Castle of Heart: Retold vs Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

• Perspective: 2.5D Side-Scroller
• Multiplayer: Single-Player Only
• Setting: Slavic Mythology
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 (TBA)
• Unique Feature: A unique curse mechanic that acts as a timer, where the player's health constantly depletes and must be replenished through aggressive combat, creating a timed-runner feel.

• Perspective: First-Person (Third-person when riding mounts)
• Multiplayer: Cooperative (2 player online for entire campaign)
• Setting: Pandora (Western Frontier)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Amazon Luna
• Unique Feature: Ikran Flight, Na'vi Agility & Senses, Dual Combat System (Na'vi & RDA weapons), Deep Crafting & Cooking, Connection to Nature.

• Ikran (Mountain Banshee): The player's primary aerial mount after bonding with one. Essential for traversing Pandora's vast vertical landscapes. Can be directed to attack RDA aircraft or ground targets, perform barrel rolls, and use a speed boost. Customizable with gear and cosmetic patterns. Its stamina and health can be improved through skills and food.
  Leonopteryxen (Banshee)
• Direhorse (Pa'li): A swift six-legged ground mount, useful for quickly navigating flatter terrains like the Upper Plains. Can be called by the player. Its stamina can be improved. Less combat-focused than the Ikran but vital for land travel.
  Equidirus (Direhorse)
• Temporary Animal Allies (Pacified Wildlife): While not persistent companions, the player, using their Na'vi connection, can sometimes pacify or briefly guide certain wildlife. This is less about direct combat command and more about leveraging the environment or creating distractions.
  Various Pandoran Fauna

• Crystals of Mokosh: Four hidden gems are scattered throughout each of the game's 20 levels. Collecting them extends Svaran's maximum health.
• Stone Hearts: Floating pickups found throughout levels and dropped by enemies. These are essential for replenishing Svaran's constantly draining life bar.

• Sarentu Totems: Ancient Sarentu clan totems found throughout the Western Frontier. Interacting with them often requires finding a specific vantage point to 'align' the totem, triggering a vision and sometimes rewarding an Ancestor Skill or skill points.
• Windswept Kites & Dolls: Lost Na'vi kites or dolls, often caught in high, hard-to-reach places or hidden within environments. Collecting them typically grants Na'vi Favor with a specific clan and sometimes lore.
• RDA Data Recorders / Audio Logs: Found primarily in or around RDA facilities and crash sites. These provide audio logs or text entries that offer insight into RDA operations, personnel, and their views on Pandora and the Na'vi.
• Bellsprigs: Unique plants that, when touched, permanently increase the player's maximum health. Found in various hidden or guarded locations.
• Aeolian Wind Flutes: Musical instruments that need to be played correctly (following a simple rhythm mini-game) to receive a reward, often Na'vi favor or a cosmetic item.

• Dark Fantasy
• Slavic Mythology
• Action Platformer
• 2.5D
• Indie
• Curse

• Indigenous Culture
• Environmentalism
• Anti-Colonialism
• Resistance
• Connection to Nature
• Identity
• Bio-Luminescence
• Alien Worlds
• Corporate Greed
• Warfare

• Sword: Primary Melee
  Svaran's main weapon for close-quarters hack-and-slash combat.
• Secondary Melee Weapons: Torches, Hatchets
  A variety of melee weapons that can be picked up and used for a limited time. Svaran drops his secondary weapon if his first health bar is depleted.
• Secondary Ranged Weapons: Javelins, Crossbows
  Ranged weapon options that can be found in the levels for engaging enemies from a distance.

