I'm excited about Threads of Time, a flashy Chrono-Trigger-inspired RPG

I've been burned by too many nostalgia-fuelled love notes to classic games. But I couldn't resist getting all tingly when Threads of time was revealed at the Tokyo Game Show Xbox showcase this morning. I love time travel, and Chrono trigger is even more of a favorite.

There are sky pirates and a cyberpunk city infested with mechs. You'll also find cute little dinos that will try to eat your face, as well as a quest spanning centuries to restore the Time Knights, an ancient order. Threads of Time, you have my attention.

You can expect that in a game which cites Chronotrigger as a major inspiration, you will be making new friends all over history and working together to stop a "sinister plot" that spans eras. You'll also use a "dynamic, turn-based combat system", which will allow you to "take down enemy defences and bend the time to your own will". It would be great to bend time at my will. This would make meeting deadlines much easier. As well as beating dinosaurs.

The trailer and screenshots released by Riyo Games show that they have created something truly stunning. The Unreal Engine 5 romp has beautiful handcrafted 2D characters that are reminiscent of the JRPGs it was inspired by - lots of big, colorful pixels - but the world in which they live is rendered in 3D.

This screenshot of a cyberpunk future captures the eye-catching contrast, with its potent lighting and reflective puddles as well as an pixelly hammer wielding fella, and a cat-girl. The man with the hammer is also a vet who "wants nothing but for humans and dinosaurs to live in harmony". I am a big fan.

Threads of Time is coming to Steam but there's still no release date. I'm going to keep an eye on this game, as it looks like the perfect addition to Steam Deck.