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Credit: Stygian Software
The isometric apocalypse sequel Underrail 2: Infusion is set to launch in the next few years, and we now have a first look at indie developer Stygian Software’s follow-up to their first RPG. The new footage from an early alpha build lasts around 20 minutes and shows off the new movement and combat systems developed for the sequel.
The big change is that it abandons the fully turn-based combat it shared with the original Fallout and other classic, turn-based isometric games. For Underrail 2, however, Stygian Software has outlined a system of simultaneous time units, similar to what you might be familiar with from some traditional roguelikes.
When the player enters an action for their character, the other creatures nearby also get that same amount of action time. That way you never have to wait for the dozens of NPCs to complete their entire turn while you do nothing – a frustration I recognize from every large-scale XCOM battle.
The resulting system is quite recognizable as a framework for an isometric game and has its own distinct advantages, especially since in Underrail you only control your own character and no one else. The demo footage transitions smoothly from outside of battle to into battle when enemies are spotted, which I really like, and while the player has a lot of time to choose what to do once an action is selected, they can immediately and quickly to see your turn being played.
The original Underrail was a slow-burn hit after it was first released in 2015, based on the original Fallout. It became quite popular as it received updates before starting to spin its own web of interesting expansions: first on jet skis on top of an underground sea in 2019 and most recently with lots of big explosions in 2023.
You can find Underrail 2: Infusion on the Stygian Software website, where you can also read more about its ongoing development and a whole blog about this new combat system.
An alpha screenshot of Underrail 2: Infusion showing filthy underground passageways in isometric perspective.
An alpha screenshot of Underrail 2: Infusion showing filthy underground passageways in isometric perspective.
An alpha screenshot of Underrail 2: Infusion showing filthy underground passageways in isometric perspective.
An alpha screenshot of Underrail 2: Infusion showing filthy underground passageways in isometric perspective.
