Duskers developers Misfit Attic have announced their latest game, Below The Crown. This chess-flavoured fantasy roguelike combines classic chess elements with a unique meta-layer similar to Inscryption, all wrapped up in sexy 80s CRT visuals. Players take on the role of a wizard tasked with Gathering A Party to explore an offbrand Tron dungeon in search of gold. Each floor of the dungeon presents grid-based combat puzzles inspired by traditional chess strategies like Forks and Pins. Check out the trailer below.
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While Misfits Attic founder Tim Keenan describes Below The Crown as a “gateway drug into chess,” the press release takes a more humorous approach to promoting the game. The developers aim to make chess more accessible to newcomers while offering a fresh and engaging experience for experts. They playfully poke fun at traditional chess, highlighting the differences and innovations in Below The Crown.
Forget about memorized openings and drawn-out endgames – Below The Crown offers a dynamic and fast-paced gameplay experience. With upgradeable party members inspired by chess units, players can dive into strategic battles without the tedium of traditional chess. The game promises a unique blend of strategy and fantasy elements, appealing to both chess enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
In addition to its chess-inspired mechanics, Below The Crown is positioned as a “thinking person’s roguelike” in the vein of Slay The Spire. Players must make strategic decisions to navigate the ever-changing dungeon, acquiring abilities and skills to enhance their party’s capabilities. The game’s Inscryption-style meta-layer adds an extra layer of intrigue, challenging players to think outside the box and expect the unexpected.
Misfits Attic, known for their acclaimed title Duskers, are branching out with new projects like a ship-building game titled “Humanity 2.0” and a “Crusader Kings lite” experience. Despite their busy schedule, they are dedicated to delivering innovative and engaging gaming experiences to their audience.
Below The Crown is set to launch on PC via Steam Early Access in Q4 2025, with a demo available during October’s Steam Next Fest. Stay tuned for more updates on Steam.
