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Earthlock
Earthlock
Earthlock
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Earthlock
Universal cover art with the original title
DeveloperSnowcastle Games
PublisherSoedesco
DirectorBendik Stang
ProducerErik Hoftun
Designer
  • Thomas French
Programmers
  • Eivind Fjellvang Ljønes
  • Kenneth Backus
Artists
  • Frits Olsen
  • Fredrik Dahl
  • Matthew Wells
WriterMagnus Aspli
Composers
SeriesEarthlock
EngineUnity
PlatformsXbox One
Microsoft Windows
OS X
Linux
PlayStation 4
Wii U
Nintendo Switch
ReleaseXbox One
  • WW: September 1, 2016
Windows, OS X, Linux
  • WW: September 27, 2016
PlayStation 4
  • WW: January 27, 2017
Wii U
  • EU: September 7, 2017
  • NA: September 14, 2017
Nintendo Switch
  • WW: March 8, 2018
GenreRole-playing
ModeSingle-player

Earthlock (formerly titled Earthlock: Festival of Magic) is a role-playing video game developed and published by the Norwegian company Snowcastle Games for Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, PlayStation 4, and Wii U.[1] The Xbox One version was launched on September 1, 2016 worldwide.[2] The Windows, OS X, and Linux versions, initially planned for release at the same time as the Xbox One release, were postponed to September 27, 2016.[3] The game is planned to be the first volume of an Earthlock trilogy. The Wii U version was released on September 7, 2017 in Europe, and on September 14, 2017 in North America. A version for the Nintendo Switch was released on March 8, 2018. The game received mixed reviews from critics, who were heavily divided. Some called it a nostalgic throwback with memorable characters, while others panned its design as dated, and its art style, gameplay and/or story as bland or unoriginal.

A sequel, titled Earthlock 2, was announced in July 2020.[4]

Gameplay

[edit]
The player's party depicted fighting a group of enemies.

The game plays as a non-linear role-playing video game with turn based battles.[5] In combat, characters fight in pairs - a "warrior" and a "protector". The warrior uses consumable items such as ammunition, while the protector can perform spells like healing and shields. When the characters are damaged by enemies, they accumulate support points, which can be used to activate other moves. Pairing different combinations of characters unlocks different moves and tactics, greatly affecting the flow of battle.[6]

Plot

[edit]

The game's story takes place in the world of Umbra, where a cataclysmic event occurs that stops the planet from spinning.[7] This leaves part of the world scorched by constant sunlight, part of it perpetually cold due to lack of sunlight, and a patch of livable land in between. The incident ends up burying much of the past advanced civilization, but humanity survives and society begins anew in the habitable part of the planet. The story follows the adventurer Amon, who, among his usual activities of scavenging ruins, gets entangled in a much larger conflict with the ruling Suvian Empire.[6]

Development

[edit]

The game is inspired by early Square Japanese role-playing games, though Snowcastle wanted to subvert common genre character stereotypes.[8] Development for the game started as early as 2011,[9] with a pre-alpha build trailer being released in May 2013.[10] The game was originally just known by its subtitle, Festival of Magic.[11]

In November 2013, the game was placed on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter with the aim of securing $250,000 in funding.[12][13] However, Snowcastle later pulled from the platform, due to it getting lost in the crowd during the holiday season.[9] A fresh Kickstarter campaign was launched in March 2014 with a lowered goal of $150,000. This second campaign was successful, raising $178,000 in April 2014.[9][14] The game's plot was written by comic book writer Magnus Aspli.[15]

An early concept demo was released in March 2014 for the Windows, OS X and Linux platforms.[16]

Snowcastle Games partnered with Cross Function to release the game in Japan.[17] Despite waning interest in the Wii U in 2016 after the announcement of the Nintendo Switch, Snowcastle Games upheld their promise of a Wii U version, with an unnamed third-party handling porting duties.[18] The Wii U version was ultimately released in September 2017 as a digital-only title.[19] Due to the initial release's poor reception, it was announced in 2018 that a massively reworked version of the game, titled Earthlock, would launch that same year for Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One.[20][21]

Reception

[edit]

Prior to its re-release, the game received an aggregate score of 56/100 for its PlayStation 4 version and 66/100 for its Xbox One version, indicating "mixed or average" reviews. Its post-revamp Nintendo Switch version received a higher, though still mixed score of 73/100.

