Chris InglisMicroProse has announced a publishing partnership with Adamant Studios for their upcoming title, Knights of Frontier Valley, and it’s bringing some serious firepower to the table. This isn’t just another roguelike RPG; it’s a project infused with the very essence of classic fantasy adventures, and it’s about to get even more legendary. What makes this announcement truly special? The involvement of Rob Kuntz, a name synonymous with the origins of Dungeons & Dragons. A close friend and collaborator of Gary Gygax, Kuntz co-created the iconic Greyhawk setting and penned some of the earliest D&D modules. His influence on tabletop fantasy gaming is immeasurable and he’s bringing his experience and creative vision to the digital realm.
“Frontier Valley immediately spoke to me because it captures what I loved about the earliest days of D&D — the thrill of discovery, a world that breathes on its own, and the feeling that every decision matters,” said Kuntz. “This is a world that evolves with the players. This is a world that breathes, challenges, and reacts. Knights of Frontier Valley isn’t just a game – it’s an adventure in the truest sense.”
Created by Martin Menzel, a passionate solo developer using a custom-built engine, Knights of Frontier Valley is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic RPGs. With MicroProse’s support and Rob Kuntz’s creative guidance, this game is set to be a love letter to the entire history of role-playing, bridging the gap between tabletop and digital adventures. Imagine a procedurally generated world filled with danger, faction intrigue, and tough choices, all set within a living, breathing environment where days turn to nights, seasons shift, and survival is never guaranteed. This is a game that challenges you, rewards exploration, and makes your choices matter.
Here’s a glimpse of what makes Knights of Frontier Valley stand out:
- Procedurally generated world: Explore unique characters, factions, dungeons, and mysteries.
- Gridless, turn-based battles: Strategic positioning and tactics matter, or auto-resolve for faster play.
- Deep survival mechanics: Hunger, thirst, injuries, and weather add to the challenge.
- Robust character customization: Choose from multiple classes, professions, and skill sets.
- A living world: NPCs with their own routines, evolving stories, and no quest markers—just clues.
- Hand-drawn art: A beautiful aesthetic, created without generative AI.
- Permanent consequences: Every choice has weight, and every adventure is unique.
Adding to the game’s rich atmosphere is an original score from world-class composer Kevin Manthei (Neverwinter Nights). And, of course, Rob Kuntz’s contributions to the game’s lore design, worldbuilding, and quest structure promise a level of depth and organic world creation that defined the golden age of role-playing. This game ticks a lot of nostalgia boxes for me, giving me memories of playing DOS games with my mates, swapping chairs to take turns playing games just like this. Quest For Glory, The Legend of Kyrandia, and more come to mind.
“Having Rob Kuntz lend his creative vision to Knights of Frontier Valley is nothing short of historic,” said Chris Ansell, CMO of Microprose. “This is a designer whose fingerprints are on the very foundation of tabletop role-playing. Fans of Dungeons & Dragons, classic CRPGs, and deep strategic role-playing should take notice – this is a game built for you.”
This is a project that’s shaping up to be something special, a blend of old-school inspiration and modern indie ingenuity, all enriched by the touch of a true RPG legend. Keep an eye out for more updates on Knights of Frontier Valley and be sure to add the game to your wishlist on Steam.
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