Hi everyone! My name is Robin, I've been working on this game since the start of 2023 and for this development update we'll take a look at some of the most interesting developments over the last few months. The game is still very much on track for a 2025 release!

Update 3: Units, Abilities, Tech Trees, Music, and so much more

Units

In the game, you'll come across all kinds of mythical creatures, think trolls, dragons, and even squids that live underwater. Each one is designed to be unique in combat. For example, squids counter ships and the dragon is an endgame unit capable of destroying pretty much everything. Theres a lot more units to come that were not in the demo so stay tuned!

Exploding Bats

Yes, the actual explosions are for later! It's quite fun to blow up stuff by flying a bat into it :)

Wizards

Abilities

One of the key features in the game is the ability tree, where you can unlock powerful abilities using chaos points earned from combat. Youll collect chaos points, which you can then spend to unlock abilities that can turn the tide in future fights.

Meta-progression

Alongside the main ability tree, weve also got a meta-progression unlock tree, which adds an extra layer of depth to your journey. This tree is all about long-term progression, where youll unlock powerful upgrades that persist across multiple playthroughs. This allows you to pick which things you want to unlock for future levels.

Music Preview

Here is a one minute preview of new music coming to the game's Realm of Time! The composer for this game is Geraint Downing who also scored our first game "Open The Gates!" (2022). [previewyoutube=wDWDr0NYsc4;full][/previewyoutube]

Siege Mode

The game will feature a couple different gamemodes. The primary is the campaign mode where you will play through multiple levels, continuously unlocking new mechanics. There you will encounter the evil Scribes of Amandium who will attempt to devour you, attempt to imprison you in ice and attempt to use you for shadowy experiments. Next to the campaign, there will be a more arcade-y gamemode where you are given some walls and some units and are tasked with defending a castle from a large horde of enemies. These levels will be difficult!

Road to release

The game is coming together very well and the gates to the Realms of Madness will open very soon... Stay tuned, it's going to be an exciting journey! Thank you so much for reading this update and remember you can already play a unique level for free in the demo! I am always open to hear your feedback. Kind regards, Robin van der Horst - Developer

[ 2025-03-19 18:59:15 CET ] [ Original post ]

Dear Realm Hunters! The time has come to enter the realm of Eden Cosmica and defeat Etoillefleur! The demo contains many elements from the full game and allows you to play a completely unique level. Thank you so much for trying it out and I look forward to hearing any and all feedback. Kind regards, Robin van der Horst -Developer

[ 2025-01-20 08:07:49 CET ] [ Original post ]

Dear Knights and Dames, Your journey into the Realms of Madness will start on January 20th! Prepare to set foot into the Realm of Eden Cosmica where the wretched Etoilefleur, Scribe of nature, is held captive. Free the realm and bring an end to the chaos. See you soon... Kind regards, Advisor R.W.H. Aldred.

[ 2025-01-09 20:43:19 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hi everyone, Here's the first trailer for this game! Official Trailer [previewyoutube=OA9NDG4grOc;full][/previewyoutube]

[ 2024-12-23 21:21:04 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hi everyone, My name's Robin, I've been working on this game since the start of 2023 and it's really starting to come together. For this second development update we'll be looking at the progress being made on the units for the game.

Update 2: Units

Squads

In Realms of Madness, units are organized into squads, a feature that distinguishes it from the previous game, Open The Gates!. Each squad can develop veterancy, gaining experience and becoming more effective in battle over time. When soldiers within a squad die during combat, they can be replenished at the barracks. This system emphasizes strategic management and long-term unit development. You do not want to lose all units in a squad as that would cause a loss in veterancy. Veteran units are much more powerful!

Five Layers of Combat

The game world is divided into five distinct layers. The sky layer is home to flying beasts. Here you will fight massive aerial battles. The two ground layers allow for double-layered castle construction, offering tactical advantages such as high ground for archers. The water layer is where ships navigate and engage in naval combat, while the underwater layer hosts enigmatic creatures that can attack from below the surface. Each of these layers can be contested individually, requiring players to adapt their strategies and manage multiple fronts simultaneously.

