The following are the initial gameplay images of “Ballad of Antara,” which were shared last evening on the PlayStation YouTube channel. The game is scheduled for release on PS5 at an unspecified date and is developed by Chinese studio TipsWorks. This company may not be familiar to you, as it is relatively unknown in the general public, particularly in Western regions. However, TipsWorks has previously released a mobile game called “Pascal’s Wager” in 2020, which later found its way onto PC in 2021 and then on Nintendo Switch in 2022. “Pascal’s Wager” was an action-RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Although the game did not receive much attention and appeared conventional in terms of gameplay mechanics, it served as a precursor for this studio, which is now aiming to expand its reach. For “Ballad of Antara,” TipsWorks has chosen to maintain the same artistic direction but with a focus on home consoles, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 for development. One notable aspect of using Unreal Engine 5 correctly is that it imbues visual elements with a sense of reality and depth. Consequently, it’s quite challenging not to be captivated by “Ballad of Antara.”
Volumetric vegetation, wind effects, impressive display distance, and numerous small details such as the perfectly modeled cape that moves realistically all contribute to the game’s visually striking presentation. This visual appeal is particularly noteworthy given its ability to evoke a sense of immense scale in environments reminiscent of Nepalese mountains and their Buddhist temples. While this aesthetic differs from typical offerings, the game also incorporates elements of dark fantasy, a trend seen increasingly over recent years. Yang Yang, the game director at Tipsworks Studio under Infoldgames, notes that the fictional universe was crafted with both geographical and cultural perspectives in mind. In “Ballad of Antara,” two worlds converge: the normal world and its darker counterpart, known as “Para.” The story begins when fundamental essences of the living world are captured and trapped in Para due to an ancient power’s invasion.
Ballad of Antara is an action-RPG featuring multiple playable characters known as “Envoys,” who possess the ability to move between the normal world and a parallel world. Each Envoy has their own unique class, gameplay style, and enigmatic storyline. Players must find and gather these Envoys across different locations within the game world, strengthen them, and uncover the truth behind the calamities affecting this universe. It is revealed that a young girl featured at the end of the first trailer holds a key role in this quest, as she has the potential to restore order and coherence to the world.Another notable feature of Ballad of Antara is its cooperative multiplayer mode, which allows up to four players (including both friends and random online participants) to play together. Each character’s abilities vary based on their class. For solo gameplay, players can instantly switch between characters by holding L1 and pressing the corresponding button to utilize each Envoy’s distinct skills. In a gameplay video, three characters are showcased: a male warrior wielding a sword, a young woman proficient in archery and magic, and a girl riding a wolf (the latter being controlled by AI as backup). The ability to switch between these characters without cooldown during boss battles adds an element of excitement and strategy to the gameplay.
The male protagonist prominently featured in the gameplay video is a classic warrior equipped with a sword. Lighter attacks are executed using the Square button, while heavier strikes are initiated with the Triangle button, following a standard setup. The warrior can also perform more powerful and visually striking blows by simultaneously pressing Triangle and Circle, provided that the gauge has been sufficiently filled. Additionally, he possesses supplementary abilities such as igniting enemies and utilizing the resulting flames for enhanced attacks. For defense, Ballad of Antara allows players to dodge or block using these actions, enabling them to anticipate enemy movements indicated by red or blue sparks. Combining defensive maneuvers ensures a balanced gameplay experience.
The game in question is structured as an Action-RPG with a Souls-like combat system against enemies, but it offers more freedom through character switching. A key aspect is that Ballad of Antara will be released under a free-to-play model, meaning the game will be accessible for free to all players, but will also offer additional payable content later on. Essentially, it is described as a light Souls-like in a game-service format, as the studio confirmed that once the game launches, it will be regularly updated with new “Envoys,” new zones, and a continuation of the story, among other features. The game has been under development for 4 years and is expected to launch in 2025 on PC and PS5. Before then, additional presentations are planned, particularly focusing on this innovative economic model adapting to demanding gameplay mechanics. This approach represents uncharted territory, making it interesting to observe public reactions. As they say, wait and see.
