YonanA new entry into the Pathfinder video game repertoire launches into early access on Steam on September 14 in the form of Pathfinder: Gallowspire Survivors. Following the success of previous Pathfinder CRPGs Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous, and the even more successful Baldurs Gate 3, tabletop RPG settings are definitely in a renaissance on PC currently. Unlike the previous games, Gallowspire Survivors utilises the strength of an established setting in its genre shift to the Vampire Survivors style of roguelite bullet hell survivor. Bullet hell survivors are a recently popular category of games including Vampire Survivors, Halls of Torment, Gunsuit Guardians, Holocure and many more. A genre that focuses on minimal but tight gameplay mechanics has definitely found a prominent place in gamers’ hearts and Steam libraries lately. This is in part due to how satisfying they are, but also to how cheap they have been, averaging at about $US4 per game, with some like HoloCure even being free passion projects. It can be hard to make waves in a crowded genre, Gallowspire Survivors having the Pathfinder name and setting behind it should help it substantially.
Pathfinder originated as a spinoff of Dungeons and Dragons 3.5 edition in the mid-2000s by Paizo thanks to the Open Gaming License that allowed third-party development and use of the rules. It has since become a behemoth in the tabletop roleplaying game industry, later carving out a place at the top of the CRPG genre, only to be eclipsed by the recent launch of the impressive Baldurs Gate 3 returning Dungeons and Dragons to the top spot. Founded in 1996, developer BKOM Studios previous work includes Sunday Gold, Overloot, Tales from Candlekeep: Tomb of Annihilation, Little Lords of Twilight and more, so they definitely have what it takes to put out a solid game.
The disgraced lich-emperor Tar-Baphon lies sealed away beneath his ancient seat of power, Gallowspire. Here, he has cunningly devised the means for his escape. As the wards that contain him begin to fail, three brave heroes step into Gallowspire’s depths, tasked with battling through his army of undead to put an end to his plans. Players battle through Gallowspire as one of three mighty heroes: Fighter, Wizard, or Rogue. While each has its own strengths and talents that will aid their efforts against Tar-Baphon, the task at hand is too much for a lone hero. Choose an ally to fight alongside you as you slay hordes of enemies, collect and upgrade your arsenal of spells and weapons, and eradicate Gallowspire’s terrifying bosses.
There will be many failures throughout your journey in Pathfinder: Gallowspire Survivors, but aided by a mysterious amulet, the heroes can escape death and grow stronger with each attempt. Only those who find the strength to break through Gallowspire may face the eternal emperor. But one victory will not be enough to seal away the Whispering Tyrant forever. Heroes must confront him again and again to buy the world of Golarion the time it needs to prepare for Tar-Baphon’s seemingly inevitable return.
- Choose your class: Fighter, Wizard, or Rogue — each featuring unique talents, powers, and playstyles.
- Select a second hero to fight alongside you as a companion character.
- Run the gauntlet of Gallowspire! Overcome all four sections and their bosses to mark a successful run.
- Defeat enemies and collect their essence to obtain and upgrade your powers during the run.
- Earn experience to level up your heroes, and spend talent points to enhance and customize their powers permanently.
- Collect and spend treasure to unlock permanent upgrades for all your heroes.
- Complete quests, defeat bosses, and battle the Whispering Tyrant himself.
- Customize your challenge level across 5 tiers of difficulty. The quest to contain Tar-Baphon is endless!
If you enjoy the recent rise of the roguelite bullet hell genre, Pathfinder: Gallowspire Survivors is definitely a game worth keeping in your sights. We will likely have a review up before the Steam early access launch of the game on September 14 so keep an eye out for that. If you want more in the meantime you can follow the game on Facebook or X.
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Chris Inglis