Legacy

[edit]

The game received a more casual spin-off, Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure, a single-player or co-op adventure and crafting game about exploring a mysterious island. It was initially released for PC on November 9, 2023, and, later, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, on March 21, 2024.[28] A sequel, Earthlock 2, was also announced in 2020, and planned for release in 2022, although it was never released.[29] The sequel was re-revealed in 2024 with a to-be-announced release date, and revolves around exploring and bringing life back to the Desert of Kor using a special "Desert Ship".[30] An additional game is reportedly planned due to a deal between Snowcastle Games and Jagex.[31]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Earthlock

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Earthlock is a developed and self-published by the Norwegian independent studio Snowcastle Games. Originally released in 2016 as Earthlock: Festival of Magic for Windows and , it received updates and a full remake that launched on March 8, 2018, for PC, , , and . The game draws inspiration from classic 3D RPGs of the late 1990s, blending turn-based combat with exploration and character customization in a vibrant, hand-crafted world. Set on the mysterious planet of Umbra, Earthlock follows Amon, a young explorer, and his companions as they embark on a quest to rescue Amon's uncle from an ancient and unravel the secrets of the titular Earthlock—a powerful magical artifact. Players assemble a party of up to six diverse characters, each with unique abilities, to navigate diverse biomes, solve environmental puzzles, and engage in strategic battles against foes. The game's combat system emphasizes positioning, ability synergies, and resource management, while progression occurs through a flexible "Talent Tree" that allows for hybrid builds and companion bonding to unlock new skills. Earthlock has been praised for its charming , orchestral composed by Eiko Nichols, , and Frits Olsen, and accessible yet deep mechanics, though some critics noted pacing issues in the story. Available in nine languages including English, French, German, and Simplified Chinese, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase for its nostalgic appeal and innovative twists on traditional RPG elements.

Gameplay

Combat System

Earthlock's combat system revolves around turn-based battles where players control pairs of characters, each consisting of a "" responsible for physical attacks and the use of like , and a "protector" focused on casting spells for healing, shielding, and support. These pairs act as a single unit per turn, allowing players to select one ability from either the warrior or protector, emphasizing strategic choice in a non-linear pairing system that permits mid-battle swaps to adapt to enemy threats. A key resource in battles is support points, accumulated by the pair when receiving damage, which replace traditional mana and enable the activation of special moves, combo attacks between the paired characters, and enhancements to their abilities once the bar fills. Different pairings unlock unique combo attacks and passive bonuses, such as immunities or amplified damage types, encouraging experimentation with the six available characters to optimize tactics against visible enemies. Character customization occurs via talent trees, where players allocate points earned from leveling to unlock and equip perks on a board-like system, allowing flexible role adjustments like shifting a character toward or ranged focus without permanent commitments. Complementing this, item synthesis enables the creation of consumables and perks by harvesting magical materials on the , providing essential ammunition and buffs tailored to specific pair strategies. Battles proceed in an initiative order determined by character speed, with each pair expending their turn on a single action, though accumulated support points can trigger overcharged bursts for high-impact plays. Environmental interactions occasionally influence fights, such as positioning for area effects or exploiting for minor advantages, often stemming from overworld exploration that groups enemies for efficient engagements.

