There are as many worlds as there are stars in the sky. In each stands Camelot; in each there is a Grail. But there is only one Merlin, and his eternal burden is to stand against the horror from beyond. Each world that is saved is saved forever; each world that is lost is lost for good.

Players recruit three mortal heroes on a desperate journey from Albion to Jerusalem to explore richly-imagined medieval lands on the brink of apocalypse - assaulted by an otherworldly evil. 

Search for the lost fragments of your soul, scattered across the multiverse - and save as many worlds as you can. This is a world where items imbued with magical power are scattered throughout, from a peasant's humble luck charm to the legendary sword wielded by Arthur himself. Will you take a dangerous route, risking life and limb in pursuit of such legendary relics? Or will you choose a safer path? In The Hand of Merlin, choices are permanent, the decisions you make echo for eternity and can make all the difference to your party’s synergy and combat prowess.

Enemies are tough and ruthlessly challenging; utilizing squad-based and turn-based combat, players can employ tactical cunning to use cover, set up ambushes and coordinate attacks to conquer both human and demonic foes looking to do them harm. The Hand of Merlin also brings the mystical energy of spellcasting to combat as players gather Soulstones to restore their power and unlock new Spells. Even in defeat, players retain collected arcane knowledge as they jump into the next dimension.

The Hand of Merlin is coming to PC Early Access (Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG) on May 11, 2021, and will remain so for 4-5 months, depending on community feedback.

“The popularity of roguelite RPG’s, coupled with the uniquely disruptive clash of worlds in a beautifully crafted game like The Hand of Merlin really emphasizes the game’s narrative. Versus Evil prides itself in finding immersive games with great storytelling and this is an exciting addition to the ranks” Said Steve Escalante, General Manager of Versus Evil.

Key Features:

• A Roguelike Experience: Carve a path across the lands of Albion, Marca Hispanica and Al-Andalus. Will you take a dangerous route, risking life and limb in pursuit of a legendary relic? Or will you choose a safer path? Plan and prepare. Negotiate, barter, fight. Tackle challenges. Suffer losses. Recruit new Heroes. Earn Gold, Supplies and Renown. Be careful: your choices are permanent, as is death. But don't tarry - evil never rests.
• Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Master the tactics of squad-based and turn-based combat to conquer both human and demonic foes. Your enemies will be tough and ruthless; make use of high ground and cover, set up ambushes and coordinated attacks, harness synergies between different Hero classes and skills.
• Non-Linear Narrative: Enjoy a compelling story inspired by Arthurian legend, the Matter of France, and the history of Al-Andalus - with an unusual twist. Make choices in interactive encounters that change every time you play. Written by Jonas Kyratzes (The Talos Principle, Serious Sam 4) and Verena Kyratzes (The Lands of Dream, Serious Sam 4).
• Dynamic Leveling: Use Renown to level up your Heroes, and choose between a randomized set of new skills or improved attributes. But choose wisely! Select skills with great synergy and balance your party for the road ahead.
• Equipment Upgrades: Seek out towns to improve your arms and armor, or stumble upon hermit artisans in the wild. With every day that passes, the world plunges deeper into darkness, and you will need all the equipment gold can buy.
• Relics: From a peasant's humble luck charm to the legendary sword wielded by Arthur himself, items imbued with magical power are scattered about the world. Some you will be able to purchase from merchants and collectors, but others will have to be earned through acts of heroism - or displays of wit.
• Spells: Rain thunder and brimstone upon your foes! Seek out and gather Soulstones to restore your power and unlock new Spells. Even if defeated, your spirit will retain all of your collected arcane knowledge as you jump into the next dimension.
• Alternate Dimensions: As you jump from one parallel dimension to the next, history is reshaped. Different kings rule the land, changing the encounters, characters, and events. No two worlds are ever quite the same, and each journey will be unique. And should your heroes fall, remember: defeat is not the end, only a new beginning.

Written by Jonas Kyratzes (The Talos Principle, Serious Sam 4) and Verena Kyratzes (The Lands of Dream, Serious Sam 4) with a story inspired by Arthurian legend and historical literature, and gameplay inspired by modern tactical classics such as XCOM and The Banner Saga.

The Hand of Merlin will be coming to PC via Steam Early Access in May 2021.