Release Date: July 18, 2025
An RPG set in a prison filled by anthropomorphic animals. In Back to the Dawn we can play as 1 of 2 playable prisoners - a fox or a black panther. Our main objective is to survive during our stay in prison, but we must also solve the local conspiracy and find a way to escape.
Escape from prison is a theme rarely used in video games. Developers from the independent studio Metal Head Games decided to change this state of affairs, the result of which is an RPG they developed titled Back to the Dawn.
In Back to the Dawn we watch the events from a bird's eye view.
The games transports us to a world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, specifically - to a high-security prison in Boulderton.
We start the game by choosing one of two characters. Thomas the Fox is a journalist, thrown behind bars after getting entangled in a dark conspiracy. Bob the Black Panther is a secret agent, who lets himself be handcuffed to carry out his last mission.
Although in both cases our primary goal is to escape from this place, we first need to uncover the truth about the danger looming over all of Boulderton.
The prison in which we are locked is ruled by three powerful gangs, and this place is inhabited by nearly 50 NPCs. There are over 100 missions waiting to be completed.
The game offers a range of paths that we can follow, each of which is associated with unique risks and rewards. What we do along the way largely depends on our own whims. We can either strive to be exemplary prisoners who abide by the rules prevailing in this place (or at least give such an impression), or on the contrary - sow chaos wherever we appear.
The choices we make affect the course of the story and its ending, as well as how other prisoners perceive us. Depending on our actions, some may become our allies, while others - victims (whom we can intimidate and rob) or enemies. Additionally, we can join a chosen gang or act on our own.
As we progress, we develop characters, adapting them to individual play style. We can embody both tough guys who solve problems with their fists, as well as cunning thieves or crafty speakers manipulating other prisoners.
There is also a crafting system here, thanks to which we can produce useful items.
The graphic design of Back to the Dawn was made using pixel art technique.
Platforms:
PC Windows July 18, 2025
Xbox One July 18, 2025
Nintendo Switch March 5, 2026
Xbox Series X/S July 18, 2025
Switch 2 March 5, 2026
Age restrictions: 12+
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System Requirements for Back to the Dawn Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 750 Ti, 3 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 1650, 3 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.
Game Ratings for Back to the Dawn Video Game.
Gaming Furever: 5 / 5 by Joshua Wyld
Back to the Dawn is truly surprising. Its scale is much more deep than its surface appearance gives off, and you can tell how much the development team invested into the creative storytelling process. It shows in every decision you make, every animation of every animal character, and every story beat you hit. Living within and trying to make your escape from out of the prison feels important and impactful, and you really find yourself caring about (some) of the people locked inside there with you, and the people trying to help you get out (literally and figuratively) of the conflicts you find yourself wrapped up in. If you start Back to the Dawn, don’t expect to put it down until you finish it…and then finish it again.
Thumb Culture: 5 / 5
If you’re looking for an excellent and well-crafted world with small RPG mechanics, then Back to the Dawn is for you. I enjoyed the premise but fell in love with the wide cast of characters and amazing storytelling it offers. Although I botched my first run, taking what new info I had made it more interesting on my second attempt. The dice rolling is fair and offers a great variety of ways to improve them. Making Back to the Dawn is a great game for beginners to the RPG genre. Although there isn’t a lot of choice in-game, I never felt forced down a specific path. For example, having to side with someone to actually survive in the prison. You can keep to yourself and only befriend those you need to. It was great to have the deadline feel way more like a motivator. Rather than it being an actual time-restraint. Gameplay keeps you engaged, but doesn’t force you to do the stuff you hate. Which, for me, was some of the job mini-games. Bonding with the other inmates doesn’t feel like a chore, for filling their rapport bars. It is plain to see that the devs have put a lot of love and passion into Back to the Dawn. With its various Easter eggs and references for you to find. So, in the end, screw trying to bust out of prison. I’m going to need someone to help me out with putting this game down. That’s why I’m giving Back to the Dawn the Thumb Culture Platinum Award. I can’t wait to see what you come up with in the future!
Game8: 90 / 100 by Uriel Rodriguez
Back to the Dawn is a masterfully crafted RPG that pulls no punches—an unflinching dive into the grit and grind of prison life, where every decision carries weight and survival hinges on strategy. With a cast of brilliantly written anthropomorphic inmates, it delivers a raw, rewarding experience that lingers long after the final escape.
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