New Action RPG on Steam Could Be the Steampunk Final Fantasy Alternative That Fans Are Craving

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Many role-playing game (RPG) fans love the Final Fantasy series for its compelling stories, memorable characters, and ever-changing battles. However, there’s also a desire for new RPGs that try something different. That’s where Heart of Gaia comes in – this upcoming steampunk action RPG on Steam could appeal to players seeking a fresh experience with fast-paced, real-time combat and a distinctive fantasy setting. In particular, dedicated Final Fantasy fans might appreciate its deep character development and world-building, qualities some feel have been missing from recent games in the Final Fantasy series.

Brokentail Games, a new indie developer, is launching its first game, the action RPG Heart of Gaia. Currently available as a playable demo on Steam, the game is scheduled for release in early 2026. While it may not have the same large-scale visuals as recent Final Fantasy titles, this could actually be a strength. Heart of Gaia boasts a detailed world and interesting team-based gameplay, features that many Final Fantasy fans have been requesting.

Heart of Gaia’s Steampunk World and Party-Driven Combat Fill a Final Fantasy-Sized Void

Heart of Gaia is an action RPG with a steampunk setting, taking place in a world still recovering from a devastating event called the Decline of the Gods. Centuries ago, a powerful chaos dragon was defeated and sealed away, but troubling signs indicate its return may be imminent. As mysterious cults and hidden groups begin to operate, a diverse group of heroes finds themselves caught in a growing conflict, battling to prevent an ancient evil from rising again. Players will experience fast-paced, real-time combat and can switch between party members as they explore a world where the remnants of a divine past clash with the advancements of technology, and where secrets from long ago refuse to stay hidden.

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Heart of Gaia’s Core Features

  • EXPANSIVE STEAMPUNK WORLD — Explore a vast fantasy setting with steampunk aesthetics.
  • PARTY-BASED RPG ELEMENTS — Assemble and control a party with varied skills.
  • REAL-TIME COMBAT SYSTEM — Fight using dynamic real-time action combat.
  • CHARACTER SWITCHING MECHANIC — Swap between party members during combat.
  • SOULS-LIKE CHALLENGES — Includes tough fights and explorative challenges.
  • EMPHASIS ON EXPLORATION — Navigate large regions and discover secrets.
  • RICH LORE AND STORY — A narrative driven by ancient mysteries and conflict.

Just by looking at it, you can see that Heart of Gaia is a unique RPG. Its art style really stands out from most games in the genre. It doesn’t use the pixel art style seen in games like Octopath Traveler and the Dragon Quest 1 & 2 HD-2D Remake, nor does it aim for the realistic graphics of modern JRPGs like Final Fantasy 16. It also isn’t trying to recreate the look of classic SNES RPGs. Instead, Heart of Gaia features visuals that look like hand-drawn oil paintings, with a lot of detail.

What truly sets Heart of Gaia apart is its combat system. Unlike many modern RPGs that stick to either turn-based battles or basic real-time mechanics, Heart of Gaia fully embraces the action RPG style. Players can quickly switch between six different characters during fights, adapting their strategy to whatever challenges they face. While some games, like Octopath Traveler, let you swap party members, the ability to switch between characters with completely different combat styles in real-time is relatively uncommon in the RPG world.

Heart of Gaia’s Six Playable Characters

  • OLEG THE ROGUE — A shadow warrior shaped by tragedy, summoned to Aetheria and driven by vengeance.
  • ALEXANDER THE PALADIN — Captain of the northern infantry and a faithful member of the Order of Paladins, embodying honor and justice.
  • BALTHAZAR THE MAGE — An arcane scholar on a secret mission to track a rogue mage, analytical and knowledgeable about forbidden magic.
  • KATHERINE THE PRIESTESS — A priestess of light known for her compassion and powerful command of white magic.
  • SIGFRA THE HUNTRESS — An elven master archer and elite sentinel guarding the Dark Forest, vigilant and pragmatic.
  • LEORA THE MONK — A disciplined monk from the Floating Isles, dedicated to upholding a sacred seal against a dark curse.

It appears that the characters in Heart of Gaia do more than just fight. Each one plays a role in shaping the game’s story and world. Like many classic JRPGs—particularly the Final Fantasy series—the game seems to focus heavily on character development and emotional storytelling. The unique personalities, histories, and abilities of the characters should make both the battles and the relationships between them more interesting and engaging.

Rather than controlling just one character, players switch between six different heroes, each with their own unique way of fighting and special skills.

Beyond the story, Heart of Gaia boasts a huge world to discover. While the demo only offers a glimpse, the game promises a lot to explore. Players can expect to journey through many steampunk-inspired locations, and the detailed backstory will make each area feel unique, with its own past, struggles, and mysteries.

The Steam page for Heart of Gaia lists it as an open-world game, though it’s not entirely clear if the game offers a completely open world experience.

Heart of Gaia’s Smaller Scale Could Work in Its Favor

Comparing Heart of Gaia to a game like Final Fantasy requires recognizing the difference in their scope. Final Fantasy titles usually have massive budgets, movie-like cutscenes, and widespread marketing. Heart of Gaia, however, is a smaller, independently developed game, and that could actually be a strength. Without the need to meet blockbuster standards, Brokentail Games seems to be concentrating on the essential features that have made the best RPGs so popular.

Many details about Heart of Gaia are still a mystery – we don’t yet know the final gameplay length, how the story will unfold, or how complex the characters will be. However, even with these unknowns, it’s already looking promising compared to other RPGs in development. It aims to be a deeply emotional experience, potentially appealing to Final Fantasy fans who are craving a story that resonates without relying on tired clichés. If the developers stay on track, it could be exactly what those players are looking for.

Heart of Gaia launches on Steam in Q1 2026.

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2026-02-26 00:05