• Na'vi Bows (Shortbow, Longbow, Heavy Bow): Ranged (Stealth, Precision, Hunting)
  Craftable bows with varying draw speeds, power, and effective ranges. Can use standard arrows, specialized arrows (e.g., explosive, electric, poison), and are crucial for hunting wildlife cleanly (for better resources) and stealth takedowns.
• Na'vi Spear-thrower: Ranged (Heavy Damage, Anti-Armor)
  A powerful, short-to-mid-range weapon that launches heavy spears. Effective against armored RDA units, AMP suits, and large, aggressive fauna. Slower reload but high impact.
• Na'vi Staff Sling: Ranged (Explosive, Utility)
  Launches crafted grenades or proximity mines. Useful for area denial, destroying RDA equipment, and dealing with groups of enemies or vehicles.
• RDA Assault Rifles: Firearm (Automatic, Versatile)
  Standard human firearms scavenged or looted from RDA forces. Offer sustained fire and are effective against RDA personnel and less armored targets. Can be modded.
• RDA Shotguns: Firearm (Close Quarters, High Damage)
  Powerful close-range firearms, ideal for breaching RDA interiors or dealing with charging enemies. Different types (pump-action, semi-auto) available.
• RDA Grenade Launchers: Firearm (Explosive, Anti-Vehicle)
  Heavy RDA weapon that fires explosive rounds, effective against AMP suits, vehicles, and fortified positions.
• SID (System Interrogation Device): Tool/Non-Lethal
  A Na'vi tool used to hack RDA technology, disable security systems, override turrets, and gather intel. Can also be used to overload certain RDA weak points.

• Knight's Armor: Svaran wears a suit of armor, but there is no traditional armor system with defensive stats. His durability is determined by his health bar, which is extended by collecting Crystals of Mokosh.

• Na'vi Gear (Head, Chest, Waist, Arm, Leg pieces): Players craft and equip various pieces of Na'vi gear made from Pandoran flora, fauna, and scavenged RDA materials. Each gear piece provides health bonuses and specific perks (e.g., increased damage with bows, better stealth, resistance to elements, more resources from gathering). Gear has quality tiers and can be enhanced with mods (crafted or found). Different Na'vi clans offer unique gear designs and associated perks, encouraging players to earn Favor with them.
• Cosmetic Customization: Beyond stat-boosting gear, players can customize their Na'vi's appearance with body paints, hairstyles, and decorative elements. Some gear pieces also have a strong visual identity tied to their clan of origin or purpose.

• Na'vi Gear & Outfits: Players can equip various pieces of Na'vi clothing for the head, chest, waist, arms, and legs. These are crafted from materials found on Pandora (animal hides, plant fibers, bones) and scavenged RDA tech. Gear provides stat bonuses (health) and perks. Appearance varies significantly based on the clan design (Aranahe, Zeswa, Kame'tire) and quality. Players can also apply different body paints, hairstyles, and adornments for further cosmetic customization.
• Ikran & Direhorse Gear: Players can customize their Ikran and Direhorse with different saddles, decorative patterns, and streamers, which are mostly cosmetic but some might offer minor gameplay benefits or are tied to clan favor.

Progression is based on in-level pickups and collectibles. Players can find dozens of different melee and ranged secondary weapons throughout the levels. Collecting the four 'Crystals of Mokosh' hidden in each level will extend Svaran's maximum life bar. There is no traditional skill tree; progression is tied to player skill and health upgrades.

Player progression involves earning Skill Points by completing quests and activities, which are spent across five skill trees: Survivor (health, stealth), Warrior (Na'vi weapon proficiency), Hunter (RDA weapon proficiency, gathering), Maker (crafting, cooking), and Rider (Ikran and Direhorse abilities). Ancestor Skills are powerful, unique abilities learned by connecting with Sarentu ancestors at specific locations. Gear (clothing, weapons) is crafted using resources gathered from Pandora's flora, fauna, and RDA tech, and can be improved with mods and designs from different Na'vi clans. Na'vi Favor with clans unlocks better gear and recipes.

The game is a linear 2.5D platformer. Players will travel across 20 levels set within four distinct, Slavic-inspired landscapes. Most levels have been completely rebuilt for the Retold version, featuring new animations and more detailed environments.

The Western Frontier is a vast, new continent on Pandora, divided into three primary regions: the Kinglor Forest (lush rainforests, home to the Aranahe clan), the Upper Plains (windswept grasslands, home to the nomadic Zeswa clan), and the Clouded Forest (misty, enigmatic woodlands, home to the secretive Kame'tire clan). Each region has distinct biomes, flora, fauna, and RDA facilities. The world is designed for vertical exploration, utilizing Ikran flight and Na'vi agility.

