Castle of Heart: Retold vs Relic: The First Guardian

• 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: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Single-Player Only
• Setting: Dark Fantasy (Inspired by Korean Folklore)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
• Release Window: Early 2026
• Unique Feature: A unique, level-less progression system where character strength is determined by finding runes and gear, combined with a fast-paced, stamina-breaking combat system inspired by Sekiro.

• 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.

• Fragments: Found by exploring the vast environments. These are essential for unlocking new skills, armor, and weapons.
• Runes: Found through exploration and by defeating enemies. Runes are the primary method of enhancing and customizing the player's abilities.

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

• Dark Fantasy
• Soulslike
• Korean Folklore
• Action RPG
• Mythology
• Post-Apocalyptic

• 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.

• Weapon Options (5 Types): Varies (Swords, Axes, etc.)
  Players can choose from 5 different weapon types that radically change the combat style, from heavy, armor-crushing swings to high-mobility jumping attacks. Each weapon has unique, alterable skills.
• Shield: Defensive
  One of the weapon options includes a shield, allowing for a more defensive playstyle centered on blocking and bashing to disrupt opponents.

• 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.

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.

Progression is a significant departure from traditional RPGs, as there are no character levels. Instead, players strengthen their character by finding and upgrading runes, items, and crafting new gear. Each of the 5 weapon types has unique skills that can be altered to fit a player's playstyle. Progression is intrinsically tied to exploration and completing dungeons.

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 game features a semi-open world structure that encourages free exploration of the collapsed world of Arsiltus. The environment is dynamic, with random enemy encounters and interactive terrain that can be used strategically in combat, such as breakable cliffs and flammable surfaces.

• 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.

• The Last Guardian: Playable Protagonist
  The hero of the story, tasked with a mission to find the pieces of a broken great relic to save the continent of Arsiltus.
• The Brutals: Bosses
  70 formidable and massive bosses that the player must defeat. Each Brutal has a personal tale of sorrow that the player inherits.

• Main Story Quests
  A cinematic campaign that follows the Last Guardian's quest to find the pieces of the broken great relic and close the void that has consumed the continent of Arsiltus.
• Dungeons
  Optional and mandatory dungeons that must be completed to expand the world and acquire essential items and upgrades for character growth.
• Brutal Hunts
  Targeting and defeating the 70 formidable 'Brutal' bosses scattered throughout the world to progress the story and gain powerful special items.

• 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: What is Relic: The First Guardian?
  A: It is a single-player, dark fantasy action RPG with Soulslike elements. It features a semi-open world, fast-paced combat, and a unique progression system without character levels.
• Q: How does progression work without levels?
  A: Instead of gaining XP, you strengthen your character by exploring the world to find and upgrade runes, items, and crafted gear. Defeating the game's 70 bosses is also essential for acquiring powerful upgrades.
• Q: What is the combat like?
  A: The combat is fast-paced and skill-based, often compared to Sekiro. The core mechanic is parrying enemy attacks to break their stamina gauge, which staggers them and allows for massive damage.
• Q: Is it an open-world game?
  A: It is described as a semi-open world. Players can adventure freely and explore, but the experience is still guided by an exciting main story.

• 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

• SPECULATIVE PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS. As official specs are To Be Confirmed (TBC), these are hypothetical projections for a next-generation Soulslike built on Unreal Engine 5.
• Laptop Performance Note: A title like this would demand a high-performance gaming laptop for the best experience. The fast-paced, reaction-based combat requires a high and stable framerate.
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP for the laptop's GPU would be essential to handle the advanced graphical features, ray tracing, and maintain high framerates during boss fights.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: The game's visually rich world and intense combat will require a laptop with a cutting-edge cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: A powerful multi-core mobile CPU will be critical for handling the advanced enemy AI and physics-based combat.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is a critical feature for reducing latency and ensuring the best possible performance in a game reliant on precise timing.
• Game Name: Relic: The First Guardian

• 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 for the laptop's GPU would be essential to handle the advanced graphical features, ray tracing, and maintain high framerates during boss fights.
• Cooling Thermals: The game's visually rich world and intense combat will require a laptop with a cutting-edge cooling solution to prevent thermal throttling.
• C P U Power Limits: A powerful multi-core mobile CPU will be critical for handling the advanced enemy AI and physics-based combat.
• M U X Switch Optimus: A MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is a critical feature for reducing latency and ensuring the best possible performance in a game reliant on precise timing.