Away from Home

Upcoming

Release Date: December 5, 2025

RPG, 2D, Rhythm, Indie Games, jRPG, Urban Fantasy, Singleplayer

A pixel-art RPG with additional mechanics taken from rhythm games, Away From Home is largely focused on combat. You have to display a good sense of rhythm to score points and launch special attacks. The game is also filled with optional activities, similar in concept to those from the Yakuza series.

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Gameplay
Graphics and audio

Classic jRPGs from the 16-bit era have seen a number of imitators over the years. Among this group is Away from Home, a representative of the genre enriched with elements borrowed from rhythm games. This game was developed by independent developer Cameron Smith-Randick, who goes by the pseudonym Squishy, and was inspired by titles such as Earthbound, Mother 3, and Yakuza 0.

Gameplay

In Away from Home the action is viewed from a bird's-eye perspective. We accompany Abby, the main protagonist, and her brother Michael on adventures that determine the fate of the world around them. As we explore locations that are a fantasy variation of the modern world, we meet their inhabitants, engage in conversations with them, complete various quests, and make decisions that affect the course of the story and its ending.

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Additionally, we participate in a series of missions, random events, and side activities that we can pick from during our free time. They only serve as interludes, but also as sources of new moves and items.

Rhythmic combat

Combat plays a crucial role in the game, as it is based on mechanics known from rhythm games. We use directional buttons to execute basic and special attacks, use items, and block enemy strikes. We must ensure that our actions are synchronized with the music, as keeping to the rhythm earns us points that can be used to perform special attacks.

On the battlefield, we need to demonstrate dexterity, reflexes, and a sense of rhythm. It is also important to think tactical and properly utilize the items we have (the game allows us to carry a maximum of three items, used for things like neutralizing enemy attacks) and skillfully juggle special moves. Interestingly, opponents also have these special moves, but they can be countered by completing special quick time events.

Graphics and audio

The graphics of Away from Home were prepared in pixel art technique. The dialogue lines are voiced, and the gameplay unfolds to the accompaniment of music created by artists such as NickNuwe, Chaotrope, Zakku, and Nelward.

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