Joy Malignant is an upcoming dice-based role-playing game that uses player choices to dynamically alter the protagonist's appearance, offering a unique visual evolution system. The game, which is slated for release on July 29th, draws inspiration from titles like Citizen Sleeper and Disco Elysium by presenting players with a character who begins as a blank slate.
Unlike many RPGs that establish a fixed character design or offer predefined classes, Joy Malignant's approach centers on player agency influencing the protagonist's physical form. As players make decisions and interact with the world, these choices are represented by adding layers to the character's currently ephemeral body. This means that every action taken contributes to who the character is visually, creating a personalized and evolving representation of the player's journey.
The core gameplay loop involves managing a set number of dice, referred to as 'masks' in Joy Malignant, which are used for various actions. Similar to Citizen Sleeper, completing tasks with these dice progresses the story and consumes time. The game's innovative aspect lies in how it builds the character from the ground up, with no traditional classes to select. This system raises questions about whether seemingly minor decisions might inadvertently close off certain character development paths.
Joy Malignant is available for wishlisting on Steam. The game's distinctive visual style, described as 'photobashed,' combines disparate elements into a cohesive, if unusual, aesthetic. The demo is available for players to try.