Save the world or destroy it in the tactical RPG, Runemaster

The end of days is coming

Paradox Interactive once again shows its love for Vikings with the announcement of a brand-new tactical RPG title called Runemaster. Runemaster takes players to a fantasy world based on Norse Mythology and gives you the chance to play as mythical character races (such as elves, trolls, giants, and dwarves), build armies to fight for you in the game's turn-based combat, and explore the various procedurally generated realms.

Ragnarok (the end of the world as we know it) is at hand, but you wont necessarily be tasked with saving the world. Players can choose whether they want to take the side of the venerable god, Thor, and help stop the coming apocalypse, or assist in bringing about the end of days by joining with the forces of the evil Loki. Youll explore the world from an isometric perspective, as you travel through realms ranging from the gloomy caves of the Dark Elves to the familiar Viking world of Midgard (Earth).

The game is still in a very early stage of development, so I wasnt able to see the turn-based combat systems in action, but Runemaster is shaping up to be a massive RPG, in terms of sheer scale. Outside the six starting classes, players can choose various character classes for their hero. This hero then leads the army that you build throughout the campaign. Youll uncover rare loot (including armor and weapons), make plot-changing decisions through dialogue choices, and develop combat strategies in hexagon-tiled battle arenas. Be sure to check back for more information as we get closer to the winter 2014 release date.

Check out the following slides for more information and images

Finding loot will be a large part of improving your character.

I'm not sure you want to go touching those mushrooms.

Trolls are a playable race seeking to bring about Ragnarok.

Dark Elves, Giants, and Troll races fight for Loki.

Humans, Dwarves, and Light Elves take Thor's side of the conflict.