Baldur’s Gate 3 took the gaming world by storm in 2023, elevating the CRPG genre to unprecedented heights. While the genre has always had a dedicated following, its mainstream appeal was limited until Larian Studios’ title reshaped the landscape. Now, a new contender, Starfinder: Afterlight, is poised to take the baton, offering a unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy.
Despite expectations of a CRPG flood following Baldur’s Gate 3’s success, the market has remained relatively calm. According to Epictellers Entertainment, an independent studio, this is largely due to the complexity and challenge of developing CRPGs. Undeterred, the ambitious team has announced their foray into the genre with Starfinder: Afterlight, aiming to captivate audiences with a fresh narrative and engaging gameplay.
A New Contender in the CRPG Arena
Starfinder: Afterlight draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of influences, including Baldur’s Gate 3, Guardians of the Galaxy, Pathfinder, and Divinity Original Sin II. During a recent virtual preview, Albert Jane and Ricard Pillosu, co-founders of Epictellers, shared their passion for tabletop RPGs, which led them to the Starfinder IP. Originally a sci-fi fantasy tabletop RPG from Paizo, Starfinder first emerged in 2017, and now, its universe is being adapted into a video game format.
The game promises a new original story, crafted in collaboration with Paizo, ensuring authenticity and depth. While familiarity with the Starfinder tabletop game is not required, fans will find familiar elements woven into the narrative. The game’s central plot revolves around the ‘afterlight,’ a catastrophic event threatening to engulf the galaxy in darkness. Players must uncover the whereabouts of Captain Khali, voiced by Carolina Ravassa, to prevent this impending doom.
Community-Driven Development
As an independent venture, Starfinder: Afterlight has turned to Kickstarter for funding, reflecting its early development stage. The preview showcased a glimpse of what players can expect, with all the hallmarks of a classic CRPG, including a branching narrative designed to span 40 to 60 hours. Players will engage in turn-based combat and recruit companions, each with unique abilities and story arcs.
The game’s development is underpinned by community involvement, with the Kickstarter campaign serving as a platform for player feedback and additional funding. This approach ensures that the community remains at the heart of the project, influencing its direction and features.
The Role of Companions
Much like Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfinder: Afterlight places significant emphasis on companions, who are integral to the gameplay experience. The game boasts an impressive voice cast, including Fred Tatasciore as Kole, Inel Tomlinson as Tycho, Melissa Medina as Lu-323, and James Alexander as Sterling. Under the direction of Neil Newbon, known for his work on Baldur’s Gate 3, the voice acting promises to be a standout feature.
Companions in Starfinder: Afterlight offer more than just combat support; they enrich the narrative through personal storylines and dynamic relationships. Players can form bonds, engage in romances, or risk losing companions based on their decisions, adding layers of complexity and replayability to the game.
Challenges and Prospects
Developing a CRPG is no small feat, especially for an independent studio. Starfinder: Afterlight is being built using the Godot Engine, targeting an early access release in 2026, with a full launch planned for 2027. However, timelines in game development are often fluid, and the team remains open to adjustments based on feedback and funding.
The Kickstarter process, while promising, carries inherent risks. Backers are investing in a vision that may evolve over time, but Epictellers Entertainment is committed to transparency and community engagement. The foundations laid during the preview suggest a compelling CRPG experience, with or without additional features funded through Kickstarter.
Starfinder: Afterlight is a title to watch, offering a fresh take on the CRPG genre with its unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy. As development progresses, the gaming community eagerly anticipates its potential to redefine the genre once more.
