During a vibrant week at Gamescom, the development team at Question unveiled its latest project, an investigative deckbuilding horror game titled The Killing Stone. Scheduled for release on February 18, 2024, the game captures player interest with its unique premise of battling demons to break a generational curse.
Set in the 17th century, The Killing Stone follows the story of the Maven, who investigates the mysterious death of Mariken Svangard. As the Maven delves deeper, a dark curse plaguing Svangard’s family for generations comes to light. The game’s narrative unfolds as players engage in strategic card battles against various demons, most notably a formidable fiend known as One Eye. With the fate of the family’s souls at stake, the stakes are high not only for the characters but also for the players themselves.
Players can choose between modern prose and authentic 17th-century English to experience the story, with voice acting provided by acclaimed talents. Emma Gregory, known for her role in Baldur’s Gate 3, voices the Maven, while Liam O’Brien from Critical Role lends his voice to the character of One Eye. This element adds depth and immersion, enhancing the horror experience.
The gameplay centers around the Fanghelia, or the titular Killing Stone, where players engage in card duels. Each player lays down figurines, spells, and incantations, aiming to reduce their opponent’s eye to zero health. Strategic elements, such as a Reserve system, allow players to stack units and enhance incantations for future turns. This feature adds layers of strategy to the turn-based gameplay, making each battle a test of skill and foresight.
While The Killing Stone is not classified as a roguelike, it incorporates several elements typical of the genre. Players can collect special boons between battles, contributing to a sense of progression. As players advance, they will encounter additional mechanics, including a Bargaining system that allows for permanent stat adjustments, further enriching the gameplay experience.
This title marks the third release from the team at Question, led by industry veterans Jordan Thomas and Stephen Alexander, both of whom have previously contributed to the acclaimed BioShock series. The Killing Stone promises to challenge players not only in card battling but also in their ability to devise long-term strategies.
For those eager to explore the game’s mechanics ahead of its official launch, a free demo is currently available on Steam. As anticipation builds, The Killing Stone is set to deliver a unique blend of horror, strategy, and narrative depth when it arrives on PC in February.
