It's been just shy of a year since we last wrote about Queen's Domain, the "retro-fantasy" adventure from independent Irish studio Freshly Baked Games. Well, the time to take up your sword, your axe, or your pointed stick is nigh, as Queen's Domain will launch October 30 on PC and consoles.

Set on the mythic isle of Neasied, Queen's Domain follows the exploits of a stranded adventurer who washes up on the shore of the strange enclave, populated by weird, otherworldly, and typically aggro creatures. The ensuing journey will see our hero explore the island and tackle its denizens while searching for their missing father.

A search that will unearth the secrets that rest within Neasied and its mysterious sleeping Queen...

As the title slyly suggests, Queen's Domain wears its inspiration - FromSoftware's classic series King's Field - proudly on its gauntleted sleeve. Like its influence, Queen's Domain offers epic, first-person exploration in a dangerous fantasy realm, packed with dungeons and labyrinths and crawling with magic and monsters.

Wielding the holy sword, Endu, our hero enters into punishing combat with over 100 enemies, including ferocious fauna, frightening frogmen, one evil-looking book, and skeletons. Lots and lots of skeletons. An arsenal of over 50 melee weapons (plus 20 throwing weapons) will swing the balance of battle, while a menu of food items will boost key stats, galvanising the player for the challenge ahead.

With a focus on world exploration as well as challenging and brutal combat, it seems Queen's Domain requires a little more strategy than your average hack 'n' slash adventure. I'm going to hazard a guess that well-synced weapon loadouts and smart stamina management are the keys to not ending up as some ungodly creature's dinner.

This new trailer certainly tugs at the nostalgia cords. The classic PC texture design, cavernous interiors, 3D item pickups and variety of environments are all elements that remind me of the '90s CD-ROM adventure boom that gave us the grim fantasy stylings of Hexen, Witchaven, Heretic, and Stonekeep.

I'm all in just for the giant crow and their chef companion.

Queen's Domain launches October 30 on PS5, PC, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch 2. A demo is available now on Steam.