Early access to Acaratus is now available on Steam, offering the first chance to play this award-winning turn-based RPG for Windows that features "randomized maps, highly customizable battle suits, and collectible cards." A recent trailer offers a look at gameplay, and here's word:

Swedish indie developer Nodbrim Interactive today announced that Acaratus, its medieval steampunk tactical turn-based RPG, has launched on the Early Access stage and is now available through Steam for Windows PC. In Acaratus players build mechanized battle suits and fight to free an enslaved population. After winning Sweden’s Game Concept Challenge for independent developers, Nodbrim Interactive have secured funding to kick-start the development of Acaratus, where players’ strategic skills are put to the test in a beautiful, alternative Steampunk universe.

“Winning the Game Concept Challenge to make Acaratus a reality means so much to us as a team”, said Martin Kupski, Creative Director at Nodbrim Interactive. “We’ll continue to listen to what our steadily growing community wants in order to give them the truly unique strategy experience they deserve”.

Acaratus challenges players with multiple layers of strategy, urging them to plan a few steps ahead. Players have to construct their own mecha units from highly customizable modular attachments and decide between ranged, melee, boosters and defensive parts. Weapons range from war hammers to longer ranged projectile-based weapons, such as cannons. Ability card decks are also used by players as attack, defence or skill boosts to support their unique play styles and help them succeed in deep tactical turn-based gameplay. Combat takes place in a beautiful medieval steampunk setting with randomised maps, and players can also fight each other in the battle arenas.