As enemy forces close in, I send my young daughter scurrying through an escape tunnel into the woods, taking up arms alongside her brother to meet the imposing commander that’s arrived at my door. Prelude: Dark Pain doesn’t pull its punches, even in the opening battle, but fortunately old companions spot the blaze from distance and rush to our aid. Within moments, we’re fleeing atop an armored caravan hauled by giant, horned beasts, battling our would-be captors on the roof. I take the opportunity to employ knockback skills to great effect, sending them crashing down to the dirt track below as we speed away. Respite, if but for a moment.

 After seven hours of exclusive early access to Prelude Dark Pain, I’m sold on Quickfire Games’ dark fantasy world and tactical RPG combat.  PCGamesN