Exploration and Progression

Earthlock features an exploration system set on the planet Umbra, where players navigate diverse environments including deserts, forests, and ancient ruins, discovering hidden areas through treasure maps and environmental clues. Puzzles integrated into the landscape require interaction with the surroundings, such as manipulating levers or aligning elements, often unlocked by progressing through the story or acquiring specific character abilities. Collectibles like seeds and magical materials are scattered throughout, encouraging thorough traversal to gather resources for later use. Progression in the game emphasizes long-term character growth outside of , with experience points (XP) earned from battles, completing quests, and side activities during exploration, allowing players to level up and allocate Talent Points on the individualized Talent Table for each character. The Talent Table functions as a hybrid skill tree and , where players spend points to unlock passive perks, stat boosts, and non- abilities like enhanced traversal options or puzzle-solving tools, customizing development across six playable characters. Quests follow a non-linear structure, permitting player choice in prioritizing story branches or optional tasks, which in turn reveal new areas and contribute to overall advancement without mandating encounters. Base-building occurs on Plumpet Island, the player's home hub, where harvested materials from exploration enable expansion and customization of facilities for rest, preparation, and resource management. A mini-game allows planting seeds collected during traversal, which grow into consumables, , or stat-enhancing items under the automatic care of the companion Gnart, a hogbunny character; plant interactions follow a rock-paper-scissors dynamic based on proximity, adding strategic depth to cultivation. Inventory management involves organizing these crafted goods alongside , with upgrades to weapons and gear achieved by slotting unlocked Talent Table perks or using farmed resources, directly tying exploratory gains to enhanced capabilities. World traversal is facilitated by a fast travel system using Onurasi save statues to warp to Plumpet Island and major locations like Zaber or Suvia, reducing backtracking while preserving the incentive to explore on foot for hidden content. An serves as a thematic companion element in certain story contexts, while recruitable animal allies, such as additional creatures aiding in puzzle resolution, expand interaction options in the environment. Exploration directly influences ability unlocks by revealing Talent Table expansions or quest rewards that grant new non-combat skills, fostering a sense of discovery-driven growth.

Story

Setting

Umbra is the primary setting of Earthlock, depicted as a fantastical that ceased rotating on its axis thousands of years ago due to a cataclysmic event, resulting in one hemisphere bathed in perpetual daylight and the other in . This cosmic imbalance has profoundly shaped the world's and , creating stark environmental divides where the sunlit side features scorching deserts and arid wastelands, while the shadowed regions encompass frozen tundras and dense, mist-shrouded forests. Ancient ruins dot the landscape, remnants of a lost civilization that once harnessed powerful magical energies, contributing to an atmosphere of perpetual twilight in transitional zones and emphasizing themes of survival and environmental fragility. The lore of Umbra revolves around the fall of an advanced that wielded "amri," a mystical energy sourced from scattered core fragments—crystalline artifacts capable of powering both machinery and spells. These fragments, now rare and sought after, stem from the cataclysm that halted the planet's spin, disrupting natural cycles and leading to mutated ecosystems where magical anomalies persist, such as glowing and ethereal adapted to the uneven . Societies have emerged in response to this altered world: the industrial Suvian Empire dominates habitable coastal and urban areas with a steampunk-inspired aesthetic, relying on mechanical innovations to counter the environmental extremes, while nomadic tribes inhabit the harsh fringes, practicing resource-scarce tied to the land's rhythms. This backdrop underscores themes of rediscovery and , as the halted rotation symbolizes broader disequilibria in ecosystems and human endeavors, where attempts to restore balance through ancient magics highlight the interplay between technological progress and the planet's wounded essence. Daily life in Umbra is dictated by these conditions, with communities adapting through seasonal migrations, ritualistic attunements to amri flows, and cautious exploration of forbidden ruins to reclaim lost knowledge without reigniting past calamities.

Plot Summary

Amon, a young scavenger and adventurer from the desert town of Zaber on the planet Umbra, begins his journey after discovering an ancient artifact in ruins while exploring with his uncle, drawing him into opposition against the expansionist Suvian Empire and a shadowy ancient cult. The main narrative arc spans major acts across Umbra, including the collection of ancient machine cores and other artifacts that reveal fragments of the planet's lost history, the formation of alliances with companions from diverse regions, and repeated confrontations with imperial forces seeking to dominate the remaining sources of the magical energy Amri. These events culminate in the revelation of the cataclysm's origins—a devastating war between humanity and godlike rulers that caused the Amri core at the planet's heart to explode, halting Umbra's rotation and plunging half the world into eternal night while the other endures perpetual daylight. The plot incorporates non-linear elements, such as branching side quests and time-based events tied to Umbra's divided day-night landscape, with magical artifacts playing a central role in advancing the story and enabling player-driven progression. Climactic developments involve widespread uprisings against the empire and collaborative restoration efforts to heal the planet's wounds, underscoring themes of unity across Umbra's fractured societies and redemption for ancient transgressions.

