The role-playing game breathes new life into the classic first-person dungeon-crawler genre while also unifying Central European folklore and legends – most of which have never been depicted in video games – into one cohesive universe.

The land of Operencia is an unconventional fantasy world where history meets legend – a faraway land referenced in countless Central European folktales told for hundreds of years. For the first time ever, these stories all occur in the context of one single universe. Adding further depth, real-life historical figures populate the game, such as more legendary versions of King Attila and his wife Réka. Locations vary from common fairytale settings (e.g., castles, tombs and forests) to fantastical versions of storied landmarks anyone can physically visit today.

Zen has gone to great lengths to ensure that everything in Operencia: The Stolen Sun feels familiar to RPG players, yet still modern and novel. Through a classic tile-based movement system, players explore the far reaches of the land, engaging in strategic turn-based battles at every turn. The entire quest to free the abducted Sun King, Napkirály – thereby saving Operencia from endless days of night – comes rife with malevolent monsters, devious traps and mind-bending puzzles. Perhaps even a three-headed dragon…

In less than six minutes, you’ll gain a solid grasp of what inspired this modernization of the first-person dungeon crawler – everything from centuries-old stories that shaped the world to where the name “Operencia” comes from in the first place.

To start things off, Game Designer/Writer Oliver Sandor describes how we came upon the decision to create the game, and mentions some of the core inspiration behind the world – some really cool stuff. Writer Chris Baker discusses some further inspiration in terms of story and lore. And do you know what a Buso is? Lead 2D Artist Tamas Gaspar introduces you to these fearsome – but somewhat loveable? – antagonists derived from actual history, and he’ll also take us to the beautiful Copper Forest (it’s so metal!). Finally, 2D Artist Lali Juhasz walks us through the process of creating the game’s amazing cutscenes.

Key Features:

• Where History Meets Legend: Operencia is home to an intriguing mix of unexplored mythology and fantastical versions of actual historical locations (e.g., Deva Fortress, Balvanyos) and characters (e.g., Attila, Seven Chieftains of the Magyars), all coming together to form one cohesive new gaming universe. Several of your own seven party members take influence from heroes of forgotten tales told hundreds of years ago, such as the brave knight Mezey and Sebastian the Dragon Slayer.
• A Tale for the Ages: An unknown force has abducted the Sun King Napkirály, leaving Operencia in a state of perpetual darkness – and eventual doom. From hidden royal tombs and cursed castles to an ascent up the World Tree to reach the Copper Forest of the Land of the Gods, explore diverse settings throughout the far reaches of the land…and beyond. Each location boasts its own unique atmosphere, visual style, level design and puzzles, and many take place entirely outdoors.
• Beautiful Presentation: Breathtaking hand-drawn cutscenes and fabulous 2D character portraits bring the story to life in a style not easily compared to any other game. More than 30 colorful roles are fully voiced through top-tier performances authentic to the game’s Central European roots.
• Puzzles Everywhere: From intricate riddles to selecting the proper ingredients to craft new items, dozens of puzzles challenge your brainpower throughout all of Operencia.
• Classic Gameplay and Exploration: Along with a deeply strategic turn-based battle system full of spells and special skills to execute, tile-based movement encourages thorough exploration of each area. For added challenge, turn on Cartographer mode to plot out each of the 13 maps yourself.
• Explore 13 diverse, puzzle-filled levels
• Defeat more than 50 enemy types
• Switch between 7 fully upgradable – and memorable – characters
• Robust difficulty settings allow you to select options such as limiting saves, implementing permadeath, and disabling auto-mapping to create your own
• Stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4
• An epic orchestral score composed by Arthur Grósz
• Fully 3D environments, enemies and objects, plus high-fidelity advanced effects with dynamic shadows and lighting
• AAA Indie production quality and polish with top-tier voice acting, soundtrack, cutscenes and writing

Operencia: The Stolen Sun will be available in 2019 on Xbox One and PC.