Ink Studio Games has officially announced Umber, a turn-based tactical RPG blending lost magic and steam technology in a war-torn setting. The game is heading to PC via Steam, with a Linux version actively planned by the developer.
Quick Facts
- Developer: Ink Studio Games
- Platform: PC (Steam), with Linux support planned
- Release Date: To be determined
- Steam Deck: Confirmed
Setting and Story
Umber takes place in Evaria, a world that once relied on magic known as Aether. Centuries after a disaster wiped out most Aether and mages, humanity turned to gear-driven machines powered by a rare ore named umber. The story begins during a brutal war in Vanmere, following factory workers Molly and Henry as they meet a strange leader named Victor and a young mage named Elizabeth. Together, they discover that an ancient seal holding back a lost-age evil has broken as Aether faded.
Combat and Gameplay Systems
Battles feature turn-based combat tied to distinct objectives, such as eliminating foes, holding ground, or guarding assets. Parties can utilize up to 12 different classes, relying on positioning and skills that affect allies, enemies, or movement across the map.
Ending turns early grants impact charges that boost damage, hit rate, and critical chance for a single attack. Alternatively, players can save these charges for the Icewind, an airship that provides ground-fight support strikes. Both weapons and armor can receive magic and machine upgrades, while the Icewind features its own building system for decks, guns, and engines.
Linux and Steam Deck Status
While the Steam release is currently aimed at Windows, Ink Studio Games has confirmed that a Linux version is part of the plan. Building the game in Unity aligns with the developer's past native build experience, though no launch date has been set for the Linux port. Steam Deck support is confirmed, while Proton compatibility details and performance metrics like frame rates are not yet available.