Mandragora: a Hands-On Peek at Primal Game Studio’s Crowdfunded RPG
Primal Game Studio has released 12 minutes of early alpha gameplay for Mandragora, the upcoming role-playing game currently seeking support on Kickstarter. The footage offers a first look at the project’s core systems and creature encounters as development progresses toward a broader release window.
In the video, a warrior wields a burning mace to fend off a variety of monsters. In the second segment, the same hero shifts to a one-handed sword and presses the assault against new opponents. Viewers also get a glimpse of the user interface, the inventory layout, and how skill upgrades are earned and applied during play.
The game blends metroidvania-inspired exploration with a soulful, dark fantasy atmosphere. Combat emphasizes timing and precision, featuring dynamic flips and a stamina gauge players must monitor to chain attacks and dodge effectively.
All Mandragora screenshots are available for viewing within the project’s media gallery.
The world is cast as a bleak, monster-plagued frontier where humanity fights daily to survive. Yet a cadre of fearless heroes steps forward to confront the encroaching evil. Mandragora plans to offer six distinct character paths: Vanguard, Exorcist, Thief, Heretic, Overseer, and Inquisitor. The project has brought aboard Brian Mitsoda, renowned for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, to lend his storytelling and design sensibilities.
As of the latest update, the Kickstarter has amassed about $215,000 (roughly 13.1 million rubles). If funding reaches $220,000 (about 13.5 million rubles), players will unlock a unique sword and bonus armor. Pushing past $235,000 (around 14.4 million rubles) is said to unlock a treasure kobold that appears in-world, inviting players to try to snatch additional loot before it vanishes—echoing a mechanic familiar to fans of Souls-like titles.
The game is slated for a 2023 launch on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. A Steam page is part of the distribution plan, underscoring Mandragora’s intent to reach wide audiences across major platforms. Import substitution notes reference a broader regional context: in Russia, World of Tanks and World of Warships have been rebranded locally as World of Tanks and World of Ships, reflecting a shift in naming conventions within the market.
For fans following Mandragora, the ongoing crowdfunding campaign and this early gameplay reveal offer an early sense of how the world, combat, and progression systems might feel in the final product. The game’s design aims to balance methodical, strategic fights with the freedom to explore a sprawling, interconnected map where exploration and combat rewards are intertwined. The inclusion of multiple classes invites players to experiment with different playstyles and team roles, potentially enhancing replayability as new content lands post-launch.
As development continues, backers and potential supporters will likely watch closely for updates on stretch goals, additional environmental storytelling, and refinements to the user interface. The interactive blend of action, exploration, and progression promises a distinctive take on the action-RPG space, one that could resonate with fans of both classic Metroidvania titles and modern Souls-inspired adventures. The project’s progress and reception will be shaped by community feedback and ongoing funding momentum, which remains a central story of Mandragora’s crowdfunding journey. (VG Times)