Bleak survival game This War of Mine's final Stories DLC, Fading Embers, out next month
"Non-linear" instalment coming to PC and Mac first.
Developer 11 Bit Studios has, at long last, unveiled the third and final 'Stories' DLC episode for its critically acclaimed survival game This War of Mine. It's called Fading Embers, and is coming to PC and Mac on 6th August.
11 Bit Studios' Stories series began in 2017, some three years after the release of This War of Mine. Although it follows the same side-scrolling stealth-survival formula of the base game, it brings a greater narrative focus to the sombre, often harrowing action, telling the tales of specific characters attempting to live their lives in the same war-torn city.
To date, Stories has introduced Father's Promise - charting the journey of Adam, as he tries to save his daughter from the horrors of war - and The Last Broadcast, exploring "the role of truth in times of despair" through the eyes of a radio operator.
This War of Mine's third and final Stories episode follows the plight of Anja, another citizen living within the war zone. Anja carries a heavy burden "as she has to answer to herself what is more important - survival of human legacy or the survival of a man".
Fading Embers will apparently place a greater focus on non-linearity in its storytelling, leading to multiple endings. As lead artist Tomasz Kisilewicz puts it, "These branches were necessary to help address the overarching question of what has the bigger value - things made by men that outlast life or the life of a man itself.
"When you think about it, humans stand against the destructive power of war not only to save themselves but also to save what entire generations have created."
11 Bit Studios says that Fading Embers will cost $3.99 USD (likely £2.99, based on previous episodes) when it comes to PC and Mac on 6th August. It's also available as part of the £5.19 season pass, which gives access to all three Stories.
There's no word on when Fading Embers might find its way to This War of Mine on Xbox One, PS4, and Switch, but hopefully 11 Bit Studios will have more to share soon.