A new turn-based RPG titled Tuoni has launched a demo on Steam, set within a mythic northern wilderness. The game combines procedural landscapes with tactical combat inspired by classic PC adventures.
The tension between Skyrim's longevity and the retro revival
The modern RPG landscape is largely defined by the massive, open-world scale of titles like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim. As the report notes, Skyrim has maintained incredible staying power through a constant stream of community mods that can transform the game entirely, often adding new dragon-based lore or total conversions. However, while Skyrim represents the pinnacle of modern, cinematic open-world design, there remains a growing appetite for the more rigid, tactical experiences of the past.
Tuoni attempts to fill this void by looking back toward an "Ultima aesthetic" rather than forward toward cinematic realism. By focusing on niche, old-school mechanics, the developers are betting that players are looking for a different kind of longevity—one found in procedural variety and mechanical depth rather than massive, hand-crafted landscapes.
Tactical combat without the safety net of set classes
Tuoni offers a gameplay experience built around procedurally generated lands and tactical, turn-based combat. Unlike many modern RPGs that rely on rigid character archetypes, this title features no set classes, allowing players to experiment with diverse playstyles and craft powerful,unique builds. According to the Steam listing, the game also offers two distinct ways to play:
- Adventure mode: Utilizes checkpoints to record player progress.
- Traditional mode: A high-stakes experience where death results in a total restart.
This latter mode is designed to be particularly unforgiving, catering to players who crave the high stakes and punishing nature of classic roguelike adventures.
Finnish folklore meets a customizable CRT aesthetic
The setting of Tuoni is a mythic northern wilderness deeply inspired by the rich traditions of Finnish folklore. Players embark on a perilous journey to reach the titular land of the dead, battling eerie, folkloric creatures that inhabit the procedurally generated landscape. To enhance this retro atmosphere, the developers have included an inherent CRT filter designed to evoke the visual feel of classic PC gaming.
However, the studio has made this aesthetic choice optional. Players can remove the filter if they prefer a cleaner, modern visual presentation, ensuring that the game's retro charm does not become a barrier to entry for those who find the effect distracting.
The missing release date and the 3-hour demo limit
The current Steam demo for Tuoni provides a limited preview of the upcoming full game, offering roughly one to three hours of content. This demo serves as a customized package that roughly translates to the game's first act, though the developers have indicated that this content may be altered or extended in the final release. Several key details remain unverified, including the official release date and how much the procedural elements will vary in the complete version. Additionally, while the team is actively seeking feedback via their Discord server, it remains to be seen how much player input will shape the final balance of the game's "unforgiving" combat.
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