Skyrim and Minecraft have, at first glance, nothing in common. And yet, a small independent studio has just made a bold bet by merging their universes. Available for free as a demo on the PlayStation Store, “The Curse of Tethria” is a new title that is already attracting the attention of PS5 players looking for adventure and nostalgia. Its developer, Andrew Piper, supported by Threax Software, has created a work that is both retro and modern, designed for fans of dungeons and exploration.
This independent game, difficult to confine to a single genre, combines several well-known mechanics: platform, action-adventure, Metroidvania, RPG. But it is above all its voxel atmosphere and its medieval-fantasy world which immediately evoke the two giants that are Minecraft and Skyrim.
Classic gameplay… but effective
As soon as the demo is launched, the tone is set. The player is immersed in a hand-crafted universe, with cubic graphics and a dark atmosphere, where each room reserves its share of traps and surprises. The promise is clear: “Explore dungeons, avoid traps, fight monsters and progress in a hand-crafted world”
Equipped with a sword, a shield and objects found throughout the progression, you face various enemies in dynamic combat: “Confront your enemies with dynamic combat, using your sword and your shield, the tools you find and the objects in the environment. Will you manage to overcome these challenges to end the curse and free the world from evil?”
The unapologetic retro style could well appeal to nostalgic people, but also to young people curious to discover an original experience off the beaten track.
A PS5 demo that keeps your progress
One of the major assets of “The Curse of Tethria” lies in its demo, exclusively available on PS5. This allows you to explore the very first dungeon of the game and above all… to keep your progress in the event of purchase. A rare initiative which shows the attention paid by the publisher to the user experience.
On the reception side, the first feedback is rather positive: 60% of players gave it the maximum rating on the PlayStation Store. With an average rating of 3.6 out of 5, the demo arouses curiosity, despite a score that may seem timid.
An attractive price and real potential
If the experience convinces you, the full game is already available to purchase for £18.99. A modest sum for a title that promises hours of exploration and combat in a rich and mysterious world.
Faced with the current offering often dominated by blockbusters, “The Curse of Tethria” appears to be a breath of fresh air for ambitious indie fans. His positioning between two cult licenses could well make him one of the surprise outsiders at the start of the year.