Odd Bug Studio, a UK-based developer who released the 2D VR side-scrolling adventure game by the name ofThe LostBear, is soon releasing another indie title calledTails of Iron.Tails of Ironis an RPG adventure game withSouls-like elements, and it actually seeks to be different fromDark Soulsclones by changing the way aSouls-like is played, doing things like removing the stamina bar and making builds out of loadouts instead of skills and talents. Game Rant speaks with Jack Bennett from Odd Bug Studio about what makesTails of Ironstand out and what was it like to develop this game.
There are several things that Bennett described as career highlights, like having Doug Cockle — the voice actor for Geralt of Rivia fromThe Witcherseries — narrate the story and events ofTails of Iron, and also being part of the E3 with a trailer for the game. There are alsobig titles that inspiredTails of Iron, and living up to the legacy of games likeHollow KnightandThe Witcheris no easy task.This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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Q: Tails of Iron seems to have many Souls-like elements. Was this always the case or did the original vision shift to the current one?
A: This was always the case forTails of Iron. Our main thing was that we wanted the game to have the level of difficulty that is associated withSouls-likes— after all, Redgi is restoring his kingdom — it’s not a particularly easy thing! However, the game does have a major difference compared to mostSouls-likes in that it doesn’t feature a stamina bar. We removed this as we didn’t want the player distracted by managing a bar, we wanted them completely focused on the combat and really understanding the enemy they’re fighting.
Q: Speaking of Souls-like games, how much of an inspiration were they while working on Tails of Iron?
A:Souls-likes were definitely an inspiration for us. We liked that difficulty curve and we enjoyed the slow, deliberate combat that many of them offer. However - we did have other influences. Games likeThe Witcherseriesinspired us greatly during development. We really liked the combination of an epic world teamed with intriguing characters, mixed with deep and methodical combat.
Q: Was Hollow Knight something you were looking up to with your game?
A: Of course!Hollow Knightis the pinnacle of indieSouls-like games alongsideSalt andSanctuary.Hollow Knighthas all of the things we wanted to bring toTails of Iron—Souls-like combat, explorable worlds, and intriguing characters. The main thing we’ve added to that recipe is that we have a very definitive story that drives the whole game.
Q: Are there other games or media that inspired your work?
A: The world ofTails of Ironis obviously full of anthropomorphized critters so there were some major influences there. Things like theRedwallandMouseGuardbooks, as well animated movies likeWind in the WillowsandThe Secret ofNIMH.
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Q: What do you think of the comparison between the rats in Tails of Iron and Warhammer’s Skaven?
A: I’ve seen this online a few times and it’s high praise indeed! We’re big fans of theWarhammeruniverse, so it’s really cool to see that comparison. I’ve also seen the frogs being compared to the lizardmen too. I do think our rats are slightly different - the rats inTails of Ironare much more ‘civilized’ and much less naturally brutal.
Q: What’s the story behind Doug Cockle narrating the events in Tails of Iron? Did you choose him because of his work on The Witcher?
A: We’re obviously big fans ofThe Witcherseriesso getting to work with Doug Cockle, THE Geralt of Rivia was like a career highlight! I think the main thing that drew us to Doug was that his voice is so iconic. As soon as you hear those deep gravely tones, you know you’re in for a dark epic adventure which I think really helps to pull the whole world and story ofTails of Irontogether.
Q: What was it like for you to have a trailer for Tails of Iron shown at E3?
A: Another career highlight! As anindie studio, you never think you’ll get the opportunity to show your game at these big conferences and conventions so to seeTails of Ironamong so many amazing games was really awesome. We were part of the Future Games Show, so a big thank you to them!
Q: What is the story behind the conflict between the rats and the frogs?
A: The Rats and Frogs have been in conflict for centuries with both sides being on top at different times throughout history.Tails of Irontakes place at a time where the Rats have enjoyed peace for a long time thanks to the current ruler King Rattus, however, the King is getting old and needs to choose an heir. At the same time as this, the Frog lands have become intoxicated with poison gas, making life for the Frogs very hard, as nothing grows. This is ultimately what is forcing thisnew era of conflict.
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Q: How does character customization work in Tails of Iron? What do different weapons and pieces of armor do?
A: Character customization is all based on yourweapon and armor loadout. Weapons come in one of three different types - swords, spears, and axes. Each of these weapon types is slightly different, for example, spears are fast but weaker whereas hammers and axes are slow but powerful. This also carries over into two-handed weapons. In addition to this, armor has its own stats. Armor can be light, medium, and heavy. The weight of the armor affects the speed of your dodge roll and your ability to evade attacks. On top of this, armor has enemy resistance so you’ll need to select the right gear for the enemy you’re facing.
Q: Are there skills, talents, builds, and something of the sort?
A: There are no skills or talents, it’s all based on how you want to play. For example, you could equip an ax, a two-handed hammer, and a crossbow as well as heavy armor. This is going to give you asuper tanky buildwith a lot of defense and damage but you’re going to be super slow. On the flip side of that - you could have a spear with a bow and arrow and light armor which would give you an almost rogue build that would allow you to nip in and out of combat. This way, you can find a combination that allows you to play the way you like to play.
Q: How does the companion system work? Who is your favorite companion, and why?
A:Companionsare quest-specific and will join you on a number of different quests. They fight alongside you in combat and each has different weapons. My favorite companion is most probably Jey, he’s got a really cool weapon and he takes you into what is probably my favorite area of the game. I think if I say anything else then I’ll probably be in spoiler territory!
Q: What sorts of items and collectibles can players find in Tails of Iron?
A: There are a lot of things to collect inTails of Iron. For starters, Redgi’s armory has 75 unique weapons and pieces of armor to find. You’ll need to find ingredients to craft meals forhealth upgrades. Finally, there’s also a whole side quest based around finding statues for a specific area. Again - if I say any more about that then it’s most probably a spoiler!
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Q: Is there crafting in the game? How does that work?
A: There are two types of crafting. Firstly, you’ll find blueprints that you can take back to the smithy. There, BamBam the smith will convert them into a new weapon or armor. Thesecond type of crafting is cooking. You’ll need to find and earn ingredients around the world and bring them back to the chef, RemRem, so they can cook a new meal to give you a health upgrade.
Q: Are there hidden quests, NPCs, items, and encounters?
A: There are a couple ofhidden bossesthat you’ll find by exploring the world. There are also hidden pathways that’ll lead to secrets so it’s definitely worth exploring the world fully!
Q: What is your favorite thing in Tails of Iron?
A: That’s a tough one! I really love theboss battles. Each one is unique and every boss has its own unique execution animation, so defeating a boss is really rewarding. However, I think my favorite thing about the game is the world. Redgi’s story and the area that it takes place withinTails of Ironis just one story in a massive world that we’re yet to explore!
Q: Is there anything you’d like to add that I didn’t ask?
A: I’d just like to say thanks for the interesting questions! The whole team is super excited forTails of Ironto release on all platforms and we can’t wait to hear from everyone and see their reactions when they play it!
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Tails of Ironwill launch on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on June 24, 2025.
