Sunderfolk transforms the strategy game experience by drawing inspiration from Jackbox.

      Sunderfolk is transforming the way we experience strategy RPGs, much like how the Jackbox Party Pack series reshaped the concept of party games.

      Since its announcement last fall, Sunderfolk's inventive take on this genre has caught my eye. It’s a cooperative strategy RPG influenced by tabletop gaming, but it utilizes a unique control system that does not rely on traditional console controllers. Players connect their phones to Sunderfolk via a mobile app to manage the game. This method captures the essence of playing tabletop games together in a way that few other games achieve.

      Having played the launch version of Sunderfolk on Nintendo Switch both solo and with friends and family, I am excited to have this game ready for whenever my tabletop gaming friends want to collaborate but are uncertain about what to begin with.

      **Mobile Enjoyment**

      In Sunderfolk, players take on the role of animal adventurers tasked with defending their village, Arden, as the brightstone that powers it comes under siege. The entire journey is framed as a tabletop game, featuring a single narrator who acts as the digital Game Master, voicing every character throughout the game. Anjali Bhimani impressively embodies numerous characters, enhancing Sunderfolk’s digital tabletop experience.

      The game supports up to four players, with each participant controlling an animal that fits common RPG roles like tank, ranger, rogue, or bard. My favorite was The Pyromancer, a fiery salamander capable of inflicting significant damage by accumulating firepower through stepping into flames. If you’ve played tabletop games before, you’ll find the gameplay remarkably intuitive.

      Once in missions, Sunderfolk's distinctive control method becomes apparent. All players can view the hexagonal grid representing the mission on the main screen, while each player’s phone displays their hand of cards and the associated abilities. Players execute movements and attacks by playing cards, necessitating collaboration to determine the order in which to play and utilize their cards for optimal strategy.

      **Dreamhaven**

      If you're with a group that understands the mechanics, you’ll quickly find yourselves in a routine similar to tabletop gaming. Choosing movement and card play on screen feels natural, replicating that sensation of players contemplating actions based on their personal character sheets or decks. With added RPG mechanics, such as Fate Card modifiers, the game combines substance with approachability. Small aspects of customization, like naming characters, items, or abilities via your phone, lend Sunderfolk the charm of a player-driven campaign, even though all missions are meticulously crafted by the developers.

      I also discovered that Sunderfolk can be unexpectedly enjoyable in single-player mode. One person can manage multiple characters on a single phone, allowing me to appreciate the creative mission design. Each mission features innovative concepts, so they go beyond simply defeating foes. Although Sunderfolk is best enjoyed with others, it still remains entertaining regardless of the group size.

      While the necessity of using a mobile controller might initially deter some players, don't let that discourage you. I do wonder how accessible this control method will be for those who haven’t engaged with tabletop games before or who miss the tutorial. This game is better suited for playing consistently with the same group rather than switching out players mid-campaign. This may limit Sunderfolk's broad appeal compared to a game like Jackbox, but I still believe it stands out as one of the top options currently available for cooperative RPGs.

      **Dreamhaven**

      Sunderfolk revamps the cooperative RPG model seen in games like For the King and Baldur’s Gate 3, viewing it through the innovative lens of Jackbox. In doing so, Dreamhaven has cleverly made the strategy RPG feel more welcoming and presents it as a feasible alternative to traditional tabletop RPGs, which historically hasn’t been the case. If you appreciate tabletop gaming or games that present fresh ways to navigate their controls, Sunderfolk is definitely worth your attention.

      Sunderfolk will be released for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch on April 23, requiring a free controller app that is currently available on both iOS and Android.