ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree (story-driven rhythm combat RPG) to make amends to Nintendo Switch owners early next year

Wildboy Studios (an indie studio from New Zealand) have just announced that they have partnered with Untold Tales for the release of ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree. This hand-drawn, story driven, rhythm combat RPG, inspired by Norse mythology, will launch on Nintendo Switch in early 2023 in Europe and North America.

Here’s the announcement trailer for the game:

In this game, you get to play as Estra, a young warrior who journeys through Midgard in order to unveil the truth behind her father’s death. ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree blends interactive storytelling and complex puzzles with a rhythm game combat system, and features a diverse cast of characters.

Here’s some more details, the list of ke features, and some screenshots for the game:

The Gods have abandoned Midgard. Once a prosperous land teeming with mythical beasts and beings, it now rots from the inside, tainted by unknown forces. Odin’s chosen guardians of the realm are gone. In their absence, the sacred Elder Tree they swore to protect is exposed to abuse and manipulation. Now, the only remnants of hope reside in Estra, the daughter of mankind’s last great leader.

With a heavy emphasis on narrative, Estra’s journey through Midgard is filled with Nordic lore, mysterious twists, and consequential decisions. Players will converse with a variety of characters and share in Estra’s discoveries as she learns more about her family’s past and the looming darkness spreading across the realm.

• Interactive Story: Estra’s path is fraught with difficult decisions and untrustworthy characters that can lead her astray. Her story is intertwined with the player’s ability to discern fact from fiction and to decide right from wrong. Avoid battle, help companions, save your people, but remember that the consequences are Estra’s to bear.
• Puzzles: Along the way, players must solve incrementally challenging puzzles that reveal insightful secrets, fantastical abilities, and hidden passageways. While trial and error is useful, patience is necessary. Not every problem allows for multiple mistakes and failure is most certainly an option. The answers you seek may be lost if you make the wrong decision.
• Combat: Violence isn’t always necessary, but, when push comes to shove, ATONE’s combat is a delicate dance of sword and axe. Combat is grounded in the rhythm game genre and the mechanics of titles like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution. Music is a crucial component, with each fight receiving its very own song.
• Music: ATONE’s music and sound design are composed by Australian artist, Luminist (a.k.a. James Shuar), who blends a synth-heavy score with the digitally corrupted sounds of period-specific instruments.

ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree (Switch – eShop) does not have a release date yet, but is slated for an Early 2023 release in Europe and North America.

Source: Wildboy Studios (Steam)