The mobile RPG genre is thriving, and standing out in such a crowded field requires something special. Pocket Play Studios is set to launch their ambitious project, Toria, which they claim to be a 'next-gen' mobile RPG. This game promises to immerse players in the titular world as a mercenary leader on a quest for fame and fortune, mixing traditional fantasy elements with innovative gameplay mechanics.
In Toria, players will embark on a classic fantasy adventure, navigating a fully animated map that's ripe with random events and surprises. The game's structure is multifaceted, blending an explorable overworld with 2D side-scrolling towns and first-person exploration elements. The real meat of the game, however, lies in its 3D turn-based battles, which, while familiar, are executed with a level of polish that's impressive for a smaller studio.
One of the standout features of Toria is its inclusion of first-person sections, which include a unique hunting minigame. Players can wield a longbow to track and take down hidden prey, adding a fresh twist to the exploration aspect of the game. This blend of different gameplay styles - from turn-based combat to first-person hunting - creates a diverse and engaging experience.
Even in its early stages, the footage from Toria showcases a well-rounded game with a distinctive art style. While it may not revolutionize the genre, the game's comprehensive approach to storytelling, exploration, and combat is certainly compelling, especially considering it's coming from a smaller studio like Pocket Play.
For those eager to see what else the mobile RPG landscape has to offer, why not explore our list of the top 25 best mobile RPGs on iOS and Android? This will give you a sense of the competition Toria will be facing upon its release.