• Ikran (Mountain Banshee): Na'vi Aerial Mount
  The player's primary mode of aerial transportation after bonding with one. Allows for fast travel across Pandora's vast and vertical terrain, engaging in aerial combat with RDA aircraft, and accessing remote locations. Customizable.
• Direhorse (Pa'li): Na'vi Ground Mount
  A six-legged, horse-like creature used for swift ground travel, particularly effective in open plains and forests. Can be called by the player. Customizable.
• RDA AMP Suit (Various models like 'Combat Exo'): RDA Mechanized Walker (Enemy/Occasional Player Use)
  Armored Multi-Purpose suits used by RDA soldiers. Heavily armed and armored. While primarily enemies, there might be rare instances or specific mission contexts where the player can hijack or briefly utilize one, or parts of one.
• RDA Samson / SA-2 Samson Tiltrotor: RDA Air Transport/Gunship (Enemy)
  Twin-rotor aircraft used by the RDA for troop transport and air support. Common aerial threat.
• RDA Ground Vehicles (Buggy, APC, Trucks): RDA Ground Transport/Combat (Enemy)
  Various wheeled vehicles used by the RDA for patrols, troop deployment, and resource transport. Often targets for Na'vi attacks.

• Ikran (Mountain Banshee): Leonopteryxen (Banshee)
  Aerial Mount, Combat Ally, Key for Exploration
• Direhorse (Pa'li): Equidirus (Direhorse)
  Ground Mount, Fast Traversal
• Thanator (Palulukan): Thanatora ferox
  Hostile Apex Predator, Extremely Dangerous
• Hammerhead Titanothere ('Angtsìk): Titanotheris hammercephala
  Large Herbivore, Territorial, Can be Hostile if Provoked, Hunting Resource
• Viperwolf (Nantang): Caniferratus costatus
  Hostile Pack Predator
• Sturmbeest (Talioang): Bovindicum monocerii
  Large Herbivore, Herd Animal, Hunting Resource, Can Stampede
• Soundblast Colossus (Fwampop): Unknown, new creature
  Large, possibly territorial creature, source of unique resources.
• Various other Flora and Fauna: Numerous unique Pandoran species (e.g., Hexapede, Prolemuris, Stingbat, various fish and insects)
  Ambient Wildlife, Hunting/Gathering Resources, Some may be hostile or defensive.

• Svaran: Playable Protagonist
  A noble Slavic warrior who is cursed and turned to stone. He must fight against time to defeat the evil sorcerer and save his beloved.
• Mira: Key NPC
  A priestess and Svaran's betrothed. Her tear brings Svaran back to life, and her rescue is his primary goal.
• The Sorcerer: Antagonist
  The main villain of the game. A servant of the evil god Chernobog who cursed Svaran and rules the land with dark magic.

• Player Character (Na'vi Protagonist): Protagonist (Sarentu Clan)
  A young Na'vi of the lost Sarentu clan, abducted as a child by the RDA for 'The Ambassador Program' (TAP). Awakens 15 years later to a changed Pandora, must rediscover their heritage, master Na'vi skills, and unite the clans against the returning RDA threat. Customizable gender and appearance.
• John Mercer: Main Antagonist (RDA Executive)
  The head of the RDA's operations in the Western Frontier and the overseer of the TAP. A ruthless and cunning corporate leader focused on exploiting Pandora's resources at any cost, viewing the Na'vi as an obstacle.
• Angela Harding (Alma): Supporting Character (Former RDA Scientist)
  An RDA scientist who was part of TAP and had a more compassionate view of the Na'vi. She helps the player escape and later joins the Resistance, providing intel and a link to the human perspective.
• So'lek: Supporting Character (Aranahe Warrior)
  A skilled and stoic warrior of the Aranahe clan. Initially wary of the player (due to their RDA upbringing), he becomes a key ally and mentor, teaching them Na'vi ways and fighting alongside them.
• Priya Chen: Supporting Character (Resistance Leader)
  A leader within the human Resistance movement fighting against the RDA. Works with the Na'vi clans and provides the player with access to RDA weaponry and intelligence.
• Various Clan Leaders & Members (Aranahe, Zeswa, Kame'tire): Supporting Characters
  Leaders and notable members of the different Na'vi clans the player interacts with, each with their own culture, traditions, and perspectives on the RDA conflict and the player's role (e.g., Ka'nat of the Aranahe, Nesim of the Zeswa, Anufi of the Kame'tire).

