The Dark Crown: Genesis – An Anticipated Indie Roguelike Adventure

In our Indies We’re Waiting For column, we spotlight indie games on our radar, eagerly anticipating their release. Today, we delve into five intriguing articles.

5-person local team Sharaido Games’ pixel roguelike The Dark Crown: Genesis:

SMALL TEAM: The Dark Crown: Genesis is brought to life by Sharaido Games, a dedicated team of five. This pixelated roguelike adventure follows the journey of Shieda, who is sacrificed to an eternal dungeon to fulfill a demonic pact recorded in ancient history. However, one demon in the dungeon offers Shieda a lifeline—but as we all know, no bargain with demons is ever without a hefty cost!

GAMEPLAY AND STORY GO HAND IN HAND: The Dark Crown: Genesis promises a seamless blend of roguelike gameplay and an immersive narrative. The developers have set a challenging goal, especially weaving a story across procedurally generated maps. Having had the chance to experience the game during its testing phase, I can affirm that the synergy in movement and combat mechanics is commendable.

WHAT WAS ONCE YOURS IS NOW MINE: A standout feature of the game is the ability to absorb elemental powers and weapons from defeated bosses. I’m curious whether players will have the option to bypass or decline these abilities, or if progression will be linear. After all, engaging with evil often carries its own risks—will we be cursed?

IS ART FOR THE GAME?: What initially drew me to The Dark Crown: Genesis, besides Shieda’s compelling narrative, was its art design. Although the maps are procedurally generated, each location is meticulously handcrafted. The effort is evident and tangible. From columns reminiscent of the Basilica Cistern to towers stretching infinitely on the horizon, the game’s environments captivate. Doors that we smash remain forever open, adding to the immersive experience.

LOCAL AND NATIONAL: Reminiscent of Dead Cells, The Dark Crown: Genesis immediately invoked a sense of “I need to play this” upon first glance. Developed by a local team, it proudly offers Turkish language support. Additionally, it supports controllers from Xbox and PlayStation. I played with a PS DualSense, and the gameplay felt smooth. Most importantly, the game features… a double-jump! Yes, a double-jump mechanic in mid-air, and that’s crucial!

THE DARK CROWN: GENESIS
Genre: Roguelike
Platform: PC
Production: Sharaido Games
Distribution: Sharaido Games
Release Date: 2025

• #The Dark Crown: Genesis