Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure! Joker Studios, in collaboration with NetEase Games, is bringing us Sea of Remnants, a free-to-play RPG that promises both thrilling open-ocean exploration and engaging terrestrial quests within the fictional world of Orbtopia. Following its debut at Gamescom 2026’s Opening Night Live, IGN has released a special 10-minute gameplay video, offering an exclusive look at what awaits players next year.
A Roguelike Odyssey
In an in-depth interview with Alfie, the creative mind behind Sea of Remnants, IGN delved into the game’s unique mechanics and the intricate design of its captivating world. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this title so special:
IGN: What are some of the standout gameplay mechanics or moments showcased in the gameplay video?
Alfie: “Three key elements immediately grab your attention. First, the roguelike structure provides constant surprises. The combination of turn-based combat and a dice mechanic ensures that every encounter is unpredictable. We also encourage players to pay attention to the music; different musical atmospheres are crafted for sea voyages, island exploration, battles, and more. Furthermore, each week, players can discover a new crew member. Seeing familiar faces in each Forgotten Voyage enriches the roguelike loop.”
IGN: Are there any surprises or hidden mechanics that will catch players off guard?
Alfie: ” Sea of Remnants is filled with small details and hidden interactions waiting to be discovered. For example, if you stumble upon a bench in the open world, try sitting down; you might find yourself lost in a moment of pure tranquility. However, the biggest surprise is the opportunity to discover a new crew member each week.”
Balancing Land and Sea
IGN: How does the balance between ocean and land environments contribute to the game’s world design?
Alfie: “Creating an oceanic world was a significant challenge. Many games in this genre tend to be mysterious, and everyone has their own idea of what that should look like. We worked hard to make our game unique and create an authentic, believable world. That’s why we developed a comprehensive history and mythology to ensure the depth and internal consistency of the world.”
The “Set Sail, Explore, Collect, Return” Cycle
IGN: The “set sail, explore, collect, return” cycle seems central to the gameplay. What role does Orbtopia play in this loop?
Alfie: “Orbtopia is at the heart of this cycle. The game consists of two layers: the ever-changing sea voyages and Orbtopia, the safe harbor for these oceanic adventures. Players return to the city with the loot they’ve gathered on their journeys. This loot is used in Orbtopia to develop the crew, upgrade the ship, and enhance overall abilities. This progression allows players to venture further, overcome more challenging encounters, and return with greater rewards.”
Adapting to Turn-Based Combat
IGN: How does the turn-based combat system require players to adapt in each playthrough?
Alfie: “The combat system is designed to support a wide range of playstyles and allows for meaningful randomness. After extensive testing and development, we chose turn-based combat because it perfectly captures the freedom and diversity of the game’s roguelike structure.”
Long-Term Progression
IGN: How does the game balance roguelike elements with a long-term progression system?
Alfie: “Each voyage provides a sense of rapid and dramatic growth, while the progression in Orbtopia creates a lasting foundation. Players can use various build options to shape their performance at sea, but their progress is also supported by permanent skills acquired in Orbtopia. When facing particularly challenging opponents, players can return to the city to strengthen their character’s core abilities and prepare for future challenges.”
A World of Choice
IGN: How does the game cater to different playstyles?
Alfie: “Players can follow the main story, systematically exploring the islands, getting to know their characters, learning about the world, and experiencing the elements that make it feel authentic. Alternatively, players can embark on a Forgotten Voyage, quickly setting their goals and diving directly into new challenges. Players can choose what suits them best at any given moment.”
Deep Customization
IGN: How deep are the customization options in the game?
Alfie: “The repetitive voyages create an emotional connection with the characters. Using the same character in different classes and builds can create completely different combat styles. Exploring these possibilities and mastering them deepens the player’s bond with both the character and the game.”
Player Agency
IGN: How do player choices impact the story and world?
Alfie: “Choices made in Orbtopia can have a tangible effect on the city and its inhabitants. Players might alienate certain characters or even lead the city to ruin. In sea voyages, decisions focus on how players develop their builds, with different skill combinations shaping the course of each journey.”
A Promise of Adventure
IGN: What kind of reaction do you hope players will have when Sea of Remnants is released next year?
Alfie: “We want players to enjoy themselves, have fun, and explore an authentic and believable oceanic world. Creating an authentic and believable world has always been a top priority for us.”
Sea of Remnants will launch in 2027 on Android, iOS, PC, PlayStation 5, and XBOX Series X|S platforms. Get ready to set sail! Sea of Remnants
Source: IGN Gaming
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