Starward Industries has announced their ambitious new title, Dante’s Ring, set to launch on Steam Early Access in 2025.
The reveal came during The Golden Joysticks, the world’s longest-running public-voted gaming awards, with a striking retro-styled trailer showcasing the game’s unique blend of action, survival, and mystery.
Check out the trailer here:
Dante’s Ring takes players to a post-apocalyptic Earth packed with chaotic nature. They must navigate an unrelenting battle against the forces of nature during a catastrophic volcanic eruption on a mysterious and ancient island.
Taking on the role of a daring explorer, the mission is not only to survive but also to rescue as many lives as possible while contending with the island’s fiery chaos. Players will face an array of natural hazards, equipped with fireproof armor and retro-styled tools designed to withstand the island’s fury.
With its distinctive anti-combat focus and immersive retro aesthetics, Dante’s Ring aims to deliver a wholly novel journey through fire and mystery. Players who enjoy combat-less experiences may enjoy Journey and similar games. It was regarded as one of the best PS4 adventure games at the time.
Fans of Dante's Ring have also compared it to Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding, where combat is always discouraged. They also found out similar methods of exploration, such as traversing tricky terrain and carrying dead bodies. Yet unlike ‘Death Stranding’, it does not have a baby attached to the player’s body.
The game promises to challenge players with intense survival scenarios, leading to strategic thinking. Sometimes a solution will not always work, which is why every choice shapes the unfolding narrative. This pushes players to weigh the cost of their actions, whether they prefer finding out the mystery of the island’s disaster, or save as many lives as possible.
Fans can look forward to diving into the depths when the game hits Steam Early Access next year.