The Age of Decadence
A post-apocalyptic RPG emphasizing choices and consequences.
The Age of Decadence is a role-playing game for Windows from Iron Tower Studio, whose lead goes by the alias "Vince D. Weller." Its setting is a low-magic, post-apocalyptic world modeled after the collapse of the Roman Empire. The developers set out to revive what they consider the "golden era" of RPGs, focusing on meaningful choices, lasting consequences, and quests that can be solved in multiple ways.
**Gameplay**
**Character** At the start, players pick from eight backgrounds and professions, ranging from an honor-bound knight to a crafty grifter, or they can choose to begin with no background at all. These backgrounds shape initial relationships with factions—a thief, for instance, starts as a member of the Thieves Guild, gaining reputation bonuses with other thieves but penalties with their enemies. Backgrounds are not classes; they do not restrict or steer future attributes or skills. The game uses a skill-based system rather than a class-based one. Characters do not level up; instead, they earn skill points by completing quests or defeating enemies. Some customization is available: players can select appearance (skin color, hair style) and gender. Gender affects gameplay—certain quests are exclusive to males or females, and some skills receive gender-based bonuses (males get a bonus to intimidate). Primary stats are strength (damage), dexterity (action points), constitution (hit points), perception (chance to hit), intelligence (skill point bonuses), and charisma (NPC reactions). Stats range from 4 to 10, and reaching 10 can unlock bonus traits.
**Skills** There are 24 distinct skills, covering combat (e.g., Critical Strike) and miscellaneous needs (e.g., Impersonate, Lore). The game also boasts a detailed crafting and alchemy system, allowing players to melt old items, forge new ones, poison weapons, or create acid.
**Combat** Combat is turn-based and tactical, with options depending on attributes, skills, and equipment. Hammers can knock enemies down, axes split shields, swords disarm opponents, and daggers ignore armor. Characters can aim for specific body parts. There is no party-based combat—the main character has no followers—but in some situations, guards or faction members controlled by AI and scripts may provide aid. Even the best fighters can only handle a few opponents at once. Healing potions cannot be used during combat.
Quick Facts
- Title
- The Age of Decadence
- Developer
- Iron Tower Studio
- Engine
- Torque 3D
- Director
- Vince D. Weller
- Artist
- Oscar Velzi
- Programmer
- Nick Skolozdra
- Composer
- Ryan Eston
- Released
- October 14, 2015
- Genre
- Role-playing
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The story of The Age of Decadence explores the dangers of a post-apocalyptic world and the competition among political factions. According to the Imperial Scrolls, the wicked kingdom of Qantaar and the Empire were locked in a bloody magical war that devastated much of the known world. Each side called upon powers both arcane and divine, summoning gods and other beings of immense power, whose contest ultimately destroyed both sides. Centuries later, the world still suffers from the shadow of civilization's collapse, with factions struggling for dominance, ignorance of science and magic, and pettiness and betrayal replacing chivalry and honor. The player discovers an ancient map offering a hint to the Empire's true past.
The player's character has an active role in shaping the nonlinear plot. The world reacts dynamically to the player's actions. Players can choose from among seven factions, play them off against each other, or reject them all. The game is purported to have seven endings, only two of which involve mortal combat.
Development began in March 2004. The team released a combat demo in December 2009, followed by a public beta in March 2012. The game entered Early Access on November 15, 2013, and was released on October 14, 2015, simultaneously on Steam and GOG.
Reader's Guide
The Age of Decadence is significant for its deliberate return to classic role-playing game design, emphasizing player choice and consequence over linear storytelling. Its skill-based system, with 23 distinct skills and no character levels, allows for diverse character builds and multiple solutions to quests. The game features eight backgrounds that affect faction relations but do not restrict skill development, and gender choice influences gameplay through exclusive quests and skill bonuses. Combat is turn-based and tactical, with weapon-specific effects and no party-based system; healing potions cannot be used during combat. The game's legacy includes a spin-off, Dungeon Rats (2016), a party-based tactical RPG, and a spiritual successor, Colony Ship: A Post-Earth Role Playing Game (2023). The Age of Decadence received generally positive reviews, with a Metacritic score of 81/100, and sold over 250,000 copies by June 2026. Its focus on nonlinear storytelling, faction politics, and meaningful choices has influenced subsequent indie RPGs.
Did You Know?
- The game features 23 distinct skills, including crafting, alchemy, and impersonation.
- Within the first week of release, The Age of Decadence sold more than 10,000 copies.
More in Role-playing video games 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced