Tides of Annihilation might take place at the end of the world, but Eclipse Glow Games doesn’t want its post-apocalyptic adventure to feel relentlessly depressing.

The upcoming action-adventure game puts players in control of Gwendolyn, seemingly the last human remaining after London has been devastated by mysterious otherworldly forces.

Between ruined streets, distorted dimensions, remnants of humanity, and terrifying creatures, it’s hardly the most cheerful setting imaginable. However, Game Director and Eclipse Glow Games co-CEO Ary Chen says the team has deliberately introduced lighter moments to prevent the experience from becoming emotionally exhausting.

Tides of Annihilation Uses Humor to Break Up Its Darker Moments

Tides of Annihilation’s version of London has been torn apart by an ethereal catastrophe, leaving Gwendolyn to explore what remains while battling monstrous enemies with the help of powerful supernatural Knights.

Despite that grim premise, the game isn’t completely devoid of humor.

Speaking during a recent interview in Chengdu, Chen explained that the lighter character interactions are an intentional part of the game’s emotional pacing.

“Although the game takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting, we don’t want players to feel tense or emotionally weighed down throughout the entire experience. Small moments of humor can provide breathing room and help vary the emotional rhythm as players progress through the story