Ex-Telltale Dev Announces Action-Adventure Game Focused on Self-Discovery

Previously at Telltale Games as a Lead Designer, Writer, and Creative Director, Mark Darin recently unveiled his newest venture under his studio, Pinhead Games. Named Earl the Tomb Robber, it’s an action-adventure game scheduled for release on PC in the coming year.

As a gamer, I embark on an adventure where I play as Earl, a tomb raider, who unknowingly binds himself to the spirit of an old king due to a haunting curse. To free myself, I delve into ancient tombs and excavate graves in pursuit of the fragmented, mummified remnants of this long-dead monarch – a concept that’s eerie yet captivating. It might be a worn-out plot, but when done right, it truly hits the mark!

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The game takes place on an appropriately titled “Isle of the Departed.” Here, Earl delves into exploration, unravels puzzles, and participates in classic third-person action combat.

Though there’s no video game action shown as of now, the live Steam page gives us a sneak peek into the game’s workings and storyline through its detailed descriptions.

As stated by Mark Darin, the game blends elements from God of War and Uncharted with a distinct indie Pixar style, although it operates on a more limited budget. This blend is noticeable in the game’s 3D graphics, which are reminiscent of titles such as Hello Neighbor, but without the unsettling undercurrents.

As Earl navigates through the island, he’ll meet indigenous residents and discover stunning landscapes, much like Nathan Drake or Lara Croft in their adventures. Additionally, he’ll face various cursed beasts, emphasizing the game’s roots in classic adventure themes.

Darin is embarking on his initial venture since completing 15 years at Telltale Games. Following a significant health problem which left him incapacitated, he went through a period of decline, but ultimately found comfort in video game creation. With Earl the Grave Robber, he aims to work through his hardships and provide players with an adventure that echoes the experiences of those confronting similar trials.

In contrast to his earlier Telltale games which were episodic adventure titles, Earl the Tomb Robber is not divided into episodes. Instead, it’s a full game that can be played in its entirety once purchased. Although the game is still being developed, fans can look forward to updates and sneak peeks in the coming months leading up to its planned 2026 release.

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2025-02-19 20:42