Bound By Flame, developed by Spiders Games, was one of the earliest PS4 RPGs available when it released in May 2014. Unfortunately for the developer, Bound By Flame launched to mixed reviews, due to its short story, poor characterization, and poor combat mechanics. Although the game, which was also released on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, did have its fans, it was not as memorable a title as Spiders would have wanted.

Now, the developer has revealed its next RPG project, cyberpunk-themed The Technomancer. The game is being published by Focus Home Interactive, and is set to release for PS4, PC, and Xbox One. Spiders Games, however, is taking a step away from the swords and sorcery of Bound By Flame, and instead is taking inspiration from another of its previous titles. Much like Mars: War Logs, The Technomancer is going to be set on the Red Planet.

The Technomancer may give cyberpunk fans a reason to be excited in spite of the disappointment of Bound By Flame, as the project has a number of interesting elements . The Paris-based developer has stated that the RPG will be post-apocalyptic in nature, setting the game during an event known as The War of Water. Players will take on the role of the titular Technomancer, a "combat proficient warrior with use of cybernetically enhanced magical abilities."

The gameplay itself will no doubt be familiar to fans of action RPGs, as publisher Focus Home Interactive has already revealed a number of details on its website. The combat-based gameplay is supplemented by four skill trees and three combat styles. Meanwhile, players can develop relationships with companions, and the story will alter based on the choices players make. The Technomancer will also have a crafting system for weapons and armor.

Story-wise, the player is on the run from the secret police of Mars, and will travel from dystopian shanty towns to tribal villages, and even see "cities lost under the ice." As well as the police, The Technomancer has enemies in the form of Mars' dangerous wild life. According to Focus Home Interactive, the player will then face questions surrounding the Technomancer's past.

It will be interesting to see just how The Technomancer develops over the coming months. Spiders has a habit of creating titles with potential but that fail to live up to the promise on show. With The Technomancer moving away from the traditional RPG environment seen in Bound By Flame and further into Fallout territory, the Mars-based RPG should give Spiders plenty of space to forge an interesting cyberpunk story. Here's hoping that the developer can create a game world worthy of exploring.

The Technomancer will be released in 2016 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Source: Focus Home Interactive