The game
Tales of Metal is a 2D top-down expedition game in which you explore a world entirely made of metal.
In a frozen and hostile world live the Ilmari, people of metal and heat, secluded in a city-state built around a heat well. You control the first and only ship able to navigate the dangerous frozen plains to explore the world, discover new ecosystems, and collect new resources. Glory and fortune await you — if the results of your expeditions will satisfy the leading factions of the city. However, beware, you interact with a dynamic world that evolves depending on your actions. And the factions will observe your every step...
How far will you go? Will you comply until the end?
Control a ship and explore the world!
You are the captain of a magnetic ship. You have to reach what no Ilmari has ever seen, equipped with your courage and your trusty harpoon. Be bold. Be brave. And be careful not to freeze to death...
Dynamic ecosystems
In Tales of Metal, you discover ecosystems that will change depending on your actions! You will have to interact, try, fail, and retry until you understand how each of them works and what you can or really should not do.
The Ilmari
The Ilmari are the only known sentient species in this world. The structure of their metallic bodies gives them a lot of interesting properties. For example:
They eat metal and can change their composition.
They can change their shape up to a point, forging tools and clothes on themselves.
They die if they get too cold since metal is heat-conductive.
Depending on their personality and tastes, Ilmari can look really different from one to another.
The factions
There are five factions leading the city-state, each with its own agenda, personalities, and stories to discover.
The Academy are scientists blinded by their search for knowledge. They study and learn and teach, and also heal. But science without conscience is the ruin of the soul. And they may seem quite soulless to some. Especially when they explain to you that 18 Ilmari who died in an explosion was not an accident, but a "necessary step toward truth".... Nevertheless, you need them to probe and understand the world.
The Creators are the best crafters and artists among the Ilmari. They tend to know it and to take a lot of pride from it. Not acknowledging it can put you in a difficult position if you need quality workers and supplies. If you ever interact with them, try not to look too ugly, even if it is difficult. Also, try not to look too much like good material for a new chef-d'œuvre...
The Eudaemons are what remain from the previous ruling class of the City. Decades of decadence and debauchery brought them to their knees. However, they are still among the most powerful and dangerous Ilmari you can meet. They have a lot of assets, and they party like no other. If you do not care too much about your health nor your safety, you might spend some quality time with them (spoiler: you won't be invited).
The Syndicate is the pulsing heart of the city. Through an iron grip on the forges, its loyal workers promise affordable meals to every household. Of course, affordability depends on circumstances, and loyalty is proven through a monthly fee. Despite their original noble intentions, now the Syndicate members follow a ruthless code of profit, but they may be your best clients if you have nutriments to sell.
The Luminaries bask in the glory of the Dioscure, the twin Gods of Heat and Light, treacherously separated and leading a constant battle against the Frost God. They promise any hopeless Ilmari a joyful and scorching hot afterlife, far from the reach of dark coldness. They impose their beliefs through piety and faith, of course, but also by claiming the source of heat and light fuelling the city as their own. It’s a religious relic after all! Its place is in a church! This situation makes them impossible to ignore.
Choose your fate
Once caught up in a time of progress amidst political intrigues, what will you choose — obedience or defiance? The fate of the city is in your hands, Captain!