Blackheart, the Hades-inspired action-RPG from New Zealand developer Hyporeal is out now in Early Access on itch.io.
The Early Access build will allow players to play through two of the three game’s acts, with Hyporeal targeting a full release in October 2024. Priced at US$16.60 (approx A$25, NZ$27), everyone who purchases Blackheart during the early access period will receive a Steam key when the game launches in 1.0 and their name in the credits. Players can buy additional perks and rewards, including copies of the novels the game is based on, a t-shirt, and in-game content. You can see the pricing on the itch page. For those outside New Zealand, you’ll need to email the developer about shipping before purchasing.
The story of Blackheart is based on the Azriel Blackheart books written by the game’s creative lead Josiah Hunt. In Blackheart, players assume the role of Azriel Blackheart, who is born into the royal, influential and dysfunctional Blackheart family. The world is collapsing, and Azriel must use his newfound powers acquired from a mysterious creature to prevent the apocalypse from happening.
Set in a beautiful and colourful world begging to be explored, Azriel will meet a cast of deep and flawed characters, each with their own traits, while engaging in fast-paced combat against ethereal monsters. I’ve been hands-on with Blackheart a couple of times and come away impressed each time. I’m really hoping Blackheart can find an audience and reach its potential as I think Hyporeal is onto a good thing.
Are you going to check out Blackheart? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
Despite a childhood playing survival horrors, point and clicks and beat ’em ups, these days Zach tries to convince people that Homefront: The Revolution is a good game while pining for a sequel to The Order: 1886 and a live-action Treasure Planet film. Carlton, Burnley FC & SJ Sharks fan. Get around him on Twitter @tightinthejorts
