New tactical RPG Starfinder Afterlight is the sci-fi D&D journey I needed, and RDR 2’s Arthur Morgan as its drawling narrator is the cherry on high

With Baldur’s Gate 3 proving greater than ever that the CRPG may be very a lot alive and effectively, bringing an entire new viewers into the world of digital D&D, I am excited to see extra video games capable of capitalize on that with all method of recent settings. Starfinder: Afterlight is already excessive on my 2026 wishlist, combining loads of agonizing decision-making with a tactical battle system. It additionally boasts a powerful solid, and its first gameplay reveal in the course of the New Recreation Plus showcase offers us a style of the fight together with a glimpse of narrator Roger Clark at work.

Starfinder: Afterlight is constructed on the Starfinder RPG, which could be regarded as a distant cousin of Dungeons and Dragons, being a sci-fi adaptation of developer Paizo’s personal D&D spinoff, Pathfinder. For those who’ve already loved turn-based RPGs within the vein of BG3, Solasta, or Owlcat’s Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, then you definately’ll have already got a good suggestion of what to anticipate right here, albeit on a extra intergalactic scale. In a universe the place magic and tech collide, it is as much as you to avoid wasting the galaxy from annihilation, all whereas your captain is MIA.

Meaning bringing collectively a celebration of companions from throughout the celebs, starting from android assassins to mystic prophets, with every bringing their very own trials and tribulations. As with every adaptation of a tabletop format, Epictellers understands the significance of alternative and improvisation, stressing that “nothing is forbidden, the whole lot has penalties.” Your choices will influence the world round you and the way factions react, and with an estimated 40 to 60 hour marketing campaign no two playthroughs might be fairly the identical.

This primary gameplay demo offers us a correct take a look at how motion performs out, with the three-action turns established by Pathfinder Second Version. In truth, if you happen to discovered Baldur’s Gate 3 a bit of overwhelming at occasions, you may possible have a better time choosing up Starfinder, however there’s nonetheless sufficient depth within the fundamentals to maintain you considering. I significantly love the Persona-style character face cutaways that pop up when key actions are taken, however the true winner for me right here is listening to Roger Clark in motion.

The voice of Pink Lifeless Redemption 2’s Arthur Morgan steps into the narrator position, and whereas BG3’s Amelia Tyler is a nigh-impossible act to comply with, I am instantly enamored with the thought of my house journey having a operating commentary from gaming’s favourite cowboy. Clark’s narrator is only one piece of the puzzle, nonetheless. Among the many remainder of the voice solid you may hear Neil Newbon (BG3’s Astarion, who can also be the voice director), Fred Tatasciore (Gears of Struggle), Inel Tomlinson (Area Marine 2), Melissa Medina (Borderlands 4), James Alexander (Last Fantasy Techniques), and Carolina Ravassa (Overwatch).

The Starfinder: Afterlight launch date is ready for 2026 by way of Steam Early Entry, and a demo is within the works. You’ll be able to wishlist it now on Steam to ensure you do not miss that when it turns into accessible.