Games of 2025: Sky of Tides preview

Sky of Tides from Lofty Sky Entertainment is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing narrative-driven games on the horizon. With a setting that mixes science fiction and fantasy in a visually striking way, it aims to blend storytelling and exploration with player-driven choices. Adding to the anticipation is its cross-media approach, tying into an upcoming animated series. Having had a chance to speak with the developers and explore the game’s core concepts, we’re eager to see how this ambitious project will come together in 2025.

What we know

Sky of Tides is a sci-fi narrative RPG set in a fractured world called numen9. Following a catastrophic event, the planet has broken into nine floating planetoids, with an ocean suspended above them. Players assume the role of Rin, a young woman searching for her missing father, Lu D’Lorah, a Syndicate researcher who uncovers a sinister conspiracy. As Rin, players will navigate a world shaped by conflict between two rival factions: The Syndicate, which wields control over a mysterious mineral called Corron, and The Sovereign, which advocates a return to ancient traditions.

The game features a deep dialogue system where player choices impact Rin’s character stats, such as intelligence, courage, and compassion. These stats unlock new dialogue options and customization items, making conversations more dynamic and personalized. Exploration is a key part of the experience, with players traversing diverse landscapes that range from desolate wastelands to bustling cities, all the while uncovering more about numen9’s history. The game promises over 32 possible endings, offering significant replay value.

Launching on all major platforms, Sky of Tides aims to provide a rich narrative experience while also connecting to an animated series currently in production. This cross-media approach is a bold move that could make the universe of numen9 feel even more expansive and immersive.

What we saw

We had the opportunity to meet with Jason Loftus from Lofty Sky Entertainment during Gamescom, where we discussed the game’s narrative focus and its connection to the animation series. The conversation delved into how the game’s core mechanics and storytelling elements aim to create a cohesive and compelling experience across both mediums. We also explored some of the gameplay concepts through a demo and received insights into how player choices will shape the story.

What we thought

The narrative foundation of Sky of Tides immediately stands out, offering a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. The game’s premise, set against the backdrop of a broken world with floating planetoids, feels fresh and imaginative – and rather epic for a game from a smaller team. The conflict between The Syndicate and The Sovereign provides an interesting moral dilemma for players to navigate, and the focus on player choice is reminiscent of narrative-heavy titles like Disco Elysium. However, rather than emphasizing chaos and anarchy, Sky of Tides centers on balance and restoration, giving it a more hopeful and optimistic tone.

One of the game’s most intriguing aspects is its cross-media approach. While ambitious, it raises questions about how well the game and the animated series will stand on their own. For those who invest in both, the experience could be deeply rewarding, but it remains to be seen if each medium will fully satisfy as a standalone product. This approach has the potential to expand the narrative universe in exciting ways, but it also comes with the challenge of ensuring that the game’s story doesn’t feel incomplete without the series.

Gameplay-wise, the exploration and dialogue mechanics appear to be the core pillars. The promise of meaningful choices shaping not just the narrative but Rin’s character development is compelling, especially when paired with the potential for over 32 endings. This suggests that players can truly shape their journey through numen9. The isometric perspective gives the game a classic RPG feel, and the dialogue-driven gameplay reminds us of other narrative-focused titles that have made waves in recent years.

Visually, Sky of Tides has a distinct style that blends 3D environments with hand-drawn character portraits and manga-inspired storytelling. The narrative unfolds through illustrated cutscenes, adding an artistic flair to the game. While the visuals may not be cutting-edge compared to AAA titles, they suit the game’s tone and enhance its storytelling focus. The voice acting also promises to be excellent, with a cast that includes talent from popular anime and video games.

Overall, Sky of Tides feels like a passion project that could resonate with fans of narrative-driven RPGs. Its ambitious cross-media strategy is both exciting and risky, but if executed well, it could set a new standard for storytelling in gaming. With its unique setting, player-driven narrative, and deep exploration mechanics, this is definitely a game to keep an eye on.