What if you could reshape the past to better shape the future? Clockwork Revolution is expected soon on PC, Xbox Series, and potentially PS5, although no official release date has yet been announced. Developed by inXile Entertainment, the studio behind Wasteland and The Bard's Tale, this first-person RPG is set in a dark and rich steampunk universe. Presented once again at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, the game continues to unveil itself progressively, with ambitious promises and an original gameplay mechanic centered on time travel.
In Clockwork Revolution, you take on the role of Morgan Vanette, a member of the Rotten Row Hooligans, in the town ofAvalon, where poverty and revolt stand in opposition to Lady Ironwood's authoritarian rule. This predefined character can be modified, however, thanks to a comprehensive customization tool that lets you choose your appearance, skills and class. The gameplay relies heavily on a special glove that can be used to manipulate time: turning back time to avoid death, altering the environment or changing past events to influence their repercussions in the present. This mechanic, at the heart of the game, promises a "reactive narrative" and "choices with consequences that are sometimes a little excessive, but satisfying".
Clockwork Revolution is aimed above all at fans of demanding, narrative RPGs, looking for an immersive experience in a coherent, stylized world. Fans of BioShock Infinite or Dishonored will find a familiar visual ambience, blending Victorian aesthetics with futuristic dystopia. The steampunk aspect is reinforced by dialogues laden with a British accent and marked sarcasm, and an atmosphere where the oppressed fight against manipulative elites.
The title is also in line with the current trend for games offering freedom of action reinforced by complex crafting and customization systems. Every decision influences the story, and the gameplay promises varied tactical options via weapon modification. "Add a barrel here and a handle there, and you'll be able to change your weapon's stats", say the developers. This system is intended to be both playful and strategic, encouraging experimentation.
The world of Avalon, as presented in the trailer unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase, part of Summer Game Fest, reveals a city in crisis, where the disenfranchised steal to survive and gangs prey on the weak. The hero discovers that the city's history has been manipulated by Lady Ironwood, who seeks to "change the past, control the future". This promising scenario lends a political and social scope to the story, reinforcing the player's emotional involvement. As inXile explains in an interview, this is "the most ambitious project to date".
Finally, although the exact platforms have yet to be confirmed, the game will launch on day one on Xbox Game Pass (PC and console), confirming Microsoft' s commitment to supporting its studio acquired in 2018.
With its polished art direction, inventive gameplay and complex universe, Clockwork Revolution promises to be a not-to-be-missed event for fans of alternative narratives and innovative gameplay mechanics.
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