This gorgeous RPG is inspired by classic Final Fantasy and free to try on PC

There’s something so nostalgic about RPGs of the 16-bit era. Think of the likes of Final Fantasy VI, EarthBound, Secrets of Mana, and the all-timer that is Chrono Trigger.

If you’re thinking, “Those games are a bit of me,” well, Valley of Rains certainly will be too because this upcoming PC indie is inspired by those very classics.

Developed by Neonshared Games, Valley of Rains is an upcoming turn-based RPG that makes use of HD-2D pixel-art graphics.

While it lacks a launch date, it’s due to arrive on PC with a free demo now available to try on storefront Steam.

The player will step into the shoes of heroine Aerin who ventures out from her quiet seaside home and into a “mysterious valley filled with forgotten ruins, strange creatures, ancient magic, and secrets waiting to be uncovered”.

Neonshard Games

Valley of Rains is, of course, filled with a variety of enemy types from evil mushrooms to golems and wraith-like creatures.

Each enemy type will have its own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll need to have your strategic head on during the game’s turn-based combat encounters.

Players can equip Rainstones which alter the properties of your weapons to unlock new possibilities, so while the game’s UI is simple, there are plenty of options at your disposal.

Throughout the game’s world, you’ll have the opportunity to explore ruins, temples, and villages - all of which are full of NPCs to meet, hidden treasures, and secret discoveries.

You’ll solve your fair share of puzzles, of course, and it’s teased that even the smallest of this world’s details “may be part of a much larger story”.

It’s always nice when a world feels intentional and not as if its large simply for the sake of it.

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A bigger demo is on the way but you can already sample Valley of Rains

“Aerin's journey begins with a dream. After her mother's disappearance, Aerin begins having strange dreams that lead her toward the mysterious Valley of Rain,” begins the game’s synopsis.

“What begins as a search for answers soon becomes a much greater adventure involving forgotten places, unusual characters, and secrets buried deep in the past.

“Meet memorable characters, discover their stories, and gradually uncover a truth that may not always be what you expect.”

Outside of the game’s main quest, Valley of Rains also features side quests and the odd minigame.

It really does look gorgeous so if you’re as keen to get your hands on this one as I am, then you’ll want to pick up the free demo from Steam.

There is a new demo on the way “soon” which promises to expand this free offering with additional content but for now, you can hop into a brief slice of Valley of Rains, familairsing yourself with the title’s combat, exploration, and story.

This project does remain in development; the lack of launch date makes that clear, so do keep that in mind if any bugs or issues surface.