You might not expect a Montreal-based studio to dive into Scottish history, but with a love for epic battles and a little inspiration from a certain Mel Gibson film, Paper Cult is doing just that.
A Braveheart-Like Tale with a Sci-Fi Twist
Tears of Metal is a cooperative hack-and-slash game set in a supernatural version of medieval Scotland, where players lead a band of Scottish soldiers against an English army corrupted by a mysterious meteorite. The story centers around a fallen meteor known as the Dragon Stone, which crash-lands on a Scottish island. When an English general goes rogue after encountering the stone, he severs ties with the English crown, commandeers the island, and begins mining the rock for its dangerous potential. This prompts the Scottish to rise up and reclaim their land—led by none other than the player.
As the leader of this Scottish battalion, you’ll hack and slash your way through enemy forces, advancing ever closer to the meteor’s ominous influence. The game’s world, inspired by the lush landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, gradually transitions from serene green vistas to a nightmarish, almost post-apocalyptic battlefield as you approach the Dragon Stone. According to Raphaël Toulouse, the game’s director and co-founder of Paper Cult, the environment “gets weirder and weirder, and by the end, it’s almost post-apocalyptic.”
Roguelike Mechanics with High Stakes
Tears of Metal isn’t just about mowing down enemies in style—it’s a roguelike game, meaning each defeat sends you back to square one. However, the army you’ve built remains intact, giving you a fighting chance on your next attempt. But be warned: like in the XCOM series, if one of your soldiers falls in battle, they’re gone for good. This adds a layer of tension, making every move on the battlefield count, especially when it involves saving a favorite character from permanent demise.
The gameplay draws clear inspiration from the Dynasty Warriors series, where powerful warriors carve through hordes of enemies in stylized recreations of historical battles. But Toulouse is quick to note that Tears of Metal relies less on “button mashing” and more on strategy. The game supports up to four players, each commanding their own army, allowing for cooperative gameplay that adds depth and excitement.
Why Medieval Scotland? Thank Mel Gibson
It’s intriguing that a French-Canadian indie studio would choose medieval Scotland as the setting for their game. As it turns out, the decision was partly influenced by marketing—Scotland’s rich history and instantly recognizable imagery provide a compelling backdrop for the game. But there’s another, more personal reason: Toulouse is a huge fan of Braveheart. He recalls watching the film repeatedly with a friend after school, captivated by its action scenes and stirring soundtrack. This early obsession with Braveheart planted the seeds for what would eventually become Tears of Metal.
Despite not having any personal ties to Scotland, Toulouse and his team are making an effort to ensure authenticity in the game’s portrayal of Scottish culture. Paper Cult is collaborating with a writer who has deep connections with Scotland and who visits the country regularly. The studio is particularly focused on getting the dialogue right, a crucial aspect given the often-criticized Scottish accents in historical video games.
A Long Road Ahead
Tears of Metal has been in development for over four years, with its release date tentatively set for next year. Despite still being a work in progress, the game has already garnered significant attention. After its reveal at Summer Game Fest in June, it quickly amassed over 100,000 wishlists on Steam—a number that Toulouse is thrilled about, especially since it surpasses the lifetime wishlists of their previous game, Bloodroots.
With its unique blend of historical inspiration and supernatural elements, Tears of Metal promises to be a thrilling ride for fans of the genre. The game’s development journey reflects a passion for storytelling and a commitment to creating a gaming experience that’s as rich and complex as the history that inspired it.
For now, eager players will have to wait patiently for the official release date, but if the early buzz is any indication, Tears of Metal is set to carve out its place in the gaming world.
