Dev loves side stories so much it balloons
Some games are built in a vacuum, offering experimental combat in a bizarre, fallen world. But when those games are built by a team with a passion for storytelling, they become something truly extraordinary. That is the case with Entropy, the early access RPG from Lovely Hellplace, which promises a deep dive into strange narratives and unforgettable characters.
Entropy is more than just a JRPG-style combat experience set in a forgotten landscape; it is a deliberate exploration of what happens when you let the side stories drive the narrative. The game stands as a fascinating sequel to Dread Delusion, where the developer clearly aimed to push the boundaries of player engagement by prioritizing depth over simple linearity.
The secret behind this narrative focus comes directly from the developers themselves. Lead developer James Wragg has passionately explained that side quests are almost the core reason he makes video games. He sees them as essential avenues for exploring themes and developing rich, living characters—a philosophy that clearly informs every corner of Entropy.
Wragg admits that side content is where the real magic happens. He estimates that he contributed to about a third of the writing in Entropy, focusing on creating broad outlines and allowing other writers to fill in the details. This commitment to expansive storytelling means that Entropy delivers not just an epic main quest, but a world teeming with rich, strange side plots.
This commitment to character exploration extends into the game’s mechanics. Entropy features a large party system, allowing players to recruit not only story-centric companions but also anonymous mercenary characters. Crucially, all party members—whether quest-driven or mercenary—are subject to permadeath, adding a layer of high-stakes consequence to every interaction.
Wragg emphasizes the rewarding nature of interacting with these characters, noting that video games uniquely allow players to have genuine conversations, uncovering beliefs and backstories in ways that might be impossible in a film or novel. It is this deep level of interaction that Wragg believes makes the experience truly compelling.
Whether you are drawn to the ethical dilemmas of vegetarian zombies in one title or the mystery of a person erased from history in another, Entropy invites you to get lost in the strange. It is an invitation to explore narratives where the unexpected is always waiting just around the corner.
Entropy is currently available in early access on Steam for a very reasonable price, making this deep, character-driven adventure accessible to players ready for a truly unique experience.
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