• Main Story Campaign (The Sarentu Legacy)
  A series of narrative missions following the player Na'vi's journey of rediscovering their lost Sarentu heritage, uniting the Na'vi clans of the Western Frontier (Aranahe, Zeswa, Kame'tire), and leading the resistance against the RDA's exploitation under John Mercer. Involves key story beats, character development, and major assaults on RDA strongholds.
• Clan Contribution Quests (Na'vi Favor)
  Side missions and activities undertaken for the various Na'vi clans. Completing these tasks (e.g., hunting specific animals, clearing RDA pollution, finding lost clan members, participating in rituals) earns Na'vi Favor, which unlocks access to better gear designs, recipes, resources, and progresses clan-specific storylines.
• RDA Facility Sabotage & Liberation
  Infiltrate and destroy various types of RDA industrial facilities (e.g., Gas Harvesters, Mining Operations, Hydro-Extractors). This typically involves disabling security systems, fighting RDA forces (including AMP suits and aircraft), and triggering a catastrophic sabotage. Destroying these facilities heals the surrounding Pandoran environment and weakens RDA presence.
• Ancestor Skill Quests
  Discover locations linked to powerful Sarentu ancestors. By connecting with these sites (often involving environmental puzzles or finding specific viewpoints via Sarentu Totems), the player unlocks unique and potent Ancestor Skills that provide significant gameplay advantages.
• Exploration & Discovery Activities
  Various activities focused on exploring Pandora, such as finding Bellsprigs (to increase max health), Sarentu Totems, Windswept Kites/Dolls, investigating RDA research stations, or discovering unique flora and fauna for the Hunter's Guide. These reward XP, skill points, resources, or lore.
• Resistance Field Lab Quests
  Missions given by Resistance scientists at field labs, often involving research, sample collection, or disrupting specific RDA technological operations. These can reward unique gear or crafting components.

Features seamless drop-in/drop-out two-player online cooperative play for the main story campaign and all open-world activities. Players can explore Pandora together, complete quests, attack RDA bases, and share progression. No competitive multiplayer modes.

Available in Standard, Gold, and Ultimate Editions. Gold Edition includes the Season Pass (two story packs: 'The Sky Breaker' and 'Secrets of the Spires'). Ultimate Edition includes the Gold Edition content plus the Ultimate Pack (cosmetic items like the Sarentu Heritage cosmetic pack and Sarentu Hunter equipment pack) and a digital artbook/soundtrack.

• Q: What is Castle of Heart: Retold?
  A: It is a complete remake and definitive version of the 2018 Nintendo Switch exclusive action platformer, Castle of Heart. It features massively improved graphics, rebalanced combat, and a reimagined story.
• Q: What is the 'curse' mechanic?
  A: The protagonist, Svaran, is cursed to turn to stone. This translates into a unique gameplay mechanic where his health constantly drains like a timer. He must stay aggressive, killing enemies or finding pickups to replenish his health and survive.
• Q: Is it a hard game?
  A: Yes, it is designed to be a challenging 2.5D action platformer, similar in feel to classic games like Super Ghouls and Ghosts. Precision platforming and strategic combat are required.
• Q: What's new in the 'Retold' version?
  A: Almost everything has been enhanced. Most levels are rebuilt, graphics and lighting are overhauled, controls are more responsive, combat is rebalanced to be more tactical, and every line of dialogue and every cutscene has been remade.

