When it comes to turn-based storytelling, A Tale of Saviors: Garuda Academy delivers a refreshing take from Indonesia’s indie scene. Developed by Atelier Dream Nova, this 2D RPG sets players in a modern world still recovering from the chaos of the mystic beast war. The game combines a rich narrative with strategic combat, character growth, and a slice of academy life that feels both heroic and personal.
Built for those who love JRPG-style adventures and deep storytelling, Garuda Academy draws players into a world that balances calm academy days with thrilling monster battles. The visuals follow a classic anime-inspired 2D style, enhanced with vibrant spell effects and charming character sprites that reflect the spirit of nostalgic RPGs while keeping a modern touch.
Post-War World
The story begins ten years after a catastrophic war between humans and mystic beasts. Humanity nearly fell, until an international organization called SAVIORS united mystic power users to restore peace. Although the war ended, fears of another invasion remain. To prepare, SAVIORS built academies around the world to train young talents capable of controlling Mystic Arms, supernatural powers that once saved humanity.
Players step into Garuda Academy, one of these prestigious institutions located in the Republic of Aethos. Here, new generations of mystic warriors learn, grow, and face trials that test both strength and heart. The narrative mixes school life and post-war rebuilding, offering a tone that’s both hopeful and tense.
Battle with Strategy
Garuda Academy uses a strategic turn-based battle system, focusing on thoughtful action rather than fast reflexes. Every move matters, and players must consider their party’s skills, cooldowns, and timing. The system prevents mindless repetition, pushing players to plan each turn like a chess match.
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What makes it exciting is the Skill Countdown mechanic. Each ability has its own cooldown, so you can’t rely on one strong attack repeatedly. You must read the battle flow, anticipate enemies, and combine your team’s strengths effectively. This approach feels rewarding for players who enjoy tactical thinking similar to games like Octopath Traveler or Persona 5.
Build Your Heroes
Progression plays a big role in A Tale of Saviors: Garuda Academy. Each time a character levels up, you earn Bonus Points to distribute freely. This system lets you shape your team to fit your strategy. If you change your mind later, you can rearrange the points, making character builds flexible and beginner-friendly.
The game also introduces Mystic Crests, magical items that unlock new abilities. You can purchase them to expand your skill arsenal and adapt to tougher enemies. This encourages experimentation and lets players craft unique battle identities for each hero.
Living Academy
The academy setting isn’t just a background. It acts as a hub where you train, craft, and explore. You can collect materials from mystic beasts and craft useful items instead of spending gold in shops. This crafting system saves resources while rewarding exploration and patience.
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There’s also the VR-Stage, a virtual simulation arena where players can grind levels and test their builds. You’ll need a data disk to access it, which can be earned through main quests, side missions, or hidden discoveries. This feature adds rhythm to gameplay progression, giving you something engaging to do between story chapters.
Smarter Encounters
Unlike older RPGs that rely on random encounters, Garuda Academy replaces them with field encounters. You can see enemies on the map, giving you full control over when to fight or avoid battles. This makes exploration smoother and reduces grinding fatigue.
The Overkill feature spices things up even further. When you defeat enemies with extra damage, you gain bonus experience, gold, and higher drop rates. It rewards precision and timing, encouraging players to finish battles with style.
Drawn to Life
Atelier Dream Nova uses clean 2D visuals with anime-like character portraits and colorful effects. Every environment feels alive, from academy halls to battlefields filled with glowing mystic energy. The world design captures the fusion of modern technology and fantasy magic, making it both familiar and mysterious.
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Fans of classic sprite-based RPGs will find the art style comforting yet polished. The overall look reminds players of Trails of Cold Steel or Blue Reflection, where academy life and combat share equal importance. This blend of story-driven gameplay and visual charm creates a consistent and memorable atmosphere.
Get Ready to Enroll!
Even though the demo only covers the prologue, it sets strong expectations for what’s coming next. The combination of tactical combat, personal growth, and academy life creates a solid base for an emotional and strategic journey.
A Tale of Saviors: Garuda Academy is a proud step for Indonesia’s RPG scene, showing that local studios can build stories and systems that feel global yet authentic. The game is coming soon to Steam, so keep your eyes open and get ready to train your own mystic heroes.
Download it when it launches and experience the rise of the next generation of Saviors.
Reference:
ADN Production – Game Developer
A Tale of Saviors: Garuda Academy Steampage
A Tale of Saviors: Garuda Academy Trailer
A Tale of Saviors: Garuda Academy itch.io page
