Immersive Adventure Blends Fantasy and Persona

Rebel Wolves, a studio comprised of former CD Projekt Red developers, unveiled a cinematic trailer for their debut title, The Blood of Dawnwalker. This open-world RPG, reminiscent of The Witcher, features a dark fantasy setting, morally grey choices, and a compelling outcast protagonist. Intriguingly, it also incorporates Persona-like time management mechanics.

The recently released trailer, a blend of pre-rendered and gameplay footage, showcases the game's Witcher-esque atmosphere. The similarities are undeniable: a dark fantasy world, monstrous creatures, and a narrative focused on difficult choices. The tagline, "the world needs what it fears," further emphasizes this connection. Fans of The Witcher 3's Blood and Wine expansion, with its vampire elements and challenging decisions, will find much to appreciate. Players will guide Coen, the protagonist, as he navigates his transformation into a Dawnwalker, choosing between embracing his new powers or clinging to his humanity to save his family.

Beyond its Witcher influences, The Blood of Dawnwalker introduces a unique twist: Persona-style time management. Every quest consumes time, creating a "narrative sandbox" where players must prioritize their actions. As co-founder and game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz explains, "There are multiple approaches to saving Coen’s family with no clear division between main and side quests; you decide on how you spend the time." This mechanic fosters replayability, ensuring each playthrough offers a distinct experience. A complete playthrough in a single run is impossible, encouraging multiple playthroughs to explore all possible outcomes.

Currently in development for PC and current-gen consoles (PlayStation and Xbox), The Blood of Dawnwalker is planned as the first installment in a trilogy, published by Bandai Namco. While a release date remains unannounced, considering its 2022 development start and AAA budget, a 2027 release or later seems plausible. Rebel Wolves promises a gameplay reveal in Summer 2025.