LAS VEGAS, Nevada – 11 September 2024 – Solo indie developer ALX Theory is proud to invite all dungeon crawler enthusiasts and addicts to partake in an exclusive playtest for the upcoming Steam PC melee slasher, Swordai, Sept. 30th - Oct. 6th.
Be among the first to take on Swordai’s merciless trials. Scale a massive tower and traverse handcrafted dungeon floors, facing deadly traps, bosses and rival players while striving to escape with your hard-earned loot. Swordai throws players into a first-person multiplayer dungeon-crawling experience where every second and decision they make counts. With limited-time progression, your sword and your wits are the only thing standing between you and certain doom.
Explore 3 Major Updates and New Features:
Revamped Crafting and Loadout System
Beyond mastering the directional combat system, —featuring ripostes, feints and kicks— players can now enjoy a complex crafting system by combining various items through recipes, unlocking up to 25 unique abilities to equip. This new feature enhances the skill tree system, allowing players to personalize their fighting style with distinct attributes. Use caution when crafting on the fly within the tower, as you may be met by unexpected dangers that can end your run.
Enhanced Player Experience
As a raw, fast-paced directional combat game, Swordai features an easy-to-learn, yet difficult-to-master combat system. Beginning with basic abilities, players will be able to pick up the combat system easily and unlock more advanced moves as they progress throughout the game. For every unique challenge a dungeon presents, players must constantly adapt to complete different levels that test their strategy retention and quick-time combat skills. Scaling dungeons means better loot as players progress further. NPCs scattered throughout these dungeons offer different rewards based on their region and tier.
Expanded Dungeon Design
The dungeons in Swordai have been significantly expanded, with each dungeon about 50% larger as of the latest patch. Venture into more complex layouts, including an all-new tier 1 dungeon area, where you’ll face the new mini-boss, the Fallen Guard Captain. Approach pathways with care as concealed spike traps and coffins lie in wait. Draw too close, and the Fallen Soldiers will rise to challenge you. Do not take these enemies lightly; their unique powers will test your utmost skill. Overcome them, and you may claim vital items to enhance your abilities. An advanced portal system requires players to act quickly in a life-or-death chase. Players only have 30 seconds to catch their prey from escaping through a portal. If it takes longer, the portal will transport you to a different location, allowing the other player to slip away successfully.
Playtest Participation
Access to the playtest will be granted in waves to offer an optimal testing experience. ALX Theory LLC welcomes players with this special opportunity to provide valuable feedback during this crucial stage of development. To sign up for the playtest, please click and request access on the Swordai Steam page.
Gameplay Features:
- Compete in massive, multiplayer dungeons with up to 50 total players while traversing sprawling tower floors filled with monsters, bosses, traps, treasure, and rival players.
- High risk, high reward gameplay that pushes players to determine if they should escape while they can or risk it all and dive deeper for better loot.
- An easy-to-learn yet difficult-to-master directional combat system provides a fluid yet brutal combat experience filled with an elaborate moveset of feints, kicks, parries, and more.
- Cut down bosses, discover loot, or kill other players within the tower, then find an exit portal to escape with everything in hand.
- Unlock powerful abilities and upgrades as you progress, proving your skill as the ultimate swordsman.
Interested players can sign up for the playtest now through Swordai’s Steam page. Wishlist the title for development updates and join the Discord for additional playtest opportunities. Progress logs are also available on the game’s YouTube. For regular updates, please follow our social channels: X, Facebook and TikTok.
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About ALX Theory
ALX Theory LLC is a one-man operation by Alex Sutherland, a solo developer from Las Vegas, Nevada. Combining two of his favorite genres, melee slashers and dungeon crawlers, Alex is making the game he’s always wanted to play with Swordai– and he can’t wait to share it with the world.
For press inquiries, please contact pieter@starfallpr.com