Failbetter Games, renowned for its immersive storytelling in titles like Sunless Sea and Mask of the Rose, has embarked on an exciting new venture with the announcement of Mandrake, a rural life simulation that marks a departure from the Fallen London universe. Set against a backdrop of “old, wild powers,” this game will soon be available on PC, inviting players into a world where horticulture is strictly forbidden.
Exploring the Enigmatic Village of Chandley
Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of British history and folklore, Mandrake places players in the role of the last horticultural sorcerer, returning to their family’s long-abandoned home in the quaint yet intricate village of Chandley. This return is not merely a homecoming; it is a journey into a realm filled with both charm and mystery.
At first glance, Mandrake may appear to follow familiar gameplay mechanics typical of the genre. Players will engage in activities such as gardening, fishing, foraging, cooking, and crafting furniture to personalize their homes. Exploration will lead them through lush woods, serene beaches, and deep mines in search of valuable minerals. Interactions with the local community promise to enrich the experience, as players befriend villagers, uncover their stories, and weave their lives into the fabric of Chandley.
However, Failbetter Games hints at a darker, more enigmatic layer beneath the surface of Mandrake. Players will soon find themselves trading mundane crops like turnips and runner beans for more peculiar and fascinating seeds. The game invites them to befriend a river, eavesdrop on the whispers of the deceased, share a drink with a god residing in their chimney, and even spend a haunted night at the Butcher’s Oak.
The villagers of Chandley are anything but ordinary. Among them is a hunter who forges pacts with the woods and a girl rescued from the sea, still haunted by voices beckoning her from the depths. The village is also home to otherworldly beings, such as the elusive Granny Jakes, who resides in a concealed orchard, and Hroame, a figure that shifts between stone and flesh. Yet, not all encounters will be welcoming; Failbetter cautions players, “Don’t go out after dark—the night is not for you.”
While a specific release date for Mandrake has yet to be announced, Failbetter Games is committed to refining the game through player feedback. Given its complexity and the inclusion of “some very unusual features,” the studio plans to conduct multiple playtests leading up to launch. Enthusiastic players are encouraged to wishlist Mandrake on Steam to stay updated on its development journey.
