In a recently press release, Kiro’o Games Studio announced that its first title, Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan will be releasing on April 14th for PC. The game began as a Kickstarter project that eventually grew to become the first game (and first studio) to be developed in Central Africa. While the geographical and historical importance of this announcement should not be ignored, it’s also integral to make sure the title’s story, design and gameplay are featured as well. The game seems to shine like the titular Aurion in all these respects.
The two opening monologues in Swahili from the announcement trailer seem to poke fun at lone hero saving the world trope prevalent in many games these days. “This is not about saving the world,” says Erine Kori-Odan, the Queen of Zama. “Every human being asks himself about the purpose of humanity,” follows Enzo Kori-Odan, Erine’s husband and King of Zama. That moment shows the two passionately kissing on a bed which cements them as a surprisingly unique pair of protagonists; a husband and wife team that must trek through adversity together. And this journey will take them all through a beautifully imagined Africa as they struggle to learn what it really means to be leaders and collect the alien aurionite that enhances their battle skills. And fight they will with a real-time-combat system similar to the Tales of series that has dynamic combos, spells and upgradable attacks. Battle is the only way the can take back their thrones and see their land of Zama once again.
The full press release is available below with a gallery at the very end.
PRESS RELEASE
African Fantasy-Action-RPG AURION: LEGACY OF THE KORI-ODAN Readies for Release on April 14
Cameroon, Africa Based Team Opens Pre-Orders
Paris, France, April 7, 2016: Plug In Digital Label and Kiro’o Games, the first game studio in Central Africa, will launch Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan, a 2D African-based Fantasy-Action-RPG for the PC on April 14, 2016 on Steam.
Aurion pays homage to the culture and legacy of Africa with its hand-drawn and animated African-style graphics and a deep storyline that unfolds over more than 20 hours of innovative RPG and action-packed gameplay filled with combat and combos. The dynamic gameplay is partially inspired by the old school Tales Of series, and focuses on 2D real-time combat sequences with narration and environments both drawing deeply from African culture, myths and lore.
“We are so excited and grateful for all the support from our fans and are looking forward to delivering on our promise of Aurion in terms of great and unique gameplay,” said Olivier Madiba, founder of Kiro’o Games Studio. ” We are so honored to be able to represent our rich African culture and heritage in our game and are so excited to share it with gamers around the world.”
The story of Aurion begins with a young prince named Enzo on the eve of his coronation and wedding day. He is thrust into trouble as he finds himself tied up in a coup and then exiled with his new wife, Erine. Through thrillingly executed, combo-heavy action sequences, Erine and Enzo will redefine their bond, rescue the land from its villains, and restore their legacy. Luckily, Enzo can call on the Aurion, a powerful collective energy channelled from past ancestors that can unlock devastating fighting abilities and combos to help him beat his foes.
The game which will be $19.99 is is available now for pre-release at http://aurionthegame.com for a 15% discount and a bonus free soundtrack. Developed by a team of passionate gamers based out of Camaroon, Africa, Aurion was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign that was 124% funded, with 1310 backers pledging more almost 50,000 Euros.
