Another day, another roguelike early access launch. However, this one stands out to me. Not only does Realm of Ink look gorgeous, but it is clearly influenced by Hades. Since I wasn’t able to put Hades 2 down when it launched earlier this year, today’s early access launch of Realm of Ink is exciting.
Realm of Ink is developed by Leap Studio and launches in Steam Early Access today. The developers have detailed what to expect from early access and beyond. Today’s version includes four act levels, eight bosses, and the game’s final boss, the Book Spirit. Your player character, Red the Swordswoman, also has nine distinct forms, each with different weapons. Therefore, much like Hades and its varied weapons and aspects, Realm of Ink will have plenty of options to make runs play differently.
Combat Encounters with Ink Pets
Where Realm of Ink really stands out among the roguelike games competition is in how it uses Momo, your adorable pet companion in the game. Depending on which abilities you have equipped, which are known as Ink Gems, Momo will have a different passive effect and active skill that’ll alter how you can approach various combat encounters.
Endless Mode for Challenge Seekers
If you want to challenge yourself in early access, the launch version also includes an endless mode. Don’t expect an easy ride though, so we’d recommend getting familiar with the base game first.
Realm of Ink is out now, with a 10% launch discount until Thursday October 10 meaning it’s priced at $15.29 / £12.86. You’ll find it right here.
Realm of Ink: What to Expect in the Future
In the coming weeks and month, Leap Studio also promises to release frequent game optimizations and content updates. There will be more character forms added, alongside expanded weapon sets, play styles, more Ink Pet gameplay mechanics, new areas, bosses, and more.
I can’t wait to see how it compares to Hades 2, especially as we await the full Hades 2 release date of Supergiant’s masterpiece. You can read our Hades 2 review to see what we make of that its early access launch.
You can also follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides, or grab our PCGN deals tracker to net yourself some bargains.
Story
Realm of Ink follows the story of Red, a skilled swordswoman who discovers she is a fictional character within a story called Realm of Ink. Guided by the mysterious Book Spirit, Red must explore her world, uncover hidden secrets, and confront the truth about her existence. The game features a 2.5D art style inspired by Chinese ink painting and offers a blend of traditional and modern visual design.
Early Access Version
As of its initial release, the Early Access version contains:
- Complete 4-act levels and 8 bosses, and the final boss - the Book Spirit
- The playable character, Red the Swordswoman, with 9 distinct forms and weapons
- Full gameplay for 22 Ink Gem skills across 4 tiers
- Full gameplay for 15 Ink Pets across 4 tiers and over 40 forms
- Over 130 Perks to provide diverse building possibilities
- The first layer of world-building and approximately 50% of the storyline
- 70% of the content and functions of the Fox Inn are open
- Ink Pet system, Ink Realm Anecdote
- Endless mode gameplay for challenge seekers
Future Updates
Leap Studio are aiming to gather player feedback to refine and improve the game throughout the Early Access period. Regular updates will introduce additional character forms, weapons, gameplay mechanics, new areas, and bosses as development progresses.
A Look Behind the Scenes
Guangzhou, China - 27th September 2024. Publisher 663 Games and developer Leap Studio are thrilled to announce that their highly anticipated action roguelite Realm of Ink launches today via Steam Early Access for $16.99USD/£14.29GBP/€16.49EUR with a limited-time 10% launch discount.
A Deeper Look at the Realm of Ink
Realm of Ink immerses you in the world of expert swordsperson Red, who discovers she is merely a fictional character in a story called ‘Realm of Ink’. Controlled by the mysterious Book Spirit, Red must uncover the dark secrets of the Book Spirit and discover the truth of her existence and defy her predetermined fate. Realm of Ink is brought to life with a mix of 2.5D Chinese-style ink painting and modern art direction and features a rich combat system and a deep, intriguing story of life and beliefs.
Developer Feedback
Developer Leap Studio has been working closely with the Realm of Ink community, gathering valuable feedback to support them in delivering a deep and fulfilling Early Access gameplay experience.
Exploring the Realm of Ink's World
From the verdant Buddhist forests, the frigid enchanted Monkey Kingdom, the gentle yet terrifying waterland to the ancient and reverent ruins of Mausoleum, the four major levels each have a guardian, and their mysterious pasts await your exploration. Wielding a sword, ventured alone through the dim world and overcome formidable foes.
Characters
Explore and conquer over 20 creatures with distinctive Chinese characteristics, including Fox Demon, Peony Fariy, and Mirror Sprite. Each of them comes with a unique backstory. By continuously enhancing mutual affection, unlock more intimate dialogues, and deepen the understanding of each other.
Release and Availability
Realm of Ink is available now via Steam Early Access. Fans can still download the updated demo and add the game to their Wishlist.
The Book Spirit's Secrets
During the hunt for a cunning Fox demon, the heroine and expert swordswoman Red, discovers that she is a fictional character in the short story collection Realm of Ink. Only by unlocking the dark secrets of the Book Spirit will Red discover the truth of her existence and defy her fate.
Exploring the World of Ink
The story unfolds in a virtual realm called “Realm of Ink” where inhabitants unknowingly exist as mere fabrications within a fictional world. Controlled by the mysterious Book Spirit, they obediently follow predetermined fates, oblivious to their cyclical lives.
A Journey of Rebirth
Begin your journey as the swordsman Red, gradually unlocking additional forms as you progress. Utilising the Fox's immortal power, traverse treacherous 'Story Relics,' confront four bosses with unique backgrounds, and escape from the ever-changing Realm of ink.
Embrace the Cycle of Rebirth
Surmounting various challenges and obstacles, you will redefine your 'destiny' through the constant cycle of rebirth, wielding your sword with resilience.
Unique Combat Styles
Embark on thrilling battles and explore diverse combinations to craft your unique combat style. Play as the Swordswoman Red and equip yourself with 9 different forms and weapons. Enhance your abilities with over 22 distinctive Ink Gems like Tiger Ink, Venom Ink, Curse Ink, Burning Ink, Kylin Ink, and Dragon Ink. Discover a vast array of over 130 perks, such as the Shadow Kite, Octagram Dart, Lock Charms, Dreadful Bell, Lamp of Seven Stars, and Doom Gauge.
Ink Pets
Adorable Ink Pets will serve as loyal companions, fighting alongside you. Depending on various Ink Gem combinations, they can undergo a transformation and evolve into 15 plus distinct forms, applying unique moves to assist in combat.
Stay Connected with Realm of Ink
Follow Realm of Ink on social media - Facebook | Discord | X . Hashtag for social posting #realmofink
Important Notes for Editors
Supported languages:
- English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Spanish (Spain), Russian, Japanese, Portuguese - (Brazil), Korean (on Smilegate Stove only)
Languages to be added post-launch:
- Italian, Turkish, Swedish, Finnish
About 663 Games
663 Games is a newly established publishing label committed to premium and indie game publishing on PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. The company, headquartered in China, was founded by a team of passionate gamers and industry veterans. The team had a proven track record of achieving global success with several titles previously, offering extensive experience and resources for worldwide publishing, along with unique advantages for a strong presence in the Chinese market. The team empathises with the financial challenges that independent developers and small teams often encounter, and 663 Games is dedicated to providing them with funding support to help bring their creative visions to life. As a new, ambitious and trustworthy global publisher, 663 Games collaborates closely with developers to ensure commercial success.
Contact Information
PR contact for Realm of Ink:
- Mark Allen
- Mark Allen PR - on behalf of 663 Games
- [email protected]
