Developer Raw Power Games is crafting Chronicles: Medieval, an ambitious action-strategy sandbox RPG set in 14th-century Europe during the Hundred Years' War. The game aims to provide players with a historically detailed world where they can forge their own narratives through strategic command and personal action. Senior game designer Gareth Bourn and lead producer Sam Millen highlighted the game's blend of large-scale tactical battles and real-time combat, emphasizing player freedom in shaping their own history within the period.
"It's very important for us that there is room for sandbox and very expressive gameplay," Millen stated. "The world and the troops within it give players expression, so you can make combinations and tactical choices." Players will begin their journey with minimal resources and must work to build their army and reputation. The explorable map of 14th-century Europe is shrouded in fog of war, requiring players to uncover settlements, interact with NPCs, recruit soldiers, and establish trade routes to gather resources and expand their influence.
Army management is a key component, with players needing to maintain troop morale through adequate food and pay. Low morale can lead to desertion. The game boasts a high degree of historical accuracy in its uniforms and weaponry, allowing knowledgeable players to identify units by region and specialization. For instance, distinctions between English Longbowmen and French Cavalry can be made based on their attire.
Battles in Chronicles: Medieval involve a preparation phase where players strategically position their troops and plan their routes on a zoomed-out battlefield view. Troop formations will reflect their training and status, with seasoned soldiers appearing more disciplined than untrained peasants. Once prepared, players take direct control of their commander on horseback in a third-person action mode. They can issue commands to their troops, such as advancing, holding, engaging, charging, or retreating. A UI with battlefield details can be toggled for immersion.
Commanders can fight on horseback for agility or dismount to engage on foot, inspiring their troops by participating in the fight and defeating enemies. This can be crucial for maintaining army morale during difficult engagements. Player actions have consequences in the world; a tyrannical leader who executes defeated commanders may face negative reactions from NPCs, while a merciful approach could foster respect and yield benefits. Aggressive expansion might yield quick gains but could alienate potential allies in the future.
While the game's complexity might seem daunting, the developers plan to improve the onboarding experience before the final 1.0 release. "We do want to set expectations a little bit, but we're going into early access, and we do expect by the time we get to 1.0 to improve that onboarding experience," Millen explained. Early access players should expect a more complex initial experience that will be smoothed out over time.
Battles can be played out in real-time, typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes, or simulated for a quicker conclusion. The campaign spans 35 years, challenging players to build a reputation through various potential objectives, from clearing bandit camps to laying siege to castles and confronting regional lords. For its early access launch, Raw Power Games is prioritizing the single-player PvE campaign, which will also be available in a cooperative mode where friends can join and control specific units. "We have more ideas for full multiplayer stuff we'd love to do, but we are predominantly focusing on starting with the single-player PvE experience for early access," Bourn confirmed.
Chronicles: Medieval is slated for a PC early access release in early 2027, with console versions planned for a later, unannounced date. The game offers a compelling blend of strategic army management and visceral on-the-field action, allowing players to truly write their own medieval saga.