During the recent Gamescom event, the development team at Question unveiled their upcoming title, The Killing Stone, an investigative deckbuilding horror game poised to launch on February 18, 2024. The game invites players to explore themes of generational curses and confront the Devil through strategic card battles, drawing significant interest following the release of its demo.
A Dark Narrative Unfolds
Set in the 17th century, The Killing Stone follows the story of the Maven, a character investigating the mysterious death of Mariken Svangard. As the Maven delves deeper into the case, they uncover a curse that has plagued Svangard’s family for generations. To break this cycle of damnation, the Maven must engage in card battles against various demons, led by a sinister entity known as One Eye.
The stakes are high, as the Maven not only fights for the souls of Svangard’s family but also their own. Players will navigate a narrative that unfolds between intense battles, with options to choose between modern prose or authentic 17th-century English—both delivered by talented voice actors like Emma Gregory and Liam O’Brien.
Gameplay Mechanics and Features
Card battles in The Killing Stone take place on the Fanghelia, the titular Killing Stone, where players deploy figurines, spells, and incantations. The primary objective is to reduce the opponent’s health to zero, often requiring players to eliminate minions standing in their way. A unique Reserve system allows players to stack units and enhance incantations for strategic advantages in future turns.
While not officially classified as a roguelike, the game incorporates elements typical of the genre. Players can earn special boons between battles, fostering a sense of progression. Additionally, a Bargaining system introduces a mechanic for negotiating permanent stat adjustments, enriching the strategic depth of the gameplay.
The Killing Stone marks the third project from Question, led by industry veterans Jordan Thomas and Stephen Alexander, who previously contributed to the acclaimed BioShock series. This title promises to challenge players’ long-term strategic thinking alongside their card-battling skills.
For those eager to experience the game ahead of its full release, a free demo is currently available on Steam, allowing players to dive into this dark and engaging narrative.
