Publisher Deck13 Spotlight and development teams Nostalgic Realms and Whiskeybarrel Studios have announced the open-world RPG Lair of the Leviathan. The game is scheduled to launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC in 2027, though a specific release date has not yet been confirmed.
Featuring pixel art and turn-based combat, Lair of the Leviathan is set in the world of Ormande. Players must assemble their own adventuring party to search for the legendary Leviathan. Along the way, they can pause the main quest to freely explore the surroundings, complete side quests, delve into dungeons, or help local residents.
Enemies in the game include goblins, slimes, ghost knights, hydras, and giant monsters. Character positioning, ability choices, and tactical arrangements all influence battle outcomes. Players can also customize their entire party's appearance and choose equipment from hundreds of items.
The development team plans to include dynamic weather, day-night cycles, and NPCs that follow their own schedules. The history and mythology of Ormande will be revealed primarily through character dialogue and scattered scrolls. The developers cite Ultima, Pool of Radiance, and early Baldur's Gate as inspirations, aiming to combine autonomous party formation, free exploration, and tactical turn-based combat.