The medieval period is often portrayed in games through the lens of war, plague, and religious struggle, but few projects dare to weave all of these threads into a single, character-driven tale. With 1348 Ex Voto, developer Sedleo and publisher Dear Villagers are attempting just that. It’s a third-person action-adventure that puts players in the shoes of a young knight errant during one of Europe’s most turbulent times, blending cinematic storytelling with historically inspired combat and a personal quest for survival and love.
What we know
Set in late medieval Italy, 1348 Ex Voto follows Aeta, a noble whose life takes a dramatic turn when her closest companion, Bianca, is taken from her. Determined to rescue her, Aeta’s journey cuts across a plague-ravaged country teeming with bandits, mercenaries, and zealots, reflecting the upheavals of the 14th century. The game’s combat is informed by Historical European Martial Arts, with players able to switch between one-handed and two-handed stances, unlocking new combos and customizing weapons as they progress. Alongside its gritty swordplay, exploration is a core pillar, with environments ranging from mountain passes and villages to ancient Roman ruins. 1348 Ex Voto is planned for release on PC and consoles, positioning itself as a cinematic adventure that mixes historical realism with chivalric fantasy.
What we saw
At Gamescom we were shown a hands-off demo of an early build, which featured both traversal across a medieval landscape and town and a taste of combat. The sequence highlighted the game’s dual focus on atmosphere and swordplay, with cinematic presentation underlining its ambitions.
What we thought
What stood out immediately was the choice of protagonist. Instead of defaulting to the familiar grizzled knight or faceless mercenary, 1348 Ex Voto places players in the role of Aeta, a young woman whose quest is both intimate and urgent. This alone feels refreshing for the genre, and it adds an emotional throughline that helps distinguish it from other medieval adventures. The premise echoes some of the character-driven weight of games like A Plague Tale, though here the emphasis leans more toward action and martial authenticity.
Combat, while still in its early stages, already shows promise. The use of historically grounded swordplay, with stances and combos derived from actual martial arts traditions, helps set the tone. It’s less about exaggerated flourishes and more about precision and timing, and it will be interesting to see how the developers balance accessibility with depth. The potential for weapon customization and skill-based progression suggests that there’s room for players to mold Aeta’s fighting style to their own preferences.
Visually, the game impresses far beyond what you might expect from a small team. The demo’s environments – from rugged countryside to plague-scarred settlements – were rich in detail and atmosphere. There’s a clear effort to evoke both the beauty and devastation of 14th-century Italy, with lighting and environmental design creating a sense of cinematic immersion. Combined with the moody soundtrack, the presentation carried real weight, suggesting that narrative moments will feel just as impactful as the combat encounters.
Of course, questions remain. Can Sedleo maintain this level of polish across the full experience, and will the story live up to its intriguing setup? If the team can balance its grounded combat with the sweeping emotional scope it teases, 1348 Ex Voto could be one of those rare AA projects that punches far above its weight. For now, it’s shaping up as a dark yet personal medieval adventure – one that feels as bold as it is unexpected.
Press Play Media 