Heroes-Inspired Autobattler Features Hand-Painted Oil Art
▼ Summary
– Erulean Angel: Fantasy Commander is an upcoming grand strategy autobattler featuring turn-based combat, handmade illustrations, and inspiration from classic strategy games.
– Players command multiple armies, recruit unique units, and engage in autobattler combat with strategic depth and unit synergies.
– The game is developed by Second Studio, a duo consisting of artist Clark Filio and musician Nathaniel Grossman, marking their first game.
– Gameplay involves crafting armies with units that have two abilities each, including exotic warriors like charmers who can turn enemies against each other.
– The art style combines 3D environments with handmade oil-painted unit illustrations, inspired by ’90s tabletop RPGs and games like Heroes of Might and Magic.
Strategy gaming enthusiasts and art lovers alike should take note of Erulean Angel: Fantasy Commander, an upcoming autobattler that blends deep tactical gameplay with stunning handcrafted visuals. This grand strategy title promises turn-based combat with layers of strategic depth, all wrapped in a painterly aesthetic rarely seen in modern games.
Players will explore the fantasy realm of Erulea, assembling and commanding diverse armies against formidable foes. The game emphasizes unit synergy and tactical positioning, where every decision, from commander selection to battlefield placement, impacts combat outcomes. Each unit boasts two distinct abilities: a basic attack that builds mana and a powerful special move unleashed when fully charged. Beyond traditional warriors like swordsmen and archers, players can recruit unconventional fighters such as charmers, capable of turning enemies against each other.
Developed by Second Studio, a new indie team consisting of artist Clark Filio (known for HBO’s How To With John Wilson) and musician Nathaniel Grossman, the game prioritizes creativity in army composition. Battles scale dynamically, massive overworld clashes may involve hundreds of units, while dungeon skirmishes force players to adapt with limited squad sizes.
The visually striking art style sets Erulean Angel apart. Every unit features hand-painted oil illustrations by Filio, evoking the nostalgic charm of vintage tabletop RPGs and tarot decks. These 2D sprites move within meticulously crafted 3D environments, creating a hybrid aesthetic that feels both classic and fresh.
Inspiration for the game draws from genre staples like Heroes of Might and Magic and Total War: Warhammer, alongside niche influences such as Japan’s Lunatic Dawn: Passage of the Book. Even Dark Souls leaves its mark, with a respawn system tied to safe nodes reminiscent of bonfires.
While no release date is confirmed, a demo is planned for Steam Next Fest in late 2025 or early 2026. The Steam page is already live for those eager to wishlist the title. With its blend of strategic depth and artistic craftsmanship, Erulean Angel: Fantasy Commander could be a standout for fans of tactical and visually rich experiences.
(Images courtesy of Second Studio)
(Source: PCGAMER)
