Entropy Brings Brutal Permadeath and PS1 Era Aesthetics to Early Access

AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·

Entropy Brings Brutal Permadeath and PS1 Era Aesthetics to Early Access

Entropy is a new turn-based, post-apocalyptic RPG from the creators of Dread Delusion that combines retro PS1-era aesthetics with permanent party member death and tactical combat. The first act is now available in early access on Steam.

Developer Lovely Hellplace, known for the standout work on Dread Delusion, has officially launched their next project into early access. Entropy is a turn-based, post-apocalyptic RPG that combines classic Japanese role-playing game mechanics with the punishing stakes of XCOM. Set in a dying world defined by the inexplicable infertility of humanity, your journey begins with a disrupted theatre performance before plunging you into a desperate march toward hell itself.

The game wears its retro influences proudly, channeling the visual style of early 3D console eras alongside traditional overworld exploration reminiscent of classic Final Fantasy titles. What sets Entropy apart is the ever-present threat of permanent character death. Your band of mercenaries can bite the dust for good, forcing players to carefully weigh tactical risks during combat encounters and manage the emotional weight of losing hard-earned party members in such a miserable setting.

Early access players are getting a substantial first taste of the adventure, with the current build encompassing roughly a quarter of the full experience. This includes two towns, three dungeons, and a variety of smaller locations, weapons, spells, and narrative challenges to dig into. The team at Lovely Hellplace expects the game to stay in early access for about a year while they build out the remaining acts, though a playable demo remains available on Steam for anyone wanting to test the waters first, as reported by Rock Paper Shotgun.

As the indie scene continues to push creative boundaries through nostalgic aesthetics and unforgiving gameplay loops, Entropy carves out a distinct niche for players who love tactical depth and dark storytelling. It is a great reminder that independent developers are willing to take bold design risks that AAA studios often shy away from, and we will be watching how community feedback shapes the remaining acts over the next year.

Tags: RPG, Indie Games, Turn-Based, Steam Early Access, PC Gaming

Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun