“Top-down Zelda meets Bloodborne”: action RPG Withering Realms is out now in early access, should you fancy riding the shoulders of a horrible doll
Withering Realms has launched in early access, continuing the action-RPG horror legacy established by its predecessor, Withering Rooms. The game blends top-down Zelda-style gameplay with the challenging combat of Bloodborne, creating a distinctive take on the action-RPG genre.
Set in an alternate 1920s where World War I ended prematurely due to an occult catastrophe, players control a ghost child clinging to the shoulders of a grotesque living marionette. The marionette—the game’s most distinctive feature—is constructed of springs and hinges with an unsettling one-eyed face that evokes body-horror imagery reminiscent of practical creature design.
Withering Realms offers substantial content depth, with developers claiming 15-42 hours of gameplay and 110 distinct monster types. The previous installment, Withering Rooms, was noted for being absorbing and devious, setting expectations for this sequel’s quality. The early access launch allows players to experience the game while it continues to be refined and expanded based on community feedback.