Characters

Amon serves as the of Earthlock, portrayed as a resourceful equipped with lockpicking skills that aid in and puzzle-solving throughout the game. His arc revolves around a mysterious family tie to the cataclysm that halted the Umbra's rotation, driving his quest to rescue his uncle Benjo from an ancient . Amon's abilities in include balanced stances for physical and magical attacks, reflecting his adaptability, and his utility allows interaction with locked mechanisms and machinery. Key allies join Amon to form the party of six playable characters, each contributing unique abilities and arcs that deepen through bond mechanics: Taika, a shapeshifting with strong animal bonds, transforms into beast forms for combat, enabling attacks and high mobility in her Predator and Super Predator stances. Her arc emphasizes themes of freedom and connection to , with overworld abilities for hunting treasure and scouting. Olia, a mysterious wilderness wanderer and protector, brings magical prowess focused on spells and healing. Gnart, a scholarly figure with historical knowledge, supports with ranged attacks and utility in uncovering lore. Ivory, a tech-savvy from the Suvian Empire, brings gadgets and mechanical expertise to the group, using stances focused on ranged tech attacks and support utilities like traps and repairs. Her contributions highlight imperial technology's role in the story, with bonds revealing tensions between tradition and innovation. Berta, a sturdy fighter, provides frontline defense with heavy melee capabilities. Antagonists drive the and magical exploitation central to the conflict, led by Suvian imperial forces whose pursuit of ancient power exacerbates the world's instability. These antagonists clash with the protagonists through political intrigue and boss encounters that test party pairings. Character-specific arcs are reinforced through combat pairings, where bonds between allies like Amon and Taika unlock combo attacks symbolizing their growing relationships, such as enhanced agility moves reflecting trust. , provided by a mix of Norwegian and international talent, brings distinct personalities to life, with Amon's voice conveying youthful determination and Taika's adding a wild, instinctive tone to dialogues and cutscenes. Ivory's gadgets, like deployable drones, and Taika's transformations into or forms offer , allowing players to tailor parties for environmental challenges.

Development

Concept and Early Production

Development of Earthlock, originally titled Earthlock: Festival of Magic, began in early 2011 by the Norwegian indie studio Snowcastle Games, founded in and based in . The project originated as a collaborative effort among a small team of around six developers, building on the studio's experience with its debut title Hogworld: Gnart's Adventure, a 2011 children's adventure game. Game Director Bendik Stang led the initial vision, emphasizing a solo-team approach to foster creative control despite the challenges of limited resources. The core concept drew inspiration from classic JRPGs such as Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, aiming to deliver a non-linear, character-focused narrative with turn-based combat, while incorporating exploration and farming systems reminiscent of Harvest Moon. Visual influences included Studio Ghibli and Pixar films, targeting vibrant, colorful aesthetics to contrast typical post-apocalyptic settings with a sense of wonder and fun. The game was built using the Unity engine to enable cross-platform development for PC, consoles, and other systems from the outset. The storyline, set in the world of Umbra—a where a cataclysmic event halted the planet's rotation thousands of years ago, blending remnants of ancient machines with resurgent magic—was crafted by Norwegian comic book writer Magnus Aspli. Aspli's narrative emphasized post-apocalyptic themes of survival and discovery, integrating character backstories with environmental puzzles and cooperative combat abilities. Art Director Frits Olsen played a key role in shaping the universe's whimsical yet grounded tone, building on Hogworld's hogbunny Gnart to create a diverse ensemble. Early production faced significant hurdles, including assembling a cohesive team amid a tight , near-bankruptcy, and the near-abandonment of the due to scope concerns; additional grants helped sustain development after the . By 2013, the team had expanded to eight members, split between and , while prototyping core mechanics like combo-based battles and base-building. An initial attempt in November 2013 was withdrawn after underperforming amid holiday competition, prompting refinements to the prototype—including a public demo released in March 2014—to better showcase the game's unique fusion of RPG traditions and innovative progression before pivoting to a more robust funding strategy.

