I know the phrase "indie RPG set in early modern Hungary" sounds unbearably arch and lofty. I already had high hopes for this idiosyncratic JRPG-style project, but after about a 45-minute demo, I can assure you that this is a must-play.

Felvidek's protagonist is Pavol, a grinning, heartbroken, good-natured knight tasked with investigating the arson of a nearby castle in the Slovak highlands of the 15th century. Something macabre and supernatural seems to be afoot, involving Pavol's estranged wife, as violence unfolds between Catholics, Protestant Hussites, and the Ottoman Turks.

Felvidek's characters and writing had me hooked in less than an hour of play: Pavol has a buddy-cop relationship with the upright monk Matei, and they both serve Josef, a local nobleman who exudes confidence and calm.

The cast is a diverse mix of soldiers, peasants, and townsfolk, all with surrealistic obsessions and memorable one-liners that recall the memorable characters in Earthbound and Undertale. The English localization is flawless, and they speak in old-fashioned flowery language, which draws you into the game. [We mentioned earlier that the medieval isometric environments and realistically proportioned sprites remind us of "Baldur's Gate" among JRPGs, but Felvidek's distinctive color palette and PS1-style pre-rendered cut scenes defy easy comparison. The intentionally bleak visuals and commitment to historical immersion contrast favorably with the funky, almost progressive soundtrack by Czech psychedelic band Marcel Guidote's Holy Club; there are few films like Felvidek's - Hylics and the forthcoming Judero" are the only ones that come to mind.

And I love what Felvidek does with the real classic style of JRPG combat. No experience, no leveling, no filler fights, no grinding. Each of the four battles in the demo is unique and challenging, and cannot be won by simply repeating basic attacks; Felvidek has moved away from the most boring parts of the old JRPGs and focused on memorable, worthwhile battles.

We're very much looking forward to playing the full game: Felvidek will be released on March 29, and you can check out a demo on Steam or add it to your wish list.