• Q: Is Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora connected to the James Cameron movies?
  A: Yes, it is set within the official Avatar canon, taking place in a new region of Pandora (the Western Frontier) roughly concurrent with the events of 'Avatar: The Way of Water.' While it features a new story and characters, it respects and expands upon the established lore, flora, fauna, and themes of the films.
• Q: Do I need to have seen the Avatar movies to play the game?
  A: While familiarity with the movies will enhance appreciation of the world and lore, the game is designed to be accessible to newcomers, introducing key concepts about Pandora, the Na'vi, and the RDA through its narrative.
• Q: Is the game first-person or third-person?
  A: The game is primarily played in first-person when on foot. However, it switches to a third-person perspective when riding mounts like the Ikran or Direhorse, and during certain cinematics or interactions.
• Q: How does combat work? Can I only use Na'vi weapons?
  A: Combat features a dual system. Players can utilize traditional Na'vi weapons like bows, spear-throwers, and staff slings, which are often better for stealth and hunting. They can also use scavenged RDA firearms like assault rifles and shotguns, which are more effective against RDA technology and armored units. Players can switch between these styles fluidly.
• Q: Is there crafting and gathering in the game?
  A: Yes, crafting and gathering are core gameplay mechanics. Players gather resources from Pandora's diverse flora and fauna, as well as scavenge RDA tech. These materials are used to craft and upgrade weapons, gear, ammunition, and cook food for temporary buffs. The quality of gathered materials can affect the stats of crafted items.

Powered by the latest iteration of the Snowdrop Engine, the game delivers stunning, highly detailed visuals of Pandora. It features dense, bioluminescent environments, realistic weather systems, incredibly detailed character and creature models, and advanced lighting and particle effects. Supports ray-traced global illumination, reflections, and shadows on PC and current-gen consoles for enhanced realism.

Original score composed by Pinar Toprak, capturing the wonder, danger, and cultural richness of Pandora, blending orchestral themes with tribal and ethereal elements. Sound design is critical, with rich ambient sounds of Pandora's unique flora and fauna, distinct weapon effects for both Na'vi and RDA tech, and immersive environmental audio. Features Na'vi language dialogue.

Immersive first-person HUD with contextual information. Na'vi Senses highlight interactive objects, resources, enemy weaknesses, and trails. Menus for inventory, crafting, skills, map, and journal are intuitively designed. Minimalistic on-screen elements to enhance immersion in Pandora's world.

Offers a wide range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (full remapping), various subtitle options (size, background, speaker names), colorblind modes, aim assist, adjustable difficulty, options to reduce motion sickness (e.g., reduce camera shake), audio cues, and more. Co-pilot mode allows two controllers to act as one.

• OFFICIAL PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS from the game's Steam page. These specifications are for the rebuilt 'Retold' version and are relatively modest.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop performance will be excellent on modern hardware. Most gaming laptops from the last few years will run the game at high settings without issue.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Not a critical factor for this title, as it is not graphically intensive.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The game is not demanding enough to stress modern cooling systems.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Any modern mobile CPU will handle the game with ease.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Not a critical feature, but beneficial for reducing latency in any game.
• Game Name: Castle of Heart: Retold

• Official system requirements from Ubisoft. Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, and background applications. An SSD is required. The game supports AMD FSR and DLSS upscaling technologies. Ray tracing features (shadows and reflections) are available and demanding.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs may work if their performance is comparable, but TGP (Total Graphics Power) and cooling are critical. **Modern high-end laptop GPUs (NVIDIA RTX 3070 Mobile / RTX 4070 Mobile and above) are needed for enjoyable experiences at higher settings and resolutions. This is a demanding title.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance in demanding titles like this.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR 2 and 3 with Frame Generation) and NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution (DLSS 2 and 3 with Frame Generation).
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Clouds, Environmental Detail, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using FSR/DLSS is recommended for higher resolutions/settings.
• Game Name: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

• Upscaling Tech: Supports AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR 2 and 3 with Frame Generation) and NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution (DLSS 2 and 3 with Frame Generation).
• Key Settings Impact: Ray Tracing Quality, Shadow Quality, Volumetric Clouds, Environmental Detail, and Texture Quality heavily impact performance. Using FSR/DLSS is recommended for higher resolutions/settings.

• G P U T G P: Not a critical factor for this title, as it is not graphically intensive.
• Cooling Thermals: The game is not demanding enough to stress modern cooling systems.
• C P U Power Limits: Any modern mobile CPU will handle the game with ease.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Not a critical feature, but beneficial for reducing latency in any game.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance in demanding titles like this.
• Cooling Thermals: Excellent cooling is essential to prevent severe thermal throttling.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits will perform better.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.