An enchanting and unconventional tale of three endearing, unlikely heroes bound by the subtle threads of Fate.
Over the past few weeks, we had the opportunity to experience a pre-alpha demo of Tails of Fate, the upcoming project from the independent studio Chase the Bunny, to whom we extend our gratitude for granting us early access to this version of the game. Tails of Fate is an enchanting and unique 2.5D fantasy action-adventure that seamlessly blends classic RPG mechanics with Metroidvania-inspired level design, gameplay, and world-building.
While still in its early stages, the demo left us with a generally positive impression, sparking optimism about the game’s potential. However, it also raised some questions regarding the developers’ ultimate vision for the final product.
Without further ado, let us immerse ourselves in the mysterious and captivating world of Fauna, exploring the strengths, weaknesses, and potential of Chase the Bunny’s eagerly awaited title.
A narrative still shrouded in mystery, leaving us eager to discover what lies ahead
While we didn’t expect to fully uncover the depth of the game’s narrative during this brief preview, we certainly didn’t anticipate concluding the demo with so few concrete clues—aside from a handful of subtle hints woven into the environmental storytelling—about the direction the game’s story will take.
Let’s take a closer look: what did this preview reveal, and what secrets remain hidden within the enigmatic world of Fauna? Once a prosperous and harmonious realm, Fauna was home to diverse animal species living in peace. However, this tranquility was shattered by a catastrophic chain of events, disrupting the delicate balance and plunging the world into darkness and despair.
This is where the three protagonists of this dark fairy tale enter the stage: Reynard and Varken, the two playable characters in the demo, along with Koal. These three individuals have been chosen by Fate itself as Fauna’s saviors. Entrusted with the monumental responsibility of restoring the realm to its former glory, they must navigate through the encroaching darkness that threatens to unravel its delicate equilibrium.
Features and Content of the Demo
The demo, lasting approximately 45 minutes depending on your pace and familiarity with the mechanics, is split into two distinct segments. The first is the primary section, where we assume the role of Reynard, the first and only character we control and navigate within the game world. The second segment is a brief mini-event featuring a quick-time sequence, allowing us to briefly take control of Varken, the second character. During this segment, our exploration is limited to the Tavern of Ursidae, where we can interact with a few NPCs. This area can later be revisited while playing as Reynard.
Though the time spent with the second protagonist is limited, this brief moment introduces a compelling hint through the quick-time events. These mechanics are likely to become central in solving puzzles, overcoming environmental challenges, and navigating the more complex sections of the game. The emphasis on cooperation between the protagonists and the dynamic character-switching system suggests that this feature will be crucial for progressing effectively throughout the game.
Without delving into spoilers, it is time to highlight what undoubtedly represents the core of the demo experience: our journey with Reynard. As previously mentioned, the bulk of the demo is spent in the role of Reynard—a swift and agile explorer from the nomadic Canine tribe, armed with a bow and capable of wielding the element of ice, which he channels into his primary weapon to unleash devastating attacks.
It is in this expansive section that Tails of Fate reveals the full scope of its ambitions and design prowess. The game offers a sprawling, interconnected world teeming with branching pathways and hidden areas, all underpinned by a meticulously crafted level design. Players will encounter intricate and rewarding environmental puzzles, cleverly designed dungeon-based platforming sequences, and a remarkable degree of interactivity with the surrounding world. This immersive experience reaches its climax with a dynamic and exhilarating boss fight—a breathtaking, skill-testing confrontation that, once overcome, delivers a gratifying and satisfying conclusion to the demo.
The diversity of environmental puzzles, world-building, and dungeon complexity: the standout strengths of the Tails of Fate demo
While there are undoubtedly areas that would benefit from further refinement and polish—improvements that would significantly enhance the overall experience—it is impossible to ignore the many positive aspects that we take away from this demo. At the forefront is the breathtaking and captivating hand-drawn art style, which infuses the game with an almost fairy-tale ambiance. This distinctive aesthetic is evident in every detail, from the design of the protagonists to the smallest objects and environmental elements, resulting in a visual feast for the eyes.
Another standout feature, particularly for fans of JRPGs, is the game’s twofold approach to exploration in Tails of Fate. On one hand, the exploration of individual areas within the biomes is shaped by thoughtful level design and the gradual unlocking of abilities, encouraging players to immerse themselves deeply in each environment, true to the spirit of Metroidvania games. On the other hand, the expansive open-world exploration unfolds through a traditional pixel-art map, evoking the timeless charm of classic JRPGs.
Particularly impressive is the meticulous attention devoted to the build customization system, which significantly broadens the ways players can approach and navigate the various phases of gameplay. By selecting specific items from the inventory—such as weapons, armor, headgear, and other objects scattered throughout the game world—players can fine-tune their playstyle while gaining access to unique buffs and debuffs. This is further complemented by an innovative skill-learning system that replaces the traditional skill tree, ensuring each of the three playable characters delivers a distinct and highly customizable experience.
Particularly worthy of praise are several core gameplay mechanics that, despite their apparent simplicity, left us thoroughly impressed and optimistic about the full game’s potential. Foremost among these are the intricate environmental puzzles, which, through their unexpected complexity, provide a meaningful challenge right from the early stages of the demo. The platforming system is equally commendable, achieving a balance between fluidity and precision that makes traversal both engaging and rewarding. Lastly, the dynamic environmental interaction system plays a crucial role, enabling the protagonist and their weapon to manipulate the environment and its elements in ways that not only aid progression but also allow players to interact with the world creatively and strategically.
Key Areas for Improvement in Tails of Fate
Despite a few bugs—many of which, we must admit, carry a certain charm—the game still presents some issues, including imperfect control mapping, an unbalanced difficulty curve, and several areas in need of quality-of-life improvements. However, our overall experience with the demo remains overwhelmingly positive.
While the world design inevitably invites comparisons to some of the finest Metroidvania titles, Tails of Fate effectively establishes its own unique identity, driven by an engaging concept and a distinctive, memorable personality. The dynamic protagonist-switching mechanic introduces an additional layer of complexity to the gameplay, presenting a unique feature that could serve as a key differentiator within the genre.
Now, it falls to the developers at Chase the Bunny to refine the experience, transforming Tails of Fate from a rough diamond into a polished gem—one that could truly stand out in the Metroidvania landscape.
Tails of Fate will soon be available on PC via Steam, with planned releases for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. For more information and to stay up-to-date with the latest developments, be sure to follow us and keep an eye on the game’s X account for the latest news.
That’s all for today. Until next time!
