Strange Scaffold Unveils ‘Gods With Badges,’ a Narrative Tactics Game
- Strange Scaffold announces ‘Gods With Badges,’ a narrative tactics game.
- The game will launch on Steam for PC in 2027, after its debut at the Triple-I Initiative on October 8.
- Players assume the role of Harrow McClellan, a disgraced police officer navigating a dystopian city.
Strange Scaffold, known for titles such as I Am Your Beast and El Paso, Elsewhere, has officially announced the development of Gods With Badges, a narrative tactics game that delves into the influence of police power on life and death.
The announcement was made during the Triple-I Initiative showcase on October 8, with the game slated for release on Steam for PC in 2027. A trailer for the game is available below:
In Gods With Badges, players take on the role of Harrow McClellan, a disgraced police officer who has returned to her original position after a scandal that led to her notoriety. Each dialogue choice and turn-based encounter presents players with the opportunity to either embrace this reputation or strive to overcome it.
Set in the open hubs of Scarhelm, a dystopian future city, players will engage in activities such as seizing contraband, addressing complaints, and investigating evidence in back alleys. Dialogue choices, arrests, and decisions on the use of force will influence Harrow’s relationships with her colleagues, the public, and the governing institutions.
When conflicts escalate, gameplay transitions to isometric turn-based combat, where players can take cover, rescue hostages, and choose their level of force. An intriguing feature allows players to temporarily disable Harrow’s body camera, unlocking tactical and dialogue options while eliminating public record of the ensuing events.
The game originated as Hard Justice, a project that was not completed by strategy studio Artificer. Strange Scaffold has utilized its foundational elements and development assets to forge a new interpretation.
Gods With Badges is also part of Project Share, an initiative that Strange Scaffold launched last year to foster technology exchange among developers and encourage sustainable game development practices. The first project under this initiative was Creepy Redneck Dinosaur Mansion 1: Re-Raptored.
Xalavier Nelson Jr., head of Strange Scaffold, remarked, “With its unique production circumstances and desire for cultural impact, Gods with Badges is among the most ambitious things Strange Scaffold has ever undertaken.” He expressed gratitude towards the original developers at Artificer for their trust and anticipation for players to experience the evolving project.
The game’s soundtrack will be composed by Kris Kirk, known for scoring Space Warlord Baby Trading Simulator.
Reflecting on Strange Scaffold’s earlier title, I Am Your Beast, it was noted that despite its unconventional presentation, it provided a compelling experience, earning a four-star rating for its engaging gameplay and powerful soundtrack.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
