Moves Of The Diamond Hand: A New Chapter in RPG Innovation
Cosmo D’s latest venture, Moves Of The Diamond Hand, is set to make its debut on Steam Early Access on April 13th, just a day after the author of this piece returns from a holiday filled with scree slopes and the inevitable wear on knee cartilage. While personal travel plans may not be of interest, the anticipation surrounding this game certainly is.
This title serves as the ambitious successor to Betrayal At Club Low, which was lauded by Alice O (RPS in peace) as “a delicious snack-sized espionage RPG.” The early access version will unveil the first two chapters, which promise to exceed the size and scope of all of Cosmo D’s previous works.
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Moves Of The Diamond Hand introduces players to a “one city block RPG,” a concept that originated from the mind of Deus Ex designer Warren Spector. His vision was to create a game that perfectly simulates a single building or city block. While Spector’s idea of perfection may not include prowling cyclops lions or oversized Venus flytraps, fans of Cosmo D’s unique style are likely to embrace these eccentricities. The narrative centers around infiltrating an enigmatic circus, adding layers of intrigue to the gameplay.
The press release outlines a quest to join the illustrious Circus X, a renowned circus and artist collective. However, the path to membership is fraught with challenges, as the circus is not actively hiring and many others are vying for a taste of its allure. Players will need to navigate a web of leads and potential pitfalls to secure their place among this elite troupe.
The circus neighborhood is teeming with colorful characters, each harboring their own secrets and agendas. Adding to the complexity is a mayoral election featuring a clone of a long-deceased mayor, alongside the enigmatic Diamond Hand, a fidgeting saboteur who may be the very hand looming over the buildings showcased in the trailer. Players will face choices that challenge their loyalties—will they be collaborators or pawns in this unfolding drama?
Dice play a pivotal role in the game, influencing everything from character stats to the donning of disguises. For those who appreciate the rhythm of jazz, the soundtrack promises to enhance the immersive experience.
Nic Reuben (also RPS in peace) had the opportunity to explore a demo of Moves Of The Diamond Hand last year, describing it as “a hectic, disorientating, wonderful time” that left his character frequently battered in mind, body, and possibly soul while attempting mundane tasks. In a delightful twist, he even managed to bake a low poly pizza during his playthrough, a culinary achievement that now leaves us all craving a slice. The demo will soon receive an update to coincide with the early access announcement, inviting new players to experience its charm.
For those who have already sampled the demo, an enticing follow-up interview with Cosmo D discussing his favorite books—none of which revolve around pizza—awaits, promising further insights into the creative mind behind this captivating RPG.
