Orken Announcement — A "Neanderthal Western" About Orcs and Humans
Announcement trailer for Orken.
Publisher SIXMOREVODKA and studio Demagog Studio have announced Orken — an action-RPG centered on the conflict between orcs and humans. The developers have not yet announced an exact release date. However, a demo version will become available on February 26.
The creators describe Orken as a "Neanderthal western" — a grounded take on the classic "Orcs vs. Humans" formula. The project focuses on a story with an emphasis on characters in the spirit of Mass Effect and thoughtful combat inspired by Dark Souls. The visual style is contrast-rich and graphic. The developers state that their visual benchmark was Hi-Fi RUSH. SIXMOREVODKA is responsible for the world and art direction, while Demagog Studio handles the game systems and "combat."
Orken is part of a larger universe created by artist Marco Djurdjevic, but the game itself is conceived as a standalone story.
The story follows a young warrior of the Khar tribe named Koltek. After the disappearance of his best friend, he gathers a band of allies and embarks on a perilous journey through uncharted lands. During their search, the heroes learn of an impending catastrophe threatening their homeland, Edom.
Koltek fights with the war hammer "Vicari's Bite" and uses the powers of a totem, which grants him special abilities. The gameplay of Orken combines elements of Dark Souls and Dragon's Dogma. Combat is built around stamina, dodges, and precise strike timing. Special abilities operate on cooldowns and enhance basic attacks. Enemies have a poise meter: when it fills, the opponent loses balance and becomes vulnerable to a finishing blow.
Character progression is tied to the "Atman" system — a totemic pillar reflecting Koltek's connection to the spirit world. Players unlock new tiers, gain new abilities, and combine them — it's possible to enhance some effects and disable others.
The course of the story depends on dialogues and key decisions: characters react to the hero's actions, and chosen allies and enemies influence subsequent events.
The power of the mighty totem in the "Neanderthal western" Orken can be harnessed on PC via Steam. Only English localization has been announced so far.