Arc System Works America has released more gameplay details for Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow. This should give players more information on what to expect ahead of the September 24 launch.
Battle System
The game features what can be described as an exhilarating and unique battle system. It's one where players can stack skills effectively within the flow of time and then deal massive damage to enemies. At first look it appears to be an action RPG. However, it's a game that's been built on new command-battle mechanics.
Combat Fundamentals
The game also has what's called Counter Skills, which are sorted into Red, Blue, and Yellow. These are used to counter enemy attacks and strategically aim to defeat their foes.
When it comes to low difficulties, simply aiming for counters is often enough to defeat enemies easily. Then as the difficulty rises, enemies start using multi-layered attacks. This means simply using counters won't be enough. As a result, players need to switch skillfully between the two protagonists and make full use of a wide range of support skills.
When it comes to combat, it's not all about attack skills since there are also different support skills. These include, among others, skills that are able to increase the attack speed and even recovery skills.
The large number of skills are sure to broaden the tactical options available to the players. These can be unlocked from the Relationship Chart screen as the story progresses. By combining those skills, players can devise a skill set that suits them and fight in their own style.
The Timeline
During battles, the skills performed by both the enemy and players are displayed on the Timeline at the center of the screen. It shows activation timing, type, and more. The Timeline extends symmetrically to the left and right, and the moment a skill's bar reaches the center is that skill's activation timing.
Enemy attacks and the player’s own attacks are performed in multiple layers and registered here. Players can devise their strategy using this distinctive Timeline as their guide.
Counter Skills
Overlaying a skill of the same color onto an enemy skill displayed on the Timeline results in what's called a counter. Attack skills capable of countering have cooldowns. Meanwhile, a skill whose cooldown has not yet recovered has reduced damage and a narrower counter window.
There are also enemy techniques that must be countered by both protagonists at once. Some of these Buddy Counters won't happen unless countered with attack skills whose cooldowns have recovered. There are also those which produce special effects when the two protagonists use them in succession.
These are just some of the features revealed by the studio. There are more for players to enjoy.
A new trailer has been released for the game which you can read more about here. Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is launching September 24 and to be available for the PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. It's also releasing for consoles PlayStation 5 and the Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders are now open.