Animation

There will be a ton of animations in this game and a large amount of interesting interactions. For example, if trolls get hit by rocks, they will be temporarily stunned. This level of detail makes battles more dynamic and engaging, as each unit reacts differently to attacks.

Unit Variety

Realms of Madness will have a vast array of units, greatly expanding on the variety seen in the previous game. You'll be able to command knights, archers, ships, dragons, trolls, wizards, harpies, underwater squids, siege weapons, and many more different unit types. Even regular old citizens can pick up their pitchforks and axes and march to war for you! (They'll likely not make it though!)

Shipwrecks

Sunken ships will form shipwrecks that slowly decay over time. Underwater creatures will be able to use these shipwrecks to fight more effectively. This means losing a ship weakens your fleet but strengthens your underwater beasts. That's all for this time! I'll try to post updates more frequently, but development comes first. I am fully committed to making this game the best it can possibly be and I am confident it will be awesome come release. Thank you and have a good day. Kind regards, Robin van der Horst

[ 2024-06-21 14:09:47 CET ] [ Original post ]

Hi everyone, Excited to share the first Realms of Madness update with you! In this update, we'll dig into how we're making the different worlds in the game. You'll get a peek at some concept art and see how it all came together.

Update 1: Worlds!

Let's take a look at the first three of the five Realms (worlds) that will be in the game.

Laying out the World

So, in the sketches, you can see we've got two layers of ground. As a player, you can build castles on either one, giving you more space and adding a bit of strategy. Archers, for example, can get the high ground advantage.

Sketches

Take a look at this image of the first Realm, 'Eden Cosmica.' It is a peaceful forest under a starry sky, but there is a dark secret.
Next up is 'Cocytus,' the second Realm. Imagine a chilly mountain place, as if the Himalayas were haunted by ghosts from the afterlife.
And here is the third Realm, 'Apeiria.' It is an ancient place where many civilizations have come and gone over the years.

Final Results

Stay tuned for more updates on how Realms of Madness is coming together. We're excited to share the progress as we're working on the game. Thanks for joining us on this journey!

[ 2023-12-12 21:47:57 CET ] [ Original post ]

Realms of Madness is a fantasy castlebuilder real-time strategy game. It has a singleplayer campaign and multiplayer support.

My lord, your castle awaits you. Embark on the grand endeavor of building a medieval fortress in this fantasy real-time strategy game. Manage your economy, acquire upgrades and strengthen your deadly weapons arsenal, all in preparation to lay siege on the opposing castle.
Realms of Madness is a castlebuilder RTS experienced from a unique sideways perspective. The game consists of three distinct layers. Delve into the depths of the ocean, constructing underwater habitats to summon enigmatic nautical creatures capable of subduing ships from below. On solid ground, witness your soldiers, trolls, and formidable siege weapons unite to dismantle enemy fortifications. In the expansive sky, your fearsome birds and mythical beasts descend with destructive force. Juggle strategies across these layers concurrently to orchestrate a flawless assault. As time progresses, accumulate ability points to unlock chaotic abilities on the ability-tree. Deploy these abilities judiciously in times of dire need, as they possess the potential to decisively shift the tides of war in your favor.

• Dominate the skies with the aid of birds and winged beasts. Engage in ground battles deploying soldiers, wizards, trolls, and siege equipment. Command the seas utilizing ships and subaquatic creatures.
  
• Raise powerful walls enhanced with modular upgrades like fire braziers, traps, and towers.
  
• Attain chaotic abilities by investing ability points earned during combat.
  
• Deploy squad-based soldier formations that can accumulate experience. Preserve their lives, and they will progressively increase in skill.
  
• Conjure extremely powerful dragons in the late game.
  
• Collaborate with friends or engage in fierce battles against each other in online multiplayer.
  
• Interact through dialogue with fully voice-acted characters.