Think The Plucky Squire Was a Cakewalk? Devs Just Cranked Up the Heat!
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
The Plucky Squire's devs, All Possible Futures, just dropped a free 'Challenge Update' that adds a permadeath mode and tougher enemies, basically saying 'you wanted a challenge? Here ya go!' Console players will have to wait a bit longer for the challenge.
Right, so you thought *The Plucky Squire*, that charming little adventure where you hop in and out of a storybook, was a bit too breezy? Well, the folks at All Possible Futures heard your complaints (or maybe they just have a sadistic streak, who knows?) and unleashed the 'Challenge Update'. According to Eurogamer, who originally broke the story, it's designed to 'transform' your experience – which, let's be honest, sounds like code for 'prepare to rage-quit'.
This free update, already live on Steam with console versions incoming 'soon' (that classic 'soon' that could mean anything from next week to next Christmas), brings a couple of spicy new modes to the table. First up is simply 'Challenge' mode, which promises tougher enemies and, naturally, 'greater trials'. Sounds ominous, doesn't it? Like when your mate says 'I've got a surprise for you' and it turns out to be a week of washing dishes.
But hold on, because things get *really* interesting. Enter 'Iron Squire' mode. This isn't just harder; it's a permadeath situation. One slip-up, one mistimed jump, one particularly nasty baddie, and your save is gone. *Poof*. All that progress? Up in smoke. The developers themselves practically cackled, wishing players good luck with a distinct air of 'you'll need it'. Bloody hell. It's the kind of thing that'll make you appreciate the forgiving nature of roguelikes.
Beyond the difficulty spike, the update also throws in some quality-of-life improvements, like the ability to fast-forward through dialogue. Which, fair dinkum, is a blessing, especially if you’ve already plowed through the game once. And, of course, there are new achievements to unlock, for those of us who are completionists (or just enjoy digital badges of honor).
This whole thing reminds me of that time I tried to brew a 'Potion of Ultimate Gaming Skill' and accidentally turned the cat inside out. Sure, it was powerful, but it came with some... unexpected side effects. Hopefully, the 'Challenge Update' is a bit less catastrophic. While *Eurogamer's* Christian Donlan pointed out some pacing issues in his review, including unskippable conversations, this update seems aimed squarely at those who wanted a tougher experience.
So, if you're feeling brave (or just a little bit masochistic), dive back into *The Plucky Squire* and see if you can survive the gauntlet. Just don't blame me when you're screaming at your monitor.
Tags: The Plucky Squire, Indie Games, Challenge Update, Permadeath, Difficulty
Original article: Eurogamer