Unlike traditional role-playing games, Tails of Iron uses various outfits and weapons that affect stats, ranging from light and heavy armor sets to swords, axes, spears, and even guns. It made me chuckle to see Odd Bug Studio inject many silly easter eggs and plays on words into the game, such as Lans Alut, Hulk Molgan, and even Ratnor Rodentson, which refers to Thor Odinson for anyone curious.

The fanfare of the bards combined with howling wind and pouring rain brings realism to every corner you turn, from the Crimson Fort all the way to the Molshevik Republic. The crisp sounds of sword clashes, gunshots, footsteps, and townsfolk going about their day add mood, emotional depth, and life to Tails of Iron. Dialogue between characters is composed of images and animations, but the game succeeds in conveying the message. The game is narrated by Doug Cockle, who you might know as Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series. It’s a dark and moody atmosphere with a great deal of charm for added immersion. The bold comic book line work breathes life into these anthropomorphized rodents and frogs and the environments. The 2D world is vast with incredible detail and clever use of lighting to create mood and depth, making landmarks and biomes distinctive. The gameplay mechanics share influences with Hollow Knight and Salt & Sanctuary, without the acrobatic platforming. The game is set in a dark fantasy medieval time period and combines an engaging fable with difficult yet rewarding combat. Tails of Iron takes heavy influence from Brian Jacques’ beloved Redwall with an added dose of Dark Souls.

Tails of iron switch