"Short King": A Gacha Turn-Based Management RPG That Challenges Your Destiny in Esperiart

 Smolpingu brings us "Short King", an intriguing proposal that combines management, gacha, and turn-based RPG elements. This game, currently in development, immerses you in an adventure where survival and strategy are key for a disinherited prince with an ambitious mission.

The Premise:

In the realm of Esperiart, you assume the role of the disowned elder prince. Far from pomp and privilege, your goal is none other than to reclaim your birthright from your charming younger brother, Esteban. How? By building your own fortune from scratch, in a decade where power is not inherited, but earned. With no food, no shelter, and a family that wishes you dead, the odds are stacked against you.

Gameplay and Mechanics:

"Short King" is a turn-based management game where every decision counts. You'll have to work hard, plan your moves, and, according to the developers, "don't forget to pray." The core mechanic revolves around recruiting powerful female companions through a gacha system. Unlike many games in the genre, it's highlighted here that the gacha system does not include premium currency, paid items, or any microtransactions, promising an "immersive, soul-crushing gacha experience" without emptying your wallet.

You'll manage the daily lives of your companions, build relationships, and make decisions that will affect your destiny. The game offers a mix of suffocating economic planning and developing personal bonds, all while striving to survive and thrive in a land that remembers glory but does not yet know your true worth. Esperiart doesn't need a righteous hero to fight evil demons; it needs someone who understands common struggle: you.

Visuals and Warnings:

With a top-down 2D pixel art style, the game is visually distinct. The developers warn that "Short King" contains some explicit character designs and themes, and potentially partial nudity (PEGI 12+), but assure there is no explicit sexual content. Player discretion is advised.

How to Play and Developer Tips:

Playing on Google Chrome is recommended, especially if you experience low frame rates, and pressing F11 for a full-screen experience. Controls are intuitive: drag and drop the hero to facilities, click on desired actions, and press Space (or the End Turn icon) to advance. The game is hard, but developers encourage players not to give up. For those who want a more relaxed experience, cheat codes are available (press Enter to activate) allowing for story mode, instant resources, accelerating game time, or instantly summoning companions.

Currently, the game has no sounds but is in active development.

Conclusion:

"Short King" promises a challenging and unique experience for fans of management RPGs and gacha systems. Its focus on a narrative of self-made success, combined with the absence of microtransactions in its gacha, makes it a refreshing proposition. If you're looking for an adventure where you forge your own destiny from nothing, with intriguing companions and a world that will put you to the test, "Short King" is an option to consider.