Bylina: Release date of the new action RPG Bylina, plot and gameplay details

Contents:

• Bylina's Plot and World
• Bylina's Gameplay
• Other Details of Bylina
• Bylina's Release Date

On October 10th, Fulqrum Publishing and Far Far Games announced an action-RPG called Bylina. Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team attended the game's closed presentation and is now sharing its impressions. Bylina promises engaging gameplay and a unique atmosphere, bringing new elements and mechanics to the genre that will appeal to both experienced players and newcomers. We'll cover the game's key features, graphics, and storyline, as well as what makes Bylina unique in the action-RPG world.

The Plot and World of Bylina

The main character of the work "Bylina" is called Sokolik. He was born into a family of a bogatyr, but, unfortunately, did not inherit the slightest share of his outstanding abilities. Despite this, Sokolik decides to follow in the footsteps of his mighty father. On this difficult path, he faces constant ridicule from other bogatyrs, who do not take him seriously. He is raised by a drunkard uncle, which adds difficulties to his life. It would seem impossible to achieve success in such circumstances, yet Sokolik continues to strive for his ideal, overcoming obstacles and the discontent of those around him.

Under the player's guidance, Sokolik's life will change dramatically. Starting with a simple job, he unexpectedly finds himself in the Far Far Away Kingdom, where he encounters Koschei the Deathless and, to his horror, dies at his hands. However, the young man does not remain in the world of the dead: a mysterious spirit brings him back to life. This spirit is clearly not an altruist, and now Sokolik will have to share his body with it, which creates new challenges and opportunities in his adventures.

The developers clearly define the goals of the journey that players will embark on with the hapless hero. In this captivating adventure, players will face various challenges and puzzles that require strategic thinking and ingenuity. Every decision will impact the storyline and the hero's fate, adding depth and intrigue to the gameplay. The journey is filled with vibrant locations and engaging characters, making each game session unique and memorable. Players will not only explore the world but also develop their hero's skills, allowing them to adapt to changing conditions and overcome challenges.

• Regain control of your own body.
• Understand the motivations of the possessing spirit.
• Save the world from Koschei—and prove to everyone that Sokolik is actually quite a smash hit. Is it for nothing that he resembles Kipelov?

According to the developers, the game's plot combines tragic elements with vivid humor. However, during the presentation, it was noted that the humorous aspects predominate. The heroes of the "Bylina" world, known as bogatyrs, are unusual characters. Instead of being bright defenders of the oppressed, they act as mercenaries ready to take on any task. It's interesting that they communicate in poetry and prefer to conduct dialogues with birch trees.

Humor in the game Bylina's visuals are evident not only in its dialogue and quests, but also in its visual design. The developers initially planned to create more realistic equipment for the characters, but soon realized that this didn't fit the overall concept. As a result, Bylina will feature a wide variety of unusual gear sets, from a mushroom suit to honey armor. Weapons will also be unique and varied. The game's art design strives to combine various styles, which allows for surprising players: sketch-style elements can be encountered throughout the game. This creates a unique atmosphere and draws attention to every aspect of the game world.

The Bylina developers draw inspiration from both Slavic traditions and modern trends. For example, the game features a spear advertisement designed in the spirit of a Balenciaga fashion show. Bylina offers a diverse combination of folkloric elements and modern trends. The creators emphasize that their interpretation of "Slavic fantasy" differs from traditional approaches. The project's writers have deeply studied the tales and legends of Eastern European peoples, promising players will encounter not only the well-known wood-goblins and mermaids, but also unique, exotic creatures. This creates a captivating and unusual gaming experience that will attract fantasy lovers and connoisseurs of cultural heritage. Sokolik explores not only the Far Far Away Kingdom but also many other unique locations. Instead of an open world, players will be offered vast, interconnected areas. The main setting will be the Land of Cities, where adventurers begin their journeys to various corners of this captivating world. Each location will have its own features and tasks, which will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the game and discover new horizons.

