Introduction
Tabletop role-playing games have long inspired video game adaptations, often resulting in faithful RPGs like Planescape: Torment or Shadowrun: Dragonfall. But every so often, a developer dares to take a different path, morphing the source material into something unexpected. Enter Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Rageborn, a top-down metroidvania that reimagines the World of Darkness TTRPG in a way that feels both bold and refreshingly natural.
Announced by Crea-ture Studios, this upcoming title transforms the lore of eco-terrorist werewolves into a side-scrolling action-adventure, trading dice rolls for real-time combat and exploration. It's a risky move—but one that could pay off handsomely if the developers' confidence holds.
A Fresh Take on the World of Darkness
While many tabletop-to-video-game conversions lean into the RPG genre, Rageborn takes a different route. The game is described as a classic action-adventure heavily inspired by the metroidvania formula. According to Louis Lamarche, president and creative director at Crea-ture Studios, the shapeshifting abilities of the werewolf character naturally lend themselves to this style of gameplay.
“The game is very inspired by classic action-adventure,” Lamarche said. “What really inspired us to use the Werewolf: The Apocalypse brand was the fact that the character itself comes with his own metroidvania elements due to his shapeshifting design.”
In a typical metroidvania, the protagonist gains tools that unlock new areas or abilities. Here, the tools are replaced by forms, each offering unique skills. Players will dynamically shift between these forms to solve puzzles, traverse environments, and defeat enemies.
Shapeshifting as a Core Mechanic
Shapeshifting isn't just a visual gimmick—it's the heart of the gameplay. The ability to morph between three distinct forms echoes the classic Wonder Boy 3: The Dragon's Trap, where transformations were key to progression. Each form serves a specific purpose, encouraging constant experimentation.
The Three Forms Explained
- Lupus (Wolf Form): This agile form allows for longer jumps and improved stealth. Use it to slip past enemies or reach high ledges that other forms can't access.
- Crinos (War Form): The classic werewolf shape, fueled by rage. This form excels at melee combat, unleashing powerful combos and smashing through certain obstacles. It's your go-to for intense battles.
- Homid (Human Form): Sometimes you need a more subtle approach. In human form, you can wield ranged weapons like guns and a crossbow, plus a kyoketsu shoge—a ninja tool combining a knife and rope. This weapon aids both combat and mobility, letting you grapple across gaps.
The need to constantly swap forms based on the situation adds a layer of strategic depth. It's not just about fighting—exploration and puzzle-solving require thoughtful transformation.
How It Compares to Previous Adaptations
This isn't the first video game based on Werewolf: The Apocalypse. The previous attempt, Earthblood, featured a generic sad-dad protagonist and frustrating stealth sections that left many fans disappointed. The metroidvania approach feels like a deliberate departure from that misfire, offering a more fluid and engaging experience.
If you're looking for a different kind of World of Darkness game, keep an eye on Hunter: The Reckoning, an upcoming FPS-RPG. But for those who prefer side-scrolling action with a wilderness twist, Rageborn seems to be carving its own path.
Release and Platform Details
Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Rageborn is scheduled for a 2027 release. It will be available on Steam, with other platforms yet to be announced. Given the development timeline, expect more details and gameplay reveals in the coming years.
For now, the teaser trailer focuses on gameplay—a smart move that shows confidence in the product. Whether this shapeshifting metroidvania will howl success or remain a cult curiosity remains to be seen, but it's certainly one to watch.
Best MMOs: Most massive | Best strategy games: Number crunching | Best open world games: Unlimited exploration | Best survival games: Live craft love | Best horror games: Fight or flight