Entropy: A New Turn-Based RPG from the Creator of Dread Delusion

For fans of the bizarre, the beautiful, and the deeply unsettling, the announcement of a new project from James Wragg and his studio, Lovely Hellplace, is a cause for celebration. Known for the cult hit Dread Delusion, a first-person RPG that masterfully blended a low-poly aesthetic with a rich, “Morrowindy” fantasy world, the studio is now shifting gears. Their next title, Entropy, promises to be a turn-based JRPG set in another one of their signature, twisted fantasy realms. Published by the indie horror specialists at DreadXP, the game is slated for a 2026 release on Steam, and it’s already generating significant buzz among gamers seeking a truly unique experience.

While Dread Delusion focused on real-time combat and open-world exploration, Entropy will trade those mechanics for a tactical, turn-based battle system. This is a bold departure, but one that aligns with the developer’s penchant for classic gaming sensibilities. The game is inspired by the tactical depth of classic JRPGs, and you’ll lead a party of up to six characters in your quest to save a dying world. This shift in genre allows for a different kind of storytelling and a greater emphasis on party management and strategic decision-making. The announcement trailer and early details reveal a game that maintains the fungal, pixelated aesthetic of its predecessor while introducing a new flavor of unsettling locales and disturbing creatures.

A World on the Brink of Extinction

The world of Entropy is a place of profound decay. There was no cataclysmic event, no sudden apocalypse. Instead, the world has simply withered away, a victim of “the cruel march of time and the inexplicable infertility of the world.” The remnants of humanity cling to life in squalid, medieval settlements, stalked by accursed creatures and ruled by tyrants. This bleak, atmospheric setting is a hallmark of Lovely Hellplace’s work and promises to be a rich tapestry for a new kind of adventure. The narrative begins in the town of Draenog, where you play as a simple thespian whose theatrical performance is brutally interrupted by the arrival of demons. Armed with only a wooden prop sword, you must gather your acting troupe and embark on a desperate quest across the poisoned lands to stop the demonic incursion.

The game’s lore is already a strong point, with the developers crafting a world that is as fascinating as it is terrifying. The blend of high fantasy and cosmic horror, a genre that has seen a surge in popularity, is a core part of Entropy’s appeal. The game’s focus on exploration and discovery, a core element of Dread Delusion, will carry over, but with a new twist. You’ll navigate an expansive world map, uncovering explorable towns, meeting colorful characters, and forging your path on this expedition to hell. The promise of a world filled with unique characters, challenges, and treasure is a powerful draw for players who value exploration and discovery.

JRPG Mechanics with a Modern, Dark Twist

The tactical combat system of Entropy is a key selling point. Players will control a party of up to six characters, with the option to hire mercenaries to replace any fallen members. This party management system adds a layer of strategic depth, forcing players to think carefully about their team composition and resources. Leveling up your characters, increasing their stats, and unlocking new perks will be essential for survival in this unforgiving world. The game’s retro 3D aesthetic, while a nod to the past, is used to create a modern and unsettling atmosphere. The developers are using the visual style not just for nostalgia, but as a tool to convey a sense of dread and otherworldliness, a skill they perfected in their previous work.

The shift to a turn-based system also opens up opportunities for more complex boss battles and puzzle-like encounters, where brute force is not always the answer. The game’s narrative-rich design and focus on player choice will be crucial to its success. Like Dread Delusion, Entropy will likely offer players multiple paths and solutions to their problems, encouraging experimentation and creative problem-solving. This high degree of player agency, combined with the grim, atmospheric world, positions Entropy as a strong contender in the indie RPG market, especially for those seeking a premium gaming experience that stands apart from mainstream titles.

Key Features of Entropy:

• Tactical Turn-Based Combat: A deep combat system inspired by classic JRPGs, with a party of up to six characters.
• Expansive World: Explore a dying world map filled with unique towns, characters, and secrets.
• Retro Aesthetic: A beautiful and unsettling low-poly 3D style that is both nostalgic and modern.
• Party Management: Recruit, manage, and customize a party of adventurers and mercenaries.
• Narrative Rich: A compelling story of a dying world and a desperate quest against a demonic onslaught.

Entropy is set to launch on Steam in 2026, with a demo available at PAX West. For fans of Dread Delusion, JRPGs, and cosmic horror, this is a title to keep a close eye on. It’s an exciting new chapter for Lovely Hellplace and a testament to the fact that independent developers are continuing to innovate and create games that defy genre conventions and leave a lasting impression.