Apogee Entertainment, in collaboration with developer Strollart, is preparing for the Early Access release of their highly-anticipated dwarf-themed extraction roguelike, “Below the Stone.” The game, which has already garnered significant praise and recognition from gaming expos and events, is scheduled to launch in Q4 2023. Ahead of its official release, a demo of “Below the Stone” is now available on Steam for PC and GOG. The game will subsequently be released on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S in 2024.
Delving into the Dwarven Kingdom
“Below the Stone” takes players on an immersive adventure deep beneath the surface of the Dwarven Kingdom. This realm is home to a lineage of brave and bearded miners, who are willing to risk everything in pursuit of untold riches hidden underground. Equipped with a pickaxe and hardhat, players will traverse procedurally generated caverns, caves, and ancient ruins spanning over 50 diverse biomes.
Progression and Challenges
As players embark on their journey, they will begin with basic equipment and gradually explore five increasingly challenging underground layers. Dwarven allies will provide missions to accumulate wealth and raw materials. By smelting unique metals and alloys, players can craft a wide array of tools, weapons, and gear to aid in their underground exploits. Rare metals such as Arcanium, Mithril, and Adamantine, as well as mythical gems, can be unearthed to enhance and reinforce armor. Players can also merge gems to create powerful runes.
Strategic Advancement
Investing in stronger armor and weapons becomes crucial for survival as players confront hordes of formidable creatures lurking in the darkness. With a selection of magic, melee, and ranged weapons, players can adapt their playstyle to effectively combat their adversaries. Along the way, helpful allies will provide assistance, and challenging boss encounters will test the player’s skills. Overcoming each boss unlocks access to deeper layers of the caves, where even more valuable loot and formidable creatures await.
The Consequences of Death
Death in “Below the Stone” comes at a cost, as any items brought on the journey will remain forever below the stone. To mitigate this loss, players can store their gear and precious resources in The Dwarven Kingdom. By doing so, they can minimize the impact of death and equip their courageous dwarves with plundered loot from previous expeditions.
Customization and Soundtrack
Players have the opportunity to explore the caves in style with customizable appearance options. Additionally, they can enjoy an immersive gameplay experience accompanied by a captivating hour-long original soundtrack composed by Karam Bharj.
Apogee’s Commitment to Retro Titles: Scott Miller, the founder of Apogee Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for bringing retro titles to new audiences. He highlighted the unique combination of the quirky Dwarven Kingdom and challenging roguelike gameplay, emphasizing the memorable experience that “Below the Stone” offers to players.
“Below the Stone” is poised to captivate gamers with its rich and immersive dwarf-themed roguelike gameplay. With its Early Access release in Q4 2023, players can already enjoy a taste of the game through the demo available on Steam for PC and GOG. The game’s full release is expected to arrive on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S in 2024. As players dive into the depths of the Dwarven Kingdom, they will face thrilling challenges, customize their characters, and discover a treasure trove of adventure in a world filled with endless possibilities.
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
