen alone is a treasure trove for lore enthusiasts, featuring items like Jumal’s Snowsteel Cloak and Kalam’s Deathblade, a weapon tied to moonlit fens and forgotten legends. These touches elevate Tuoni beyond mere combat, weaving narrative into every encounter.
Character progression leans into flexibility, allowing players to mix skills from archetypes like Arms Fighter and Battle Shaman. Want to start as a brute-force axeman but later summon arctic blasts? The system encourages experimentation, ensuring no two runs play out the same way. It’s a smart approach for a genre where adaptability often means the difference between survival and a grim demise.
Slated for a 2026 release, Tuoni already stands out as a roguelike to watch. A demo may arrive later this year, giving players a taste of its frostbitten battles and mythic depth. For now, wishlisting it on Steam is the best way to stay updated on this promising adventure into Finland’s darker tales.
(Source: pcgamer)