Get Ready for the Next Masterpiece from the Makers of CrossCode
For fans of deep, engaging indie RPGs, the name CrossCode holds a special place. It was a masterpiece of pixel art, fast-paced combat, and brain-teasing puzzles that felt like a love letter to the 16-bit era. After years of wondering what the talented team at Radical Fish Games would do next, we finally have our answer. Say hello to Alabaster Dawn, a brand-new Action RPG that looks poised to be another instant classic.
Formerly known as Project Terra, Alabaster Dawn isn’t a direct sequel, but a spiritual successor that takes the best parts of CrossCode and evolves them in exciting new ways. The reveal has sent a shockwave of excitement through the indie gaming community, and for good reason. It looks gorgeous, ambitious, and incredibly fun.
A Beautiful New World to Explore
The first thing you’ll notice about Alabaster Dawn is its stunning new art style. While CrossCode was pure 16-bit-inspired pixel art, the new game uses a unique 2.5D style. This combines detailed pixel art characters and objects with subtle 3D environments, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere that is simply breathtaking. The new trailer showcases everything from coastal towns under threat to lush, varied landscapes, all brought to life with dreamlike visuals.
The story puts you in the shoes of Juno, an outcast who awakens to a world in ruin. Your task is immense: rebuild civilization. This involves not just exploring a vast world but also building settlements from rubble into bustling towns, establishing trade routes, and helping humanity advance. It’s a compelling premise that adds a layer of world-building and progression beyond typical RPGs.
Deeper Combat and Classic Puzzles
If you loved the combat and puzzles in CrossCode, you’re in for a treat. Radical Fish Games is doubling down on what made the original so special while adding new layers of depth.
- Evolved Combat: The combat system is inspired not only by CrossCode but also by legendary action games like Devil May Cry and Kingdom Hearts. It features a deep system with combo trees, 4 elements, and 8 unique weapons that you can swap between on the fly, even mid-combat. This promises a more fluid and strategic fighting experience.
- Challenging Puzzles: The developers have confirmed that the puzzle-filled dungeons and a heavy emphasis on exploration and jumping are making a return. They even noted that the new 3D perspective helps with the platforming sections that some players found tricky in CrossCode.
- Meaningful RPG Systems: Expect a complete RPG experience with leveling, skill trees for each weapon, and a robust equipment system. They’ve also designed a unique cooking system to avoid item hoarding, combining healing and buffs with its own leveling system.
A free public demo is scheduled for release on PC in September 2025, giving everyone a chance to go hands-on. Early feedback from those who have played it is overwhelmingly positive, praising the crunchy, satisfying feel of the combat and the moody, beautiful pixel art.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Alabaster Dawn?
Alabaster Dawn is the new 2.5D Action RPG from Radical Fish Games, the developers of the critically acclaimed indie game CrossCode.
Is it a sequel to CrossCode?
No, it’s a new game set in a new world with a new story. However, it builds on many of the gameplay concepts and the art style that made CrossCode so popular.
What makes the combat different from CrossCode?
The combat is deeper and more complex, with inspirations from games like Devil May Cry. It features extensive combo trees and the ability to switch between 8 unique weapons and 4 elements during a fight.
Will Alabaster Dawn have puzzles and dungeons?
Yes! The developers have confirmed that large dungeons filled with puzzles and boss fights, a core part of the CrossCode experience, will be a major feature in Alabaster Dawn.
When can I play Alabaster Dawn?
A free public demo is planned for PC in September 2025. The game is slated to launch into Steam Early Access in late 2025 or the first half of 2026, with console versions planned for later.
Why is the game releasing in Early Access?
Similar to CrossCode, the developers want to gather player feedback to help refine and improve the game while also securing a steady income stream during the final stages of development.
Conclusion: An Indie Darling in the Making
Following up on a beloved game like CrossCode is no small task, but Radical Fish Games appears to be on the right track. Alabaster Dawn looks like a thoughtful evolution of their formula, keeping the soul of what fans loved while pushing boundaries with a stunning new art direction and deeper gameplay systems. It has already shot to the top of many ‘most anticipated’ lists, and with a demo just around the corner, the excitement is only going to build. This is shaping up to be another must-play adventure for any RPG fan.