Alder's Blood Releases On Nintendo Switch First

While everyone’s been focusing on the next-gen consoles or remakes of games that rhyme with Lionel Rhapsody, a title named Alder’s Blood sneaks its way on to the Switch before anywhere else.

Yes, you read correctly: instead of getting a port of a game released on Steam in 1976 or Snake-like games that were on a Nokia 3210 before your folks bumped uglies, publishers No Gravity Games will be launching the game on the Switch first, with Steam to follow, then those other consoles; the PS4 and Xbox One. On this occasion, I pledge my allegiance to the Switch on the basis of the early worm, etc.

It’s all very well getting the game first, but what the heck is Alder’s Blood about? Well, it’s a Victorian western that focuses on tactical turn-based gameplay. The key here is stealth and knowing when to strike in a practical manner, and not all guns-a-blazing.

Your role as the Chief of Hunters has you leading a group to hunt some monsters and take them down with force when the timing’s right. You could take your time and watch from the shadows before committing to the attack, but these monsters aren’t stupid: they smell your scent, so you using the wind will be your advantage in setting up suitable ambushes. Sounds interesting, right?

But let’s forget all about speculation and ‘what-ifs’, here are the main features in Alder’s Blood:

• Stealth, ambush-based combat. Try to outsmart and outwit all the horrifying creatures you’ll be facing, as they are way stronger and you don’t stand a chance in a direct assault;
• Diverse, challenging opponents. From werewolves to vampires, all monsters have their unique attacks and skills and can easily see, hear, or smell you from a distance. So be careful not to reveal your position too early;
• Stamina-based characters. Cautiously manage your energy level between attacking, moving and casting spells. In the end, you’re only a human and running out of energy will seriously fatigue you;
• A grim world plunged into half-darkness. In this world our god has finally turned his back on us, and his corrupt presence can change the intensity of the battlefield: from summoning monsters, through changing the weather, to transforming creatures into powerful avatars of his will;
• A vagabond’s exploration system. Travel the world, bringing your mobile base along with you. Take shelter in and manage your camp, but be wary of enemy ambushes;
• A unique fusion of dark Victorian fantasy and the Wild West. Immerse yourself in a world completely different from the one you know – a universe shaped by struggle, where mankind has not had the freedom to develop or advance any of its technology.

Alder’s Blood will be out on the Switch from the 13th March. The early bird really does catch the worm in this case as it has a 25% launch discount – £13.49/$14.99. As a heads up for PC gamers, Alder’s Blood is available on Steam from the 10th of April.

One last thing: there’s a prologue available, free to play. Usually, this will be exclusive to Steam users, but according to this here text, the demo is for the Switch too. Unless there’s a chance of a code, expect a first impressions of this demo.

If this has piqued your interest, have a look at the official site here, or get more info/pre-order from the Nintendo UK or Nintendo US.