Most people and creatures ignore Sokolik, continuing their normal lives: eating, working, and relaxing. While you shouldn't expect a full life simulation with a strict daily routine for each hare in Bylina, thanks to the isometric camera, the player can always observe the background, where interesting and sometimes unexpected events unfold. This creates a unique atmosphere and adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to immerse themselves in a world filled with details and surprises.

Bylina Gameplay

Bylina is a top-down action RPG with a dynamic real-time combat system. The game may remind you of Diablo, and for fans of Russian folk tales, of the epic "Prince." However, the developers emphasize that they are not trying to copy the famous Blizzard series. "You won't be able to click on enemies, and we don't have random item generation," said Fulqrum PR manager Ilia Svanidze at the presentation, attracting the attention of journalists. Bylina offers a unique gaming experience, combining traditional RPG elements with innovative mechanics.

When comparing Bylina to other games, it is worth paying attention to No Rest for the Wicked. This new project from the creators of the Ori series was released in early access this spring. Both games demonstrate a high level of artistic execution and original mechanics, which makes them interesting for players.

Diablo Game stands out not only for its lack of noticeable birthmarks, but also for its unique character progression system, a rarity in the genre. As players level up, they unlock not only new stats but also the ability to choose one of three cards, each of which grants Sokolika special abilities. These cards can be obtained not only through leveling but also in chests scattered throughout the game world or as rewards for challenging quests. This system adds depth and variety to the gameplay, making every session unique. Combining abilities allows you to create unique character builds at your discretion. If a boss proves too challenging and inflicts significant damage on your hero, you can swap out cards for others from your collection and try again. Every three levels, the hero will face a challenge and be forced to choose a debuff card that limits their abilities. This adds a strategic element to the game, allowing you to adapt to different situations and improve your chances of victory.

According to the developers, to successfully complete "Bylina," you must utilize all available combat skills. Players will fight both in close combat and at long range with a bow, as well as utilize magical abilities. It's impossible to create a pure build focused solely on an archer or a mage. However, a flexible progression system, coupled with unique equipment, will provide the opportunity to develop classes for which names have not yet been invented.

In the game, you'll battle not only regular enemies but also unique bosses with unique behavior patterns. During the presentation, the Pushchevik was introduced—an unusual forest spirit whose body is composed of rotten branches, growths, and ugly snags. This terrifying forest boss dwells in the most inaccessible corners of the forest, absorbing its sounds—from the slightest rustle to a loud scream. If silence falls around, it's best not to turn around. The Pushchevik is a powerful opponent, capable of not only stunning but also blinding its enemies. It can also summon various forest creatures to its aid. The player will have to put in considerable effort to defeat this dangerous foe.

The developers from Far Far Games emphasize variable combat, while not forgetting traditional role-playing elements. It is impossible to completely avoid violence in the game, but sometimes through dialogue it is possible to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Quests in the game are varied and can lead to various outcomes for both the character and the game world. It is important to note that there are no factions in the game. The main character, Sokolik, plays the role of a lone wolf who feels uncomfortable even in his own body.

Bylina will feature a crafting system that will enrich the gameplay and allow players to diversify their diet based on real recipes. At a campfire, the character Sokolik will be able to cook dishes that are easy to recreate at home, adding culinary elements to the game and making interaction with the world more engaging.

Other details about Bylina

About 30 specialists are involved in the project. Far Far Games previously provided its services to large game development studios. Bylina was the first original game they created.

The developers claim that to complete the main quest It will take approximately ten hours to complete. Additional content is still being finalized, but it is expected that the total playtime will increase to 30-40 hours. This will allow players to dive deeper into the gameplay and enjoy the full range of features the game offers.

Bylina Release Date

Bylina is scheduled for release in 2025 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X. The developers have also confirmed that the game will be available on VK Play. Bylina is expected to offer a unique gaming experience and a captivating storyline, which will attract players across all platforms. Stay tuned to not miss the release of this promising game.