Demo for Annulus is Now on Steam

Studio Nirvana is inviting everyone to a new playable build for Annulus. The demo puts focus on the meaningful strategy and consequence-driven combat that the game offers. It's currently available on Steam.

The demo challenges players to think several moves ahead as it features uncompromising battlefield strategy and combines it with a richly woven dark fantasy world. Each decision leaves a lasting mark from positioning and terrain and all the way to long-term risk management.

Strategy Returns

Most tactical games typically lean on stat optimization or rigid skill rotations. Annulus has a different approach as it puts decision-making directly on the battlefield. Everything that happens or experienced on the battlefield influences performance. These include terrain, elevation, weather, and even day-night cycles, to name a few. Each movement and ability choice can echo several turns into the future and thus transform combat into a tense tactical duel defined by risk, foresight, and positioning.

Character Progression

Another approach that Annulus has is that it avoids simple numerical escalation when it comes to progression. As the mercenaries evolve, not only do their combat roles change but also their forms and even skill mechanics. There are even some core characters that unlock heavily mutated and high-tier forms that are capable of reshaping the tactical identity of the entire squad. As such, players are encouraged to continuously rethink their team composition and battlefield approach instead of relying on a single optimal build.

A Dark Fantasy World

In Annulus, the dark fantasy setting isn't just there for aesthetic purposes. The narrative choices, world-map decisions, and exploration systems, have all been tightly woven into combat and progression. The decision of the players can change story paths while at the same time trigger unique encounters, events, and resource outcomes. This ensures that narrative and mechanics reinforce one another at every step.

A Rare Level of Polish

The game has been developed in Unreal Engine and thus able to deliver high production values that are uncommon for a strategy title. The combination of the dynamic lighting and weather, original music, full voice acting, and refined presentation, create a cohesive and immersive tactical experience from the first encounter.

For those excited about the Annulus, check out more details on Steam.