Aeterna: Curse of The First King is an isometric action RPG with soulslike combat elements, developed by Gamera Interactive for PC and Xbox. Set in the 2nd century BC during the final years of the Roman Republic, the game places players in the role of a member of the Custodes Umbrae, a secret order tasked with confronting supernatural threats amid political turmoil.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration of a large open world that includes Roman cities, provinces, Greek territories, and barbarian regions of Europe. Players navigate settlements, temples, forests, and ruins while making decisions that influence factions, alliances, and regional events. Character progression involves recruiting and developing up to six companions, each with distinct personalities, backstories, and fighting approaches that players can integrate into their party.
Combat emphasizes timing, positioning, and preparation through dodges, parries, and executions against enemies that range from human opponents to mythical beasts and ancient horrors. The system draws from soulslike design with high difficulty and deliberate encounters rather than button-mashing. Exploration rewards discovery of secrets and legendary confrontations, while the living world shifts based on player choices regarding which groups to aid or oppose.
Game Modes
The primary experience is a single-player campaign focused on recovering five ancient artifacts to halt the return of a long-banished demon. A local co-op option allows two players to share the screen and tackle the same journey together, coordinating in combat and exploration without altering the core single-player structure.
No additional competitive or online modes have been detailed in announcements. The emphasis remains on narrative-driven progression through a reactive world where political and supernatural elements intersect.
Story and Setting
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a Roman Republic strained by internal power struggles and external pressures. An ancient evil awakens cults and mythical creatures, forcing the Custodes to intervene. Players encounter both documented historical figures and beings from classical mythology as the story explores themes tied to the era, including corruption and shifting loyalties. The world evolves in response to decisions, with regions reacting to supported factions or created enemies.
Is It Worth Playing?
Announced features position the game for players who enjoy challenging isometric action RPGs that blend historical settings with dark fantasy elements. The combination of skill-based combat, companion systems, and choice-driven world reactions offers depth for those seeking deliberate gameplay over fast-paced action. Since the title remains unreleased with no public reviews or performance data available, suitability depends on interest in the announced mechanics and the developer's prior work on similar isometric RPGs. Fans of the genre may find value in following updates ahead of launch.