Kickstarter Campaigns

Snowcastle Games launched its first Kickstarter campaign for Earthlock: Festival of Magic in November 2013, seeking $250,000 to fund the development of the turn-based RPG. The campaign, however, was cancelled before its deadline due to poor timing amid the holiday season and competition from other projects, failing to meet its funding goal despite generating notable community interest through early previews and demonstrations. Undeterred, the studio relaunched a revised campaign in March 2014 with a reduced goal of $150,000, which successfully concluded in April after raising $178,193 from 4,506 backers. This achievement unlocked several stretch goals, including the addition of new playable characters, temple dungeons, and enhanced port support for platforms such as , , and . Backers were offered a range of rewards, such as digital copies of the game, digital soundtracks and art books, physical merchandise like USB drives and statuettes, and exclusive in-game items or customization options like naming plants, weapons, or NPCs. Post-funding, Snowcastle faced challenges including limited resources as an independent studio, which constrained promotional efforts, and the need for scope adjustments to align development with the secured budget while fulfilling backer expectations. In 2016, the project transitioned to partnership with publisher Soedesco, which provided additional support for console releases and helped refine the final scope, prioritizing physical editions and multi-platform optimization to broaden accessibility. This collaboration proved pivotal in navigating the complexities of indie publishing and ensuring the game's viability across targeted platforms.

Release

Initial Releases and Platforms

Earthlock: Festival of Magic debuted on on September 1, 2016, marking its worldwide launch as part of Microsoft's Games with Gold program. This release was handled by publisher Soedesco, which secured console distribution deals to expand the game's reach beyond its PC origins. Physical editions for and were also released by Soedesco in 2017. The PC version followed shortly after, launching on September 27, 2016, for Windows, macOS, and via platforms like and GOG. These early PC and versions featured the game's core turn-based RPG mechanics, with platform-specific adaptations including controller support optimized for Xbox gamepads and keyboard/mouse options on PC. Subsequent releases expanded to other consoles, with the version arriving worldwide on January 27, 2017, also published by Soedesco. The Wii U port launched in September 2017, on September 7 in and September 14 in , supporting the platform's standard controls and resolution output. Marketing efforts centered on digital trailers and demos to build anticipation, including a Kickstarter alpha demo released in 2014 and launch trailers showcased on YouTube and IGN in August and September 2016. Regional pricing varied by platform and territory, typically set at around $20–$30 USD for digital downloads, with physical console editions through Soedesco often including regional adjustments for and . The game's full title, Earthlock: Festival of Magic, was used across all initial releases to emphasize its magical festival theme before later simplifications. The Kickstarter campaigns that funded early development enabled this multi-platform rollout, allowing Snowcastle Games to target both PC and console audiences from launch.

