### We Explored a Gloomier Interpretation of Camelot at Gamescom 2024 and Honed Our Skills Alongside the Developers
At Gamescom 2024, we had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in a re-envisioned, gloomier rendition of Camelot, where the famed King Arthur is no longer the honorable monarch we recognize. Instead, he has transformed into a despot who needs to be overthrown. The title that manifests this somber vision is **Sworn**, an action roguelike created by Windwalk Games. With its dark ambiance, medieval backdrop, and a mix of fantasy elements, Sworn feels like a fulfillment of a GlobalESportNews bingo card. It’s a title that seeks to keep you captivated, whether you’re playing solo or enjoying time with friends.
But does Sworn possess the depth to support its striking exterior? I aimed to uncover this by engaging with the developers and experiencing the game firsthand at Gamescom 2024.
### Four Fists Against Camelot
**What type of game is Sworn?** In this action-filled roguelike, you assume the role of an unnamed warrior set on toppling King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. This is not the Camelot of myth; it’s a grimmer, more malevolent realm where the king’s reign is unquestionable, and his knights lack any sense of honor.
You can embark on this journey solo or join forces with up to three other players, offering Sworn a flexible gameplay experience suitable for both lone wolves and those who enjoy collaborating with companions. Throughout your quest, you’ll receive assistance from recognizable figures of Arthurian lore, such as the wizard Merlin and the mysterious Lady of the Lake, Nimue.
However, do not anticipate a profoundly narrative-driven experience. Sworn prioritizes its gameplay and mechanics. As you progress, you’ll unlock four unique characters: Vigilante, Monk, Rook, and Spectre. Each character boasts distinct strengths and weaknesses, along with four different unlockable weapons. For example, the Rook is adept in close-quarters combat, while the Spectre specializes in ranged assaults.
Customization plays a crucial role in Sworn. Every weapon can be enhanced and personalized through a node system, and your character benefits from an upgrade system as well. This grants you the ability to forge various builds, adapting your character to align with your favored playstyle—be it prioritizing direct attacks or providing support to your team with spells and tools.
### No Space for Loot Goblins
**How does Sworn operate?** After establishing your base, you’ll plunge into the battlefield, where the gameplay clearly draws from genre leader Hades. You’ll clear areas populated by monsters, then decide which door to enter, each leading to distinct upgrades or valuable resources.
Occasionally, you’ll encounter items that present additional challenges for the sake of greater loot. The cooperative mechanics ensure that every player in your party collects the same rewards, removing the possibility of loot goblins—those players who seize every item indiscriminately. Additionally, friendly fire is disabled, meaning you won’t accidentally damage your teammates.
The enemies and bosses you confront are diverse, with each area presenting unique obstacles. Some rooms can be particularly challenging, featuring ground effects that hinder movement or bosses whose attacks cover extensive areas, complicating damage avoidance. Nevertheless, the game’s adjustable difficulty level guarantees that newcomers to the roguelike genre won’t feel left behind.
### Straddling Material Conflict and “Just One More Round”
Sworn guarantees a total of **ten bosses, several mini-bosses, and other exceptional adversaries** to keep you engaged as you journey through Camelot. Each boss displays a distinct fighting style, ensuring that no two clashes feel identical. However, don’t expect a phase system akin to that of Hades; the bosses in Sworn are designed in a more straightforward manner.
Despite its many strengths, I harbor some concerns regarding the upgrade system. The game inundates players with resources, materials, and systems, which might be daunting, particularly for newcomers. The final release will need to find equilibrium between providing significant customization choices and preventing unnecessary complexity.
That said, the game’s irresistibly addictive “one more round” cycle is already casting its spell. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a game reminiscent of Hades with friends, appreciate dark, medieval environments, and enjoy fine-tuning character builds, Sworn should certainly be on your radar. You can add it to your [Steam wishlist](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1763250/SWORN/) now.
### Conclusion
Sworn is positioning itself to be an intriguing addition to the roguelike genre, delivering a distinct combination of dark fantasy, cooperative gameplay, and intricate mechanics.