Back to the Dawn

Released

Release Date: July 18, 2025

RPG, Prison, 2D, Crime, Indie Games, Crafting, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Singleplayer, Xbox Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

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.

7.8

OpenCritic

9.4

Steam

Rate It!

Ratings

[1:42] - Switch 1 and 2 Release Announcement Trailer

 Videos: 3 

Images: 14 

Gameplay
Graphics

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.

Gameplay

In Back to the Dawn we watch the events from a bird's eye view.

Setting and characters

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.

Life behind bars

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.

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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.

Character development and crafting

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.

Graphics

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

Early Access:November 3, 2023

Developer: Metal Head Games

Publisher: Spiral Up Games

Age restrictions: 12+

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Features

System Requirements

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.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Back to the Dawn Video Game.

7.8

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 71% of Critics. There are 15 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Try Hard Guides: 10 / 10 by Erik Hodges

Back to the Dawn is one of the most unique indie RPGs I’ve played in recent memory—gritty, tense, mechanically rewarding, and full of well-developed characters who surprise you with their humanity, despite being cartoon animals. Its depiction of prison life is thoughtful and serious without relying on shock value, and the branching narrative gives your decisions real weight.

Full Review

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.

Full Review

GeekGasm: 8 / 10 by Paul Farrelly

Back to the Dawn is a rare example of a game that tackles the realities of incarceration with seriousness and respect. It offers a challenging, thoughtful RPG experience where every choice matters, and the consequences are tangible and often harsh. This is not a game for casual play or lighthearted escapism. Instead, it demands your full attention and empathy as it explores the complex human stories within prison walls. For gamers interested in deep narrative, strategic gameplay, and a sobering examination of justice and survival, Back to the Dawn on Xbox Series S is an essential experience.

Full Review

94%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (9,286)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Visuals and Art Style: The game features stunning pixel graphics and beautiful ambient lighting, which many players found visually appealing.
Compelling Writing: The writing is described as witty, humorous, smart, and engaging, contributing to a rich narrative experience.
Character Depth: NPCs are well-developed, with unique backstories and personalities that make them feel alive and relatable.
Replayability: The game offers multiple endings and character routes, encouraging players to explore different choices and scenarios.
Freedom of Choice: Players appreciate the significant freedom to make decisions that impact the story and gameplay, allowing for various approaches to objectives.
Engaging Gameplay Mechanics: The RPG and dice-rolling mechanics are well-received, providing depth and strategy to interactions and outcomes.
Attention to Detail: Many players noted the care and love put into the game's design, with immersive environments and intricate character interactions.

The main cons of the game

Tedious Requirement for Good Endings: Some players expressed frustration over needing to follow guides meticulously to achieve good endings, which can detract from the enjoyment of organic gameplay.
Quality of Life Issues: Specific mechanics, such as fast travel and resting in certain areas, were criticized as being cumbersome and time-consuming.
Limited Character Development: Players felt that certain aspects of gang interactions and romantic interests lacked depth, missing opportunities for richer storylines and character development.
Replayability Concerns: While the game is praised for its replayability, some players noted that once they bond with characters, the motivation to replay diminishes as the focus shifts to completing the story.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Deeper Gang Dynamics: Users wished for more exploration of gang interactions and histories, as well as non-mechanical ways to engage with gang members.
Enhanced Romantic Interactions: There was a desire for more substantial writing and development regarding romantic interests, moving beyond purely mechanical interactions.
Follow-up Mechanisms: Players wanted more meaningful follow-up for actions taken during the game, such as consequences or changes in rapport that reflect players' choices and interactions.

Summary

Overall, Back to the Dawn is highly regarded for its storytelling, character depth, and visual appeal, but it does face criticism for certain gameplay mechanics and the necessity of guides for optimal playthroughs.

Summary generated on: October 9, 2025

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