Kernel Hearts: Action RPG Featuring Magical Girls in Post-Apocalyptic Patagonia is Out Now on Xbox
The action RPG Kernel Hearts from Ephemera Games is now available on Xbox. The game combines action RPG and roguelike elements, tasking players with leading a squad of magical girls to save a world drowning in ashes.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Patagonia, Kernel Hearts is a cultural fusion: while the art style and story draw heavy inspiration from Japanese culture, the Argentine developers have infused the world with local details, such as the character Fernet drinking yerba mate during an idle animation. The narrative follows the M.A.H.O.U unit as they climb the Tower of Babel to confront angelic entities and prevent total destruction.
A core design principle for the characters, as stated by Game Director Akira, is that their personalities should be immediately recognizable through gameplay. Rather than just having different weapons, the characters' silhouettes, animations, and combat rhythms are intended to convey their unique traits.
The roster includes four distinct fighters:
- Fernet, a versatile fighter wielding swords and spirits;
- Spika, a disciplined combatant using a katana;
- Laika, a heavy hitter with a massive sword;
- Dolce, who incorporates dance and performance into her fighting style.
Gameplay revolves around climbing the Tower of Babel, engaging in intense boss fights, and customizing your unit using a chip-based system called MAHOU.OS. While the story emphasizes the importance of teamwork, Kernel Hearts supports both single-player and up to four-player co-op. The title is available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
The development of Kernel Hearts spanned nearly six years. Players can mix and match attacks, spells, and movement during each run to unleash devastating combos. The game also features a bonding system, allowing players to interact with the tower's inhabitants and deepen relationships through gifts.
By combining epic storytelling with the bite-sized runtimes of a roguelike, the game offers a way to experience a grand narrative in manageable segments. Kernel Hearts is available now on Xbox consoles and PC.
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