2018 Rework and Updates

Owners of the original version on PC, , and received a free upgrade to the new edition, with the original delisted from digital storefronts such as on March 19, 2018. In response to critical feedback regarding pacing, , and overall polish in the original Earthlock: Festival of Magic, developer Snowcastle Games announced a comprehensive rework in late 2017, culminating in the release of an updated version simply titled Earthlock on March 8, 2018, for PC, , , and . This "Should-have-been Edition" represented a near-total overhaul, retaining core elements like turn-based combat and character progression while addressing key pain points to deliver a more refined experience. The Switch version introduced portable play with touch-friendly menus and support, targeting up to resolution in docked mode. Key improvements included a massively expanded story with new scenes, deeper character development, and added humor to enhance narrative engagement, alongside numerous side quests that provided additional exploration and rewards. Gameplay mechanics were streamlined with new overworld abilities for puzzle-solving and navigation, craftable weapons and equipment, treasure maps for hidden discoveries, and the ability to grow interactive elements like trees to attract , all contributing to smoother progression and reduced frustration. Combat flow saw enhancements for more intuitive turn-based battles, while graphics benefited from new animations, improved performance, and visual upgrades; the was overhauled for clarity, with better tutorials to guide players through mechanics. Bug fixes were extensive, resolving issues like clipping and progression blockers that had plagued the prior version. Following the launch, Snowcastle Games issued minor patches through 2019 and into 2020, primarily focusing on balance adjustments to enemy encounters and resource scaling, expanded localization support including Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and additional European languages, and compatibility enhancements for emerging hardware. For instance, updates ensured smoother performance on next-generation consoles, with compatibility added via patches that optimized resolution and frame rates without altering core content. These iterations also incorporated quality-of-life features such as auto-save functionality and refined input handling. For , a limited physical run of 1,000 copies was published by Super Rare Games in May 2019. The rework phase significantly boosted by introducing adjustable difficulty modes to accommodate varied player levels, allowing easier progression for newcomers while preserving challenge for veterans, and supporting platform-native control remapping for customizable inputs. These additions, rolled out during and after the update, made the game more approachable without compromising its RPG depth.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Upon its initial release as Earthlock: Festival of Magic in 2016, the game received mixed reviews, with aggregates of 56/100 for the version based on 13 critic scores and 66/100 for the version based on 7 critic scores. Critics often praised the game's nostalgic evocation of classic JRPG elements, including its charming character designs and vibrant art style that drew comparisons to PlayStation 1-era titles. However, common criticisms focused on repetitive combat mechanics that relied heavily on turn-based grinding without sufficient variety, a relatively short main storyline clocking in at around 20 hours, and technical issues such as clipping glitches, long load times, and inconsistent performance in early builds. The 2018 reworked version, simply titled Earthlock and featuring refined combat, an expanded storyline, additional side quests, and platform-specific optimizations, saw a marked improvement in reception, earning a score of 73/100 for the edition based on 13 critic scores. This update addressed many of the original's pain points, leading reviewers to highlight the enhanced polish, more engaging battle pacing, and deeper character interactions that amplified the game's indie JRPG appeal. While some lingering critiques persisted regarding the combat's occasional repetitiveness and the overall brevity—even with side content extending playtime to 25-30 hours—the consensus shifted toward viewing it as a solid, heartfelt homage to the . Notable reviews underscored this evolution. For the original, Push Square awarded it a 6/10, commending the earnest and hardcore RPG challenge but noting dated mechanics and unpolished execution that hindered enjoyment. In contrast, post-rework coverage was more positive; Nintendo Life gave the Switch version an 8/10, lauding the lush world-building, fun character ensemble, and enjoyable battles that successfully captured the soul of 1990s JRPGs, while acknowledging minor issues like dialogue inconsistencies. Overall, the updates transformed initial skepticism into appreciation for Earthlock's indie charm, with critics emphasizing how the refinements elevated its strategic depth and visual allure without overhauling its core retro identity.

Commercial Performance

Earthlock achieved modest commercial success as an indie title in the crowded JRPG market, selling over 2.5 million copies across platforms including PC, , , , and others by 2023. This figure reflects cumulative sales boosted by the 2018 rework, which expanded content and improved polish, alongside strategic ports like the version that enhanced accessibility for handheld players. The game's initial and PC release in 2016 laid the foundation, with subsequent console launches contributing to steady growth rather than blockbuster spikes. Player engagement metrics underscore its niche appeal, particularly on , where it holds a "Mostly Positive" rating from 372 user reviews, with approximately 77% as of 2025. Console download numbers remain less publicly detailed, but the title's longevity is evident through frequent discounts and bundles on platforms like the and , sustaining interest among JRPG enthusiasts. Concurrent player peaks on reached 142 in 2020, indicating bursts of activity tied to sales events rather than sustained mass adoption. Market factors played a key role in its performance, including stiff competition from established JRPG franchises like Final Fantasy and , which dominated the genre during Earthlock's release window. Regional popularity skewed toward , benefiting from the Norwegian developer's local ties and word-of-mouth from backers who numbered in the thousands and helped amplify visibility through community advocacy. This grassroots support contrasted with more modest traction in and , where broader marketing challenges limited explosive growth. Post-2022, sales have been sustained through re-releases, digital bundles, and the 2023 spin-off Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure, which built on the original's world without generating major revenue spikes for the core title. Official sales data gaps persist after the 2018 rework, with no comprehensive updates beyond the 2.5 million milestone as of 2025, though periodic promotions continue to drive modest engagement. Positive , averaging around 70 on aggregate sites, correlated with these steady sales trends by bolstering credibility among indie RPG fans.

