Children of Morta is a beautiful rogue-lite and action role-playing video game developed by Dead Mage that tells the epic story of an extraordinary family of heroes embarking on a quest to save the world. The Corruption has spread all over the land and the Bergson family, guardians of the Mountain Morta now have to stand up against it. Featuring rogue-lite combat and gameplay, 8 unique playable characters with a diverse set of skills, and a rich world full of history and magic and gorgeous hand-painted pixel art style, Children of Morta is a tale that goes beyond the iconic hero adventure.

We Are One

While the threat of the Corruption looms ever near to our protagonists, saving the world isn’t as central as the importance of family in this particular story. The Bergsons all have abilities that make them capable heroes in their own right, but it is by working together that they become stronger against any adversary. Outside battle, however, they’re just like any normal family—living together, learning each other’s quirks, and understanding each other in times of strife. This strong familial bond is needed more than ever now, as the Bergsons will have to fight off the darkness creeping into their beloved home. You’ll join them on this treacherous journey and will have to make choices that will either make or break your family.

Despite Our Differences

As a roguelike game, the combat will be happening in real-time and you need to traverse large maps full of enemies that will come after you relentlessly. With your character merely a small sprite on the screen, you have to be quick with your hands and wit as you try to eliminate them and stay alive. Fortunately, Children of Morta has 8 playable characters from the Bergson family whom you can control. Each of them has specific skills and roles on the battlefield. If you like up-close and personal in combat, you can choose the ones who wield melee weapons. If you prefer some distance, those with a bow or a magic staff might suit you. Two members of the family aren’t fighters but will aid you with knowledge, wisdom, and proper gear to be prepared against danger, so you should pay attention to them, as well.

Under Our Protection

The world of Rea relies heavily on the mysterious Mountain Morta. As such, it is the Bergson family’s honor-bound duty to protect it and everyone else. There are secrets to be discovered in this breathtakingly rendered world, so you shouldn’t be shy in exploring. With the Corruption around, expect the world to constantly be changing. Every dungeon or area you’ll enter will change for better or worse. Children of Morta’s art style is a combination of hand-painted pixel art, frame-by-frame animations, and modern lighting techniques. As soon as you start playing, you’ll be lost in a world so intimate and precious that you’ll be more motivated to help the Bergsons. It gets better with local co-op mode available in the game, allowing you to partner up with a friend-turned-family and go on to push back the Corruption to preserve this great beauty.

Once Upon a Time

If you’re looking for a game that will immerse you in both its world and story, Children of Morta is a good choice. It’s not just about the struggles of a corrupted land but also the drama of a family that is trying to keep their world together. The story doesn’t overpower the action—you still get to explore vast dungeons that will need your skills in order to be cleansed from the Corruption. However, this is also a game that tells you to listen and remember that family is your anchor. This is highly recommended for rogue-lite and RPG fans and those who want an evocative plot.