Summary
inXile Entertainment is well-known for several critically acclaimed modern CRPGs, but the studio and some of its core members have a long and storied history that crosses paths with other recognizable developers and franchises. Specifically, itsWastelandseries traces its original release to 1988 (though it was produced under Interplay’s banner, before the official formation of inXile itself) and was the precursor toFallout, which has since become a highly prominent property in gaming and beyond, often eclipsing it despite technically being born from it. Later, inXile would acquire the full rights toWastelandand revive the property, with 2020’sWasteland 3being widely considered the best and most refined entry in the series yet.
Shortly followingWasteland 3’s success and positive reception, inXile announced that another title in a completely new IP was in early development.Clockwork Revolutionwill pivot away from the studio’s generally familiar CRPG party and turn-based isometric style, shaping up to instead be a modern generation action-adventure FPS RPG. And though this seems like a big break from inXile’s wheelhouse, there are many reasons why fans ofWasteland 3and inXile’s other previous similar titles should be looking forward toClockwork Revolution.
inXile was acquired as a first-party studio by Microsoft in 2018, and it is likelyClockwork Revolutionwill be included as a Microsoft exclusive/Game Pass title upon release.
Clockwork Revolution is inXile’s First Foray into AAA Action FPS RPGs
The most immediately noticeable difference settingClockwork Revolutionapart from inXile’s prior works is the switch from thetop-down isometric genrethat the developer has often utilized into a heavier action-based FPS. It’s also been noted thatClockwork Revolutionmarks the studio’s biggest budget and largest planned scale to date. TheWastelandtitles were already packed with tons of content, and their scope, particularly inWasteland 3, was also quite sizable as is, even if they were not as expansive as some other adjacent titles. WithClockwork, the studio seems set on leveraging its talents and expanding its design philosophy into an area that is likely to reach a much wider audience demographic than before, while still focusing on the studio’s strengths and vision to keep longtime fans interested.
Clockwork Revolution Looks Like a Natural Evolution From Wasteland 3
Announced at the Xbox Games Showcase in Summer 2023, with its semi-dystopian steampunk Victorian-era setting and vibe,Clockwork Revolutionsprings to mind elements from titles likeBioShock,We Happy Few,andDishonored. inXile’s background and extensive experience working on RPGs with deep customization, intricate mechanics, and player agency point to them all still being an integral part ofClockwork Revolution.Wasteland 3added a lot more polish and options to the foundations the franchise already had in place, and in somewhat of a circular situation, was marketed as both the predecessor and spiritual successor to the olderFalloutgames, particularly after Bethesda Studios acquired the rights to the IP and subsequently produced its versions of theFalloutvision that, while highly successful, were themselves a bigger departure from the series' origins.
With inXile committing to a genre and design that is outside the comfort zone it normally specializes in, but armed with the fundamentals and backing knowledge of what worked well in its prior releases,Clockwork Revolutionseems to already have a lot of the necessary cogs in placeto make it an engaging experience and stand out from the increasing crowd of similar titles as well as its clear influences. Given this, players who enjoyedWasteland 3and/or inXile’s previous works, as well as fans of FPS RPGs who may not be as familiar with the studio, should both be excited by whatClockwork Revolutionis poised to offer.
Though officially confirmed, inXile has not provided a possible release window forClockwork Revolutionas of yet.
Wasteland 3
WHERE TO PLAY
In Wasteland 3 the fate of Arizona depends on the fate of Colorado. You’re a Desert Ranger, fighting a losing battle to keep your beloved Arizona alive, when the self-proclaimed Patriarch of Colorado radios, promising aid if you’ll do a job he can only entrust to an outsider—rescue his land from the ambitions of his three bloodthirsty children.Wasteland 3 is a post-apocalyptic RPG from inXile entertainment, featuring challenging tactical combat, hours of exploration, and a deep, reactive story full of twists, turns, and brutal ethical decisions. Play in single-player or co-op as you customize your squad with perks and abilities geared to your playstyle, and customize your vehicle—the Kodiak—turning it into a hardened war beast. Saving Colorado isn’t going to be easy, but Arizona is counting on you, so… don’t screw it up.
