During my game nights with friends, we usually alternate between playing Dungeons & Dragons and party video games that utilize our phones. While the tabletop RPG offers endless campaign possibilities, games like Jackbox and King Of The Castle provide variety based on our actions and answers as players. Now, Sunderfolk introduces a fresh new game experience from Dreamhaven that merges the best of both worlds.
Dreamhaven, founded by Blizzard Entertainment’s Mike Morhaime and other industry veterans, is set to launch exciting titles like Lynked: Banner of the Spark and the upcoming Sunderfolk. This card-based tactical RPG is set in a fantasy realm where animals defend the underground village of Arden against mystical threats. What sets Sunderfolk apart is its innovative gameplay, where players control their characters and cards through a dedicated phone app connected to the game on PC and console.
After experiencing Sunderfolk firsthand in Los Angeles, I am excited to incorporate it into our game night rotation. The game offers a streamlined tabletop RPG experience, drawing inspiration from both traditional tabletop games and modern party games like Jackbox Party Pack.
Opening a Secret Door
Chris Sigaty, known for his work at Blizzard Entertainment on titles such as Warcraft III and StarCraft II, founded Secret Door under the Dreamhaven umbrella. Sigaty aimed to create a cooperative gaming experience, inspired by his love for tabletop games and the desire to make RPGs more accessible to casual players. With Sunderfolk, the goal was to provide a user-friendly RPG backdrop for group gaming sessions without the typical setup hassles.
Game director Erin Marek, with a background in biology and a passion for tabletop gaming, found Sunderfolk to be the perfect fusion of her interests. The game draws inspiration from various tabletop and phone-based party games, offering a unique and engaging experience for players.
How Sunderfolk works
Sunderfolk comprises three acts and around 38 levels, allowing players to create a party of four characters with distinct animal representations and RPG archetypes. Each act offers a mix of missions ranging from defeating enemies to completing specific objectives, providing a bite-sized RPG session for friends. The game requires a phone app for each player to connect and progress is seamlessly saved for future sessions.
Gameplay in Sunderfolk revolves around card-based strategy, offering players a choice of three cards each turn for movement and attacks. With no strict turn order, players can strategize collaboratively, delving into the depth of the game’s systems. Return to Arden between levels allows character customization, item purchases, and deck modifications, adding a town-building component to the experience.
Phone focus
Sunderfolk stands out with its innovative use of a phone app as the primary controller, enhancing the cooperative gameplay experience. The single voice actor, Anjali Bhimani, brings characters to life with distinct voices, adding charm reminiscent of classic Blizzard games. The touchscreen setup on phones provides intuitive gameplay, enhancing the overall pacing and engagement of the game.
The interactive phone setup allows for unique moments during gameplay, fostering creativity and humor among players. Despite its simplicity, Sunderfolk offers depth and charm, making it a delightful addition to game nights. Set to release on various platforms in 2025, Sunderfolk promises to be a captivating experience for both avid gamers and newcomers alike.
Image Source: Digital Trends
