Netmarble unveiled the Asian release version of "Game of Thrones: Kingsroad" ahead of its launch in Asia later this year. It reflects feedback collected during the early access service in Western markets. On March 20, I tried the single-player mode and a four-player co-op multi-raid dungeon in sequence.

I have never watched the original "Game of Thrones" drama series. Even so, there was no major obstacle to progressing through the game. The single-player session lasted about 35 minutes. The game introduced the interface and controls step by step from the start, drawing players in naturally as they follow the story. That was enough time to learn different controls and understand the game structure. Even without background knowledge of the world, the scenario flow kept my focus.

The graphics and presentation supported immersion. Cutscenes and real-time play moved without breaks, and combat delivered a realistic hit feel and a weighty sense of action. Kingsroad uses fully manual combat that requires dodging and counterattacking based on enemy patterns. Players mix basic skills with heavy-strike skills for strategic use. Three classes — knight, mercenary and assassin — each deliver a different combat style, changing the feel of play depending on the choice. The game also supports skipping cutscenes, letting players proceed at their preferred pace.

Changes were clear compared with the demo version shown at G-Star 2024. Issues found during early access operations in Western markets have been addressed to a considerable extent, and the overall progression flow has become much smoother. Other attendees who had watched the original work also said they could see efforts to faithfully reflect its mood and setting.

After single-player, I tried the multi-raid dungeon "Abyssal Altar." It is party content for a four-person team, and a high-difficulty section the developers designed as the top-tier specification among update content. It has five phases, and from phase three it begins to require role division among party members and coordinated play in earnest.

In phase three, players must approach a brazier on the map, set a ranged weapon on fire, and then land a flaming ranged attack when the boss Kraken opens its mouth. In phase four, all four players must enter a ballista firing-ready state at the same time, and fire together in sync with the moment a red circle appears to move to the next stage. In phase five, 1 person operates the ballista to disable the Kraken, while the remaining party members focus attacks on its weak point at that timing. The key is not simple firepower, but timing and role division.

In the hands-on session, the difficulty rose sharply in later phases, and the demo did not clear the dungeon to the end. The development team had also said in advance that it is naturally difficult for first-time players because it is designed as top-spec content among update additions. Even without clearing it, it was possible to confirm that the content was designed to require party proficiency and coordinated teamwork rather than simple repetition.

Even users unfamiliar with the original work have accessibility to enjoy it as an action RPG in its own right, and fans of the original work are likely to gain additional satisfaction from its world-building. Overall completeness was sufficient to raise expectations for the Asia launch.

The Steam closed beta test will run from April 17 to 24, and applications to participate are available through the Steam page until April 23. The company is targeting an official launch in Asian regions including South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan.