Following the triumph of Drova, which garnered the title of Best Indie Game of 2024 as voted by readers of GlobalESportNews, the German indie studio Just2D has officially announced their forthcoming endeavor: Project Topas. Although it’s still uncertain if this new title will serve as a direct sequel to Drova or introduce an entirely fresh intellectual property, initial insights indicate that it will enhance the solid groundwork established by its predecessor while presenting a variety of new features and enhancements.
A Preview of Project Topas
In a recently unveiled developer video, Just2D provided fans with an initial glimpse into the concept of Project Topas. Similar to Drova, this upcoming game will be a 2D pixel art role-playing game (RPG) situated in an open world. It will be crafted with the same engine that powered Drova, but with significant upgrades informed by comprehensive community feedback.
The aesthetic will maintain the retro allure of pixel art, a signature of Just2D’s artistic approach, while the gameplay is set to advance in significant ways. The team’s goal is to offer a more engaging and polished experience that caters both to Drova’s fans and newcomers alike.
Notable Enhancements and New Features
One of the most eagerly awaited upgrades in Project Topas is its more dynamic combat system. Although Drova was lauded for its atmospheric world and storytelling, certain players found the combat mechanics rather rigid. Just2D has responded by reworking the system to enable more fluid and responsive battles, incorporating greater tactical complexity.
Another significant improvement is the introduction of richer character development and narrative elements. Players will have the chance to delve into more nuanced stories and make impactful choices that shape the game world. Furthermore, the game will support a fully developed mage playstyle—something that was somewhat restricted in Drova—allowing for a wider array of combat and role-playing options.
The level design is also receiving a refresh. In response to feedback indicating that some areas in Drova were overly complicated, Project Topas will feature clearer and more intuitive layouts. This alteration is expected to enhance navigation and diminish player frustration, particularly in exploration-intensive sections of the game.
Immersion and Player Agency
Just2D is strongly focusing on immersion in Project Topas. A new crime system will be implemented, adding layers of consequences and realism to player actions. This system will interact with the world in dynamic ways, influencing how NPCs and factions respond to the player’s actions.
In line with contemporary RPG trends, Project Topas will not incorporate fixed character classes. Instead, players will have the freedom to develop their characters as they wish, selecting skills and attributes that align with their preferred style of play. This flexibility aims to promote experimentation and replayability.
Community-Driven Development
A standout feature of Project Topas is its close alignment with community input. Just2D has actively engaged with players to understand what they cherished—and what they wished to see improved—in Drova. Consequently, features like fast travel and enhanced late-game content are being prioritized for the new title.
To facilitate the broader scope of the game, Just2D has welcomed two new members to their development team. These individuals will concentrate on quest design, game mechanics, and level design, ensuring that Project Topas provides a polished and captivating experience from beginning to end.
Looking Forward
Although no official release date has been revealed, excitement for Project Topas is already growing. With its combination of classic pixel art aesthetics, modern RPG mechanics, and a clear dedication to player feedback, the game is developing into a worthy successor—or spiritual companion—to Drova.
Whether it ends up being Drova 2 or something entirely different, one thing is certain: Just2D is set to leave another significant mark on the indie RPG landscape.
For more updates, visit the original article on Global Esport News.