‘Shadow Realms’ Is A New 4-Vs-1 Online RPG From BioWare Austin

Shadow Realms for the PC was officially announced by BioWare and Electronic Arts on Wednesday during a 2014 Gamescom press conference following the release of teaser trailers the last two weeks. The game — the latest to tackle a four-players-versus-one scenario on online multiplayer — is described as an attempt to recapture the same feel as playing a pen-and-paper RPG with a Dungeon Master.

Turtle Rock Studios’ Evolve also features four-versus-one gameplay, but the single player spends the entire match playing only as a monster. Shadow Realms allows one player to take on the role of the Shadowlord, who attempts to stop the four players by “haunting them, setting traps, casting spells, summoning monsters, and controlling any monster in the level.”

The four heroes can come from six different classes: Warrior, Assassin, Wizard, Cleric, Ranger, and Warlock. However, BioWare has blended a modern world with a fantasy setting, similar to the SecretWorld MMORPG, to give the players a different look and feel from what is typically seen in role-playing games. The heroes will have access to modern weaponry and gear as well as items that are on the fantasy side, including both weapons and spells.

Both the Shadowlord and the heroes will utilize a third-person, over-the-shoulder camera. The difference is that the Shadowlord will remain hidden throughout until they possess a monster or are revealed either by choice or because of a spells that’s been cast.

Since this is a role-playing game, progressing characters is an essential part of the gameplay. Both the heroes and the Shadowlord can accrue experience and gain new abilities in matches as they play customized to the choice of the player.

In Shadow Realms, the Shadow Legions of Embra have figured out a way to bridge from their world of Embra to Earth, thanks to the Shadowlords. Modern heroes awaken on Earth thanks to the infusion of magic from the other realm. The game’s narrative will be released episodically like a TV series to provide players with story-driven adventures.

“This game brings us back to our roots in the realm of classic Pen and Paper RPG, but also delivers something that’s completely new and innovative for our fans,” Jeff Hickman, General Manager and Vice President at BioWare Austin, wrote in an EA press release. “Shadow Realms is a new BioWare RPG that has the hallmarks of all BioWare games with a rich story, a unique world setting and deep combat progression, but built as an interactive experience that evolves the genre and broadens the appeal to online gamers all over the world.”

The game is being developed by BioWare Austin and brings the experience of Creative Director James Ohlen who has previously worked on Baldur’s Gate, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Dragon Age: Origins. While a business model has not been announced yet, those interested in participating in the closed alpha can sign-up at the official website.

Shadow Realms is currently playable on the show floor at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. IGN was able to capture the following off-screen footage of the game in action. At first glance, it looks similar to Fable Legends for the Xbox One which also uses the four versus one model with the single-player in a Dungeon Master-like role.

What do you think of Shadow Realms? Is four versus one with one player in a Dungeon Master role something you’re interested in trying? Let us know in the comments below.

[Image via Shadow Realms]