This new RPG brings classic gameplay back to life with a unique French twist.

When it comes to RPGs, my heart often drifts back to the golden age of CRPGs, where classics like Planescape: Torment, Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2, and Neverwinter Nights reign supreme. While some modern titles, such as Pillars of Eternity, aim to capture that nostalgic essence, few manage to evoke the same magic. Enter Covenant of Gears: The Three Musketeers.

Officially announced on August 10, this title hails from a French developer known for its innovative approach. While the mention of “French” and “RPG” might conjure images of the award-winning Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Covenant of Gears carves its own unique path. Described as “a tactical RPG set in a reimagined 17th-century France,” it fuses alternate history with steampunk elements. Players will take on the roles of the legendary characters from Alexandre Dumas’ novels: the Three Musketeers—Athos, Porthos, and Aramis—alongside their companion D’Artagnan.

The concept is intriguing and fresh, and I’m all in. Dumas’ works are filled with intrigue, adventure, and unforgettable characters, and I’m eager to see how the game portrays the nefarious Cardinal Richelieu. This character has been brought to life by notable actors in various adaptations, including Charlton Heston, Tim Curry, and Christoph Waltz. It would be exciting to see who the developers might cast for this role.

But the setting isn’t the only captivating aspect of this game. Each of the four heroic figures comes with a distinct class: D’Artagnan as the warrior, Porthos as the tank, Athos as the sharpshooter, and Aramis as the assassin. Players can also customize their characters through skill trees, unlocking powerful coordinated moves and synergistic actions.

Covenant of Gears: The Three Musketeers will feature real-time combat with a tactical pause option. To further evoke the spirit of classic CRPGs, the game includes a modular campaign editor, allowing players to create and share their own adventures via the Steam Workshop. This feature brings back memories of the countless hours spent with Neverwinter Nights’ Aurora Toolset and the vibrant community that thrived around it.

From the developer’s shared videos and images, Covenant of Gears feels like a spiritual successor to the Neverwinter Nights series. While nostalgia can be a double-edged sword, the game appears to have the potential to stand on its own. The only downside is that it won’t be available for a while; early access is slated for the fourth quarter of 2027, with a Kickstarter campaign launching soon to help fund development.

Covenant of Gears: The Three Musketeers promises to merge two of my passions: the swashbuckling adventures of Alexandre Dumas and the CRPGs that shaped my gaming journey. I’m eagerly anticipating its arrival in early access in late 2027.