During Gamescom, the game development studio Question unveiled its upcoming title, The Killing Stone, set for release on February 18, 2024. This investigative deckbuilding horror game invites players to confront the Devil while navigating a generational curse. Following a positive response to its demo, anticipation for the complete game has surged.
Set in the 17th century, The Killing Stone follows the story of the Maven, who investigates the mysterious death of Mariken Svangard. As the Maven delves deeper into the case, the investigation reveals a curse that has plagued Svangard’s family for generations. To break this cycle, players must engage in card battles against various demons, led by a sinister figure known as One Eye. Not only does the fate of Svangard’s family hang in the balance, but the Maven’s own soul is also at stake in these high-stakes games.
Players can experience the unfolding narrative through their choice of modern prose or authentic 17th Century English, both delivered by renowned voice actors. Emma Gregory voices the Maven, while Liam O’Brien lends his talents to the character of One Eye, adding depth to the game’s storytelling.
The gameplay revolves around battles on the Fanghelia, or the titular Killing Stone, where players deploy figurines, spells, and incantations that have varied effects. The objective is to reduce the opponent’s eye to zero health, often necessitating the removal of any minions obstructing the player’s path. A Reserve system enables players to stack units and enhance incantations for later turns, introducing an extra layer of strategy to this turn-based combat.
While The Killing Stone is not explicitly categorized as a roguelike, it incorporates elements typical of the genre. Players can earn special boons between battles, contributing to a sense of progression. Additional gameplay mechanics will be introduced over time, including a Bargaining system that allows players to negotiate for permanent stat enhancements.
This marks the third project from Question, led by Jordan Thomas and Stephen Alexander, both of whom have previously contributed to the acclaimed BioShock series. With a focus on long-term strategy and card battling skills, The Killing Stone promises to challenge players in new ways.
For those eager to experience the game before its official release, a free demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to get a taste of the unique mechanics and storytelling that The Killing Stone has to offer.
