Tencent has officially announced Ordinary Oddness, a new free-to-play open world action RPG currently in development by one of its internal teams, COSMICPUP STUDIO. The reveal was accompanied by an extensive gameplay video showcasing the title's unique visual style and mechanics. While the game is confirmed for PC, mobile devices, Xbox, and PlayStation 5, developers have not yet provided a specific release window.
The game takes place in Elysian Skyes, a futuristic city floating above an endless sea of clouds. This surreal setting is inhabited by humans and Mythoids, bizarre creatures with strange forms that coexist following a transformative event known as the Albinox Judgement. The world features a chaotic mix of human NPCs and odd entities, including beings with giant hands for heads or smiling pears riding motorbikes, reflecting the game's theme of "ordinary madness."
Players assume the role of a certified private investigator operating out of an agency on Breezeway Lane. This protagonist, whose face is initially obscured by a brown bag and later by silver tape, appears to be a survivor of a past incident with potential memory loss. The narrative involves taking on missions from both humans and Mythoids, ranging from self-contained stories to the main quest involving Luminar, a glittering young woman who acts as the primary antagonist. During a Mythoid Day celebration, Luminar causes chaos by transforming citizens into candy-like figures. The investigator is aided by Arabelle, a headless and bodyless assistant who communicates through screens and paintings.
Gameplay footage highlights traversal mechanics where the protagonist uses a grappling hook to reach high areas without traditional climbing, alongside combat sequences against bosses and minions sent by Luminar. The combat system appears to rely on a party of three characters capable of executing simple moves and parries. Critics note that this system seems simplified compared to competitors, raising concerns about long-term engagement, though the full depth of character roles and equipment customization remains to be seen. Given the similarities to titles like Genshin Impact, there is speculation that Ordinary Oddness may utilize a gacha model.
The exploration aspect of Elysian Skyes was not fully detailed in the trailer, as the shown sequences were heavily guided rather than open-ended. Questions remain regarding the density of collectibles, puzzles, and secrets within the world, as well as whether movement options like skateboards will be expanded beyond the initial toolkit. Visually, the game runs on Unreal Engine 5 and is praised for its high level of detail and vibrant color palette, which developers claim represents the actual in-game quality without artificial enhancements. However, performance compromises may be necessary for mobile and console versions compared to the PC build.
Sources: Everyeye.it.