Following a hands-on preview in Chengdu, China, developer Eclipse Glow Games has detailed the core combat mechanics and architectural design of its upcoming action game, Tides of Annihilation, blending Arthurian mythology with a surreal, post-apocalyptic London.
Combat Mechanics and the Dual Frontline System
Eclipse Glow Games describes its combat framework as a dual frontline system
, blending heroine Gwendolyn’s sword strikes with summoned ancient knights managed through loadouts of two. Pushsquare reported that Gwendolyn’s attacks map to the Square button, while lead and support knights occupy the Triangle button and the R2 trigger respectively, with d-pad toggles allowing players to switch between two equipped knight sets.
Rather than adopting Soulslike conventions, the studio drew inspiration from titles including Devil May Cry, Final Fantasy, and the original Greek trilogy of God of War. The mythical combatants draw visual influence from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, appearing as hulking, Berserk-like representations rather than traditional figures from legend.
“We wanted to create a game where the main character is accompanied by knights and the gameplay is combo-driven… we realized that Arthurian legend fit the idea perfectly.”
Ary Chen, game director and Eclipse Glow Games co-CEO
Individual knights possess distinct tactical kits. Kay, a Welsh warrior from legend, commands time-altering abilities that freeze foes in temporary stasis chambers. This mechanic allows primary slot characters like Palamedes to unleash fiery counterattacks, while Bedivere builds a distinct meter called Crimson Essence that discharges into a super attack.
Reimagining London Through Myth and Post-Apocalyptic Ruins
The game’s setting places Gwendolyn as the sole human survivor on Earth after an otherworldly invasion and an encroaching fog from Avalon consume the planet. It was noted that actor Jennifer English originally voiced Gwendolyn before pulling out due to health reasons, with Angela Sant’Albano subsequently recast in the role.
Virtual explorations of the British capital draw from multiple field trips conducted by the development team. Pushsquare observed that a level inspired by the British Museum features familiar architectural elements, including a cylindrical foyer, contemporary LED railway display fonts, and rubbish bins modelled after real London infrastructure.
“The UK and London are full of history… We’ve been to London several times on field trips, and both the history and architecture left a really strong impression. We also spoke with scholars who study Arthurian legend to do deep research. All of these elements helped shape the development of the game world.”
Ary Chen, game director and Eclipse Glow Games co-CEO
Cultural Fusion and Architectural Scale
Within the game’s version of the Great Russell Museum, overgrown brickwork and flooded domes stand alongside authentic details such as £5 donation signs and tattered Ancient Egypt exhibition posters. Encounters include leviathan-like creatures featuring gloved hands for faces, alongside skyscraper-sized stone behemoths roaming past Trafalgar Square and the Southbank.
Game director Ary Chen explained that Tides of Annihilation brings a Chinese perspective to Arthurian legend,
combining folk horror elements with British architectural grandeur. Pushsquare noted that while the studio operates out of Chengdu, China, the project shares gameplay pacing reminiscent of Stellar Blade while expanding its combo-driven framework across multiple iconic London locations.
