Arcane Overdrive blends survivor and rogue-like gameplay with fantasy vehicles
Independent developer Nords Games has officially announced Arcane Overdrive, a survivor-like and roguelike hybrid set in a fantasy medieval world. Players construct vehicles from modular parts and monsters, then battle waves of orcs, werewolves, skeletons, and bosses using medieval weapons and spells.
A playable demo will be available during Steam Next Fest, running from October 13 to 20.
Fantasy vehicles built from monsters and magic
Each vehicle in Arcane Overdrive is composed of three parts—top, middle, and bottom—that affect stats, weapon slots, movement, and abilities. Lower components generally determine movement, whether steering like a car or swaying like a horse-drawn carriage. An option is also planned to allow character-style directional controls.
Game designer Can Sancaktaroğlu explained the vision: “We wanted players to fight using their own unique fantasy vehicles. These machines are assembled from mystical parts and monsters found throughout the world. Adventurers such as wizards and mercenaries appear from the vehicles, supporting the player in battle.”
Weapons, spells and progression system
Players can arm their vehicles with weapons and spells drawn from vehicle parts or level-up rewards. Options span elemental powers like fire, ice, electricity, poison, and physical attacks. Equipping duplicate weapons during level-ups enhances their stats, allowing increasingly powerful combinations.
Progression comes through a skill tree that unlocks permanent upgrades and mechanics, while each map features unique bosses with specialized mechanics to challenge different playstyles.
Key features include:
- Customizable vehicles with monster and magical components
- Choice between car-style driving and directional character movement
- Map-specific bosses with unique mechanics
- Weapon and spell combos for diverse strategies
- Richly detailed medieval fantasy world
- Unlockable upgrades via a skill tree
Arcane Overdrive will be available soon on Steam, with its first demo going live during Steam Next Fest on October 13.
