Steam: German RPG inspired by The Witcher and Gothic delivers retro charm and dark fantasy atmosphere
Just a few days ago, German indie developer Mysteria Studio UG unveiled Asterfel, a new action RPG drawing clear inspiration from some of the genre’s most iconic titles. “Our team behind Asterfel is heavily inspired by classics like The Witcher and the Gothic series. Our goal is to create a world that feels alive,” the studio states on its website. The one-minute trailer, released on YouTube, provides a first look at gameplay and has already sparked lively discussion within the community.
Asterfel casts players as stranded adventurers in the island nation of the same name, where a greedy king’s reckless exploitation of the mines awakens an ancient god – with devastating consequences. Magic spirals out of control, nature turns hostile and the dead begin to rise. Three factions – the Crown Wardens loyal to the throne, the rebellious Kindred and the knowledge-seeking Scholars – offer distinct paths to shape the story.
On the gameplay side, Asterfel offers an open-world experience played from a third-person perspective, built on classic RPG mechanics. Players can fight with swords, bows or rune magic, while exploring castles, villages, ruins and forests. Quests are designed with meaningful choices and consequences, capturing the spirit of early 2000s role-playing games.
Initial reactions on YouTube have been largely positive, with many viewers praising the strong Gothic vibes, the retro charm and the dark fantasy setting. At the same time, criticism has emerged over clunky animations, distracting damage numbers in the interface and steep hardware requirements despite the relatively simple visuals.
Coming Soon
Asterfel is already listed on Steam with a “Coming Soon” tag, though no official release date has been announced. While some hopeful fans are anticipating a launch by the end of 2025, the scope of the project and the size of the indie team make a 2026 release or later more likely. Interested players can add the game to their wishlist to stay informed.