Legacy

Spin-offs

Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is a spin-off title in the Earthlock series, released in full on PC via Steam on November 9, 2023, following an early access period that began on August 18, 2022. The game arrived on consoles, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S, on March 21, 2024, with the Nintendo Switch version TBA. Developed by Snowcastle Games and published by Jagex in partnership with Jetpack Collective and The Iterative Collective, it shifts the series toward an action-adventure format emphasizing base-building, resource gathering, farming, crafting, and creature collection, with lighter RPG elements compared to the mainline entries. Players explore a deserted island, befriend magical creatures, construct homes and bridges, and engage in co-op multiplayer for up to four participants, drawing inspiration from games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing. The spin-off maintains ties to the Earthlock through its setting in the of Umbra and includes cameo appearances by characters such as Amon from the original game, integrating familiar lore elements into its narrative of restoring a rain-swept protected by ancient shrines. However, it diverges by prioritizing exploration, combat against pirates and monsters, and customization over the turn-based RPG mechanics of prior titles, positioning it as a more accessible entry point for newcomers. Reception for Ikonei Island has been generally positive, with critics praising its relaxing loop, vibrant visuals, and family-friendly co-op features as an inviting introduction to the Earthlock world, though some noted clunky UI and slow pacing in early sections. User reviews on reflect a "Mostly Positive" rating based on over 280 assessments, averaging around 71% approval. In addition to the spin-off, the original Earthlock received minor expansions through DLC packs released from 2016 to 2020, including the Hero Outfit Pack in October 2016 and the DLC Bundle (May 2018, October 2019, and November 2020) that added side stories exploring events and post-game adventures for characters like Gnart Tigermoth. These cosmetic and narrative add-ons provided supplementary content without altering core gameplay.

Sequel and Future Projects

Earthlock 2 was first announced by Snowcastle Games in July 2020 as an open-world action RPG sequel to the original game, shifting from turn-based to real-time combat while expanding on the series' lore and exploration elements. The project drew inspiration from the cult following of the 2016 title, aiming to deliver a more dynamic experience with customizable vehicles called Desert Ships and transformative biomes that evolve from barren deserts to lush oases. In January 2024, Snowcastle Games re-revealed Earthlock 2 with a new cinematic trailer showcasing prototype footage of its open-world gameplay, deeper narrative involving a band of voyagers in a vast desert mystery, and utilization of Unreal Engine following a transition from Unity. Teased features include expanded real-time combat systems, an increased roster of companions for cooperative exploration, and initial multiplayer elements, though the latter were later pivoted away from during development resets. As of November 2025, no release date has been set, with the project remaining in pre-production after a full restart in early 2025 to refine its core vision based on community feedback. Snowcastle Games entered a publishing partnership with in November 2022 for three Earthlock series titles, including Earthlock 2 and the spin-off Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure, providing support for development and global distribution. Under this agreement, a third mainline Earthlock game is planned as part of an intended trilogy, with a focus on evolving the series' signature magic and ability progression systems to integrate more seamlessly with open-world mechanics. Development of Earthlock 2 has faced challenges, including delays from studio expansion to handle the trilogy's scope and the technical shift to , which required rebuilding key systems like dynamic ecosystems and base-building features. These hurdles, compounded by iterative prototypes shown in the 2024 trailer, have extended timelines but allowed for a more ambitious narrative and gameplay foundation.

