Cult-classic RPG Off simply hit Steam, and it solely took 17 years to get there

Once you hear {that a} sport’s inspirations embrace Metallic Gear Strong, Silent Hill 2, Killer 7, and the Wizard of Oz, you already know that the top product goes to be one thing fairly wild. That is the case for Off, an eccentric but disturbing indie RPG that has garnered a cult following. Years earlier than the antics of video games like Undertale, Off was doing the rounds on web boards – a weird, beloved, direct-download sport not like some other when it first dropped in 2008. Regardless of loads of fan-translated variations through the years, it is by no means been obtainable to obtain on an official PC or console storefront. However that is simply modified, as Off has simply arrived on Steam.

After 17 years of being circulated by way of Tumblr, Reddit, and the web site of its lead developer, ‘Mortis Ghost,’ a correct Steam port of Off has been a very long time coming. The indie sport sees you’re taking the function of The Batter, a younger man resembling a baseball participant, who’s tasked by a speaking cat referred to as The Decide to purify a world corrupted by ghostly enemies.

In-built RPG Maker, it mixes some traditional top-down exploration and NPC interactions with a real-time fight system, with every assault and skill on completely different cooldown timers. The Batter is commonly outnumbered in opposition to teams of enemies, so the percentages are stacked in opposition to him. There’s a component system as properly, however as an alternative of your typical affair of fireplace, water, and electrical energy, you may be coping with the likes of metallic, sugar, and meat. I instructed you it was eccentric.

Regardless of the minimalist visuals, it manages to inform a wierd however surprisingly darkish story with a number of endings. Every zone presents completely different challenges however all of them have an eerie, unsettling, surreal ambiance to them.

Whereas this re-release of the sport stays fairly true to the unique, there are some variations to concentrate on. The fight system contains a new vital hit system. There is a new assist characteristic that may level you in the proper path when you’re confused (which is definitely accomplished in a sport like Off). There are additionally some new areas to discover that weren’t within the unique, plus some bonus bosses which were designed by Mortis Ghost.

Off is accessible on Steam proper now with an introductory 15% low cost, making it simply $12.74 / £10.87. You may seize it proper right here if you wish to relive the insanity or expertise it for the primary time. This new model of the sport can also be obtainable on Nintendo Change, must you desire.

It is wonderful to see such an iconic sport not solely get a re-release however lastly attain the broader viewers a platform like Steam can convey. For those who love narrative-driven, retro-feeling RPGs, this one’s for you. Additionally try among the finest story video games round for extra thought-provoking, distinctive narratives.

In case you have any fond reminiscences of Off (or some other traditional indies, for that matter) go forward and share them in our group Discord server. Let’s reminisce.