The Radiant Crest is a story-driven tactics RPG in Early Access on PC. Players follow Rowan through a narrative that spans sixteen chapters of hand-built battles, beginning at a burning farm and culminating at the summit where the crowns of three nations converge under the influence of a hidden force.
Gameplay
Combat unfolds on a rotating 2.5D grid where positioning and foresight determine outcomes. Before committing to any action, the forecast displays exact damage values along with hit and critical chances. A danger zone highlights every tile an enemy can reach on their next turn, allowing careful planning around threats.
Rowan's crest evolves alongside the story and influences the entire army through skills and a battle aura that grow deeper as events unfold. Between battles, the hub serves as a central point for shopping, forging equipment, reclassing units, and promoting them. Optional side missions provide additional challenges outside the main sequence.
Companions form the core of the army rather than generic units. More than a dozen can be recruited, including some drawn from enemy ranks. Fighting alongside them unlocks personal conversations, while each class features distinct outfits and battle animations that culminate in signature artwork at the highest tier.
Game Modes
Two primary modes shape the experience. Casual mode returns fallen allies after each battle, preserving the full roster for continued play. Iron Man mode enforces permanent loss, with the dead remaining gone and the story progressing without them.
Normal and Hard difficulties adjust the overall challenge. Suspend saves allow players to pause and resume sessions at will, while an optional fast-forward feature speeds up routine actions. These options support different play styles without altering the core tactical demands.
Story and Progression
The narrative drives progression across the sixteen chapters. Rowan's journey builds toward a confrontation with the grey hand operating behind the three nations. Companion recruitment and crest development tie directly into story beats, rewarding players who engage with side conversations and shared battles.
Reclassing and promotion at the hub encourage experimentation with army composition. Side missions offer extra content that can strengthen units before advancing the main plot.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Radiant Crest currently includes complete Acts I and II in Early Access. It suits players who enjoy deliberate tactics on a grid system with transparent combat information and a focus on character relationships. Those who prefer permadeath mechanics will find Iron Man mode a strong fit, while Casual mode accommodates more forgiving runs.
Future plans include the release of Act III along with dialogue revisions, UI improvements, and extensive polishing. The game appeals to fans of story-driven strategy RPGs who value hand-crafted battles and companion depth over large-scale multiplayer elements.