References

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  36. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/starting-an-indie-game-studio
  37. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/11/crowdfunding_campaign_launched_for_festival_of_magic
  38. https://www.gematsu.com/2013/11/festival-of-magic-kickstarter-launched
  39. https://mynintendonews.com/2013/12/11/festival-of-magic-kickstarter-campaign-cancelled-will-relaunch-in-february/
  40. https://www.siliconera.com/indie-rpg-earthlock-festival-of-magic-resurfaces-brief-silence/
  41. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/171497873/earthlock-festival-of-magic
  42. https://www.giantbomb.com/festival-of-magic/3030-42628/
  43. https://nichegamer.com/earthlock-festival-of-magic-kickstarter-is-halfway-there-sample-a-brand-new-trailer/
  44. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/171497873/earthlock-festival-of-magic/rewards
  45. https://www.reddit.com/r/gamernews/comments/4vylbc/earthlock_festival_of_magic_has_been_picked_up_by/
  46. https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/earthlock-festival-of-magic-turn-based-rpg-coming-soon
  47. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2016/08/19/earthlock-festival-of-magic-coming-to-september-games-with-gold/
  48. https://www.snowcastlegames.com/snowcastle-blog/2017/1/20/earthlock-will-be-hitting-stores-around-the-world
  49. https://steamdb.info/app/258030/info/
  50. https://www.metacritic.com/game/earthlock-festival-of-magic/
  51. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/09/earthlock_festival_of_magic_wii_u_release_date_confirmed_alongside_switch_teaser
  52. https://www.releases.com/p/earthlock-festival-of-magic
  53. https://www.ign.com/videos/earthlock-festival-of-magic-official-launch-trailer
  54. https://www.gamestop.com/video-games/playstation-4/products/earthlock-festival-of-magic---playstation-4/10146547.html
  55. https://delistedgames.com/earthlock-festival-of-magic/
  56. https://www.snowcastlegames.com/snowcastle-blog/2018/4/23/what-is-new-in-earthlock-compared-to-earthlock-festival-of-magic
  57. https://rpgamer.com/2018/02/earthlock-to-relaunch-in-march/
  58. https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP1188-CUSA11238_00-EARTHLOCKSHOULDH
  59. https://superraregames.com/products/srg-16-earthlock-collectors-edition-switch
  60. https://www.reddit.com/r/Earthlock/comments/8frt9t/did_the_rerelease_fix_the_difficulty/
  61. https://www.metacritic.com/game/earthlock-festival-of-magic/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one
  62. https://www.digitallydownloaded.net/2017/01/review-earthlock-festival-of-magic-sony.html
  63. https://www.mypotatogames.com/earthlock-review/
  64. https://www.gamespew.com/2016/09/earthlock-festival-magic-review/
  65. https://cogconnected.com/review/earthlock-festival-of-magic-review/
  66. https://gamingtrend.com/reviews/a-festival-of-turn-based-rpg-goodness-earthlock-review/
  67. https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/earthlock_festival_of_magic
  68. https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/earthlock
  69. https://www.gamespress.com/Cosy-Island-Builder-Ikonei-Island-An-Earthlock-Adventure-Receives-Mult
  70. https://steamdb.info/app/761030/charts/
  71. https://www.archivemarketresearch.com/reports/jrpg-games-52031
  72. https://www.gonintendo.com/contents/25513-publishing-deal-signed-for-ikonei-island-an-earthlock-adventure
  73. https://www.gamespress.com/Ikonei-Island-An-Earthlock-Adventure-lets-your-friends-play-co-op-with
  74. https://www.snowcastlegames.com/snowcastle-blog/2023/12/8/year-end-recap-amp-important-updates-for-our-snowcastle-community
  75. https://opencritic.com/game/3214/earthlock/reviews
  76. https://store.steampowered.com/app/1550730/Ikonei_Island_An_Earthlock_Adventure/
  77. https://store.playstation.com/en-us/concept/10008361
  78. https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2024/02/09/ikonei-island-an-earthlock-adventure-review/
  79. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/03/animal-crossing-inspired-earthlock-spin-off-announced-for-switch
  80. https://www.earthlock.world/ikonei-island
  81. https://videochums.com/review/ikonei-island-an-earthlock-adventure
  82. https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/20891/EARTHLOCK_Comics_DLC_Bundle/
  83. https://store.steampowered.com/app/535310/EARTHLOCK_Festival_of_Magic__Hero_Outfit_Pack/
  84. https://www.ign.com/articles/earthlock-2-announced-first-open-world-gameplay-details-revealed
  85. https://rpgamer.com/2020/07/earthlock-2-officially-announced/
  86. https://www.gematsu.com/2024/01/earthlock-2-cinematic-trailer-desert-ships-and-dynamic-biomes-detailed
  87. https://www.snowcastlegames.com/snowcastle-blog/2024/1/31/what-to-expect-from-earthlock-2-watch-the-new-trailer
  88. https://www.gematsu.com/2022/11/jagex-announces-three-game-publishing-partnership-with-snowcastle-games
  89. https://www.gamespress.com/Jagex-Partners-Announce-Three-Game-Publishing-Deal
  90. https://www.snowcastlegames.com/snowcastle-blog/2022/2/17/earthlock-2-update-
  91. https://www.facebook.com/SnowcastleGames/posts/voyagers-we-have-some-important-news-to-share-about-earthlock-2at-snowcastle-gam/1092366959601392/
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