OUT NOW: Into The Restless Ruins
Edinburgh’s Ant Workshop Unleashes Scottish Myth & Folklore in New Roguelike Deckbuilder Into The Restless Ruins
The glens and crags (and dungeons) of Scottish folklore have sprung to life today with the launch of Into The Restless Ruins, the innovative new title from Edinburgh-based developer, Ant Workshop.
Published by Wales Interactive, this captivating roguelike deckbuilder, where you don’t just explore the dungeon but actively build it, is now available to enchant players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (links below).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cobMzOCaRYI
For a studio already known for its diverse original portfolio, Into The Restless Ruins marks another exciting chapter for Ant Workshop. Helmed by industry veteran Tony Gowland, the team has consistently delivered unique gaming experiences, from the BAFTA-nominated puzzler Binaries to the ghost-bustingly frantic Dead End Job and the hilariously competitive Dungeon Golf. With this latest release, the studio delves deep into Scotland’s rich tapestry of myth and legend, offering a game that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in Caledonia’s ancient tales.
Into The Restless Ruins isn’t your typical dungeon crawl. Instead of passively navigating pre-built levels, players are handed the architect’s tools in the form of a dynamic deck of cards. Each card represents a room, a corridor, a treacherous trap, or a beneficial boon. With every card played, the labyrinthine ruins grow and shift, meaning no two expeditions into the shadowy depths are ever the same. This unique mechanic places a heavy emphasis on strategic foresight as players must carefully consider how their self-made dungeon will impact their subsequent auto-battling descent.
“We’ve really enjoyed bringing the world of Scottish myth and folklore to life,” said Tony Gowland, Lead Developer and Managing Director of Ant Workshop, in a recent statement. “We can’t wait to see you discover all the secrets, cards, Charms, and wee beasties in the full game!”
And what a world it is! Players will begin their eerie adventure in Eorisdale, an introductory level designed to ease them into the core mechanics. Here, they’ll construct their first dungeon, encounter a curated selection of the game’s 116 cards, and meet a cast of memorable NPCs drawn straight from Scottish lore.
Characters like the enigmatic Hen Wife and the formidable Wulver offer critical boosts and card enhancements, preparing adventurers for the trials ahead. The ultimate challenge of this first foray? A confrontation with Am Fear Liath Mòr – the terrifying Grey Man – a powerful boss that will be chillingly familiar to anyone versed in Highland legends.
The game boasts an impressive array of content designed to keep players hooked. Across seven distinct card categories, six unique ruins beckon, each populated by a host of 62 different creatures, including six fearsome, folklore-inspired bosses. To aid their quest, players can discover and master 12 different weapons, strategically employ 40 passive Charms to shape their runs, and utilise 38 game-altering ‘Cantrips’ that modify gameplay and can significantly increase rewards.
One of the standout features is the option to experience the entire adventure in Scottish Gaelic, a fantastic touch that enhances immersion and celebrates the nation’s linguistic heritage.
Early impressions of Into The Restless Ruins have been exceptionally positive. Critics are lauding its innovative blend of deckbuilding and auto-battler mechanics, with Rogueliker.com calling it a “near flawless build-your-own-dungeon roguelite.” Loot Level Chill praised it as an “intensely compelling game,” highlighting how it “effortlessly combines dungeon building and dungeon crawling into a Roguelike package that I couldn’t put down.” The unique torchlight and corruption meter systems, which replace instant permadeath with mounting tension and strategic choices, have also been singled out for praise.
Beyond crafting original titles, Ant Workshop has become an invaluable partner for other independent developers, offering their expertise in porting and co-development to bring games including Yes, Your Grace, John Wick Hex, and Lair of the Clockwork God to wider console audiences.
So, sharpen your wits, shuffle your cards, and prepare to delve ‘Into The Restless Ruins’. Will you conquer the darkness, or become another lost soul within its ever-changing walls?
‘Into The Restless Ruins’ is available now for £12.99 / $14.99 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Gather your Glimour, earn the Harvest Maiden’s favour, and see if you have what it takes to face The Warden.
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