New action-RPG with 93% positive rating lands on Steam with launch discount in tow

After twenty years without a spiritual successor to Parasite Eve, solo developer Ryan (Dead Right Games) has delivered Wicked Seed on Steam. This action-RPG blends old-school survival horror exploration with innovative tactical combat, earning a 93% 'Very Positive' rating at launch.

Wicked Seed puts players in the role of Ella, a private investigator searching for her brother in the decaying forests of Maine. The combat system stands out with its hybrid approach: movement, dodging, and parrying occur in real-time like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, but activating the command menu triggers slow-motion. This lets players strategically spend stamina to queue attacks while precisely aiming at enemy weak points.

The tactical depth comes from the 'Bestiary' system. Each enemy type has specific vulnerabilities, and repeatedly exploiting them grants permanent stat upgrades for Ella. This mechanic transforms survival horror's typical avoidance gameplay into an aggressive hunt for combat bonuses.

Beyond combat, Wicked Seed offers substantial content depth:

• Over 50 unlockable costumes earned through gameplay
• Layered weapon modification system using scavenged parts
• Built-in Randomizer and New Game Plus modes
• Approximately 13-hour main campaign

These systems create significant replay value, letting players reconfigure weapons and reshuffle game elements for fresh playthroughs.

Technical requirements are notably demanding for an indie title. Minimum specs require 16GB RAM, with 32GB recommended for maximum settings. On Steam Deck, it achieves 'Playable' status but requires resolution reduction to 900×600 and a 45Hz frame limit to maintain stability in forest areas.

Despite performance optimization challenges common in solo projects, players overwhelmingly endorse the experience. The $15.99 launch price (20% off regular $19.99) positions it as a value-packed package for fans of tactical RPGs and survival horror hybrids.

Wicked Seed on Steam