Alta, the creative minds behind A Township Tale (2021), are giving us a peek into their latest project, a dungeon-crawler extraction game called REAVE. They’re sharing some exciting insights into the game’s various systems, introducing a new dungeon, and hinting at some fierce new adversaries. It’s important to note that everything is still in the development stages, but it’s looking intriguing.
In the latest development update (which you can check out below), Alta showcases several newly revamped systems and areas. Among these is the most expansive room in the game so far, known as ‘The Fallen Bastion.’ This massive space offers a mix of wide-open areas and narrow passageways, with both brightly lit spots and dark corners—perfect for either ambushing fellow players or hiding from foes. As the lead environment artist Sean Ellis explains, it’s designed to provide a varied gameplay experience.
At the heart of this massive room lies a magical pedestal. Here, players can summon a boss battle, which currently features a giant spider used for testing purposes. Alta assures fans that this spider is only temporary. They’re utilizing it to fine-tune real boss battles while crafting something unique and more fitting.
Many of the previously showcased areas are undergoing significant updates and improvements. Alta notes that some elements might even be completely overhauled in future versions.
Additionally, the team has unveiled a fresh enemy model to replace the old placeholder skeletons. These new adversaries will range in difficulty based on their weaponry and armor, adding a fresh layer of challenge to confront.
One of the game’s core mechanics involves its in-world currency, known as ‘Echoes’ (likely a working title). Players can collect Echoes in a special vessel that accumulates them over time. Defeating enemies will release Echoes, but they can also be discovered throughout the environment, encouraging players to fight, explore, and gather Echoes. These Echoes can then be used to access exclusive loot rooms or facilitate extraction from dungeons, allowing players to return to the social area to sell their hard-earned loot.
For those eager to dive in early, becoming a tester is possible by joining the game’s Discord server (invite link provided). They occasionally open limited slots for testing, so keep an eye out. Although there’s no official release date yet, the studio has confirmed REAVE will be targeting Quest 2 and higher, as well as PC VR headsets. Keep an eye on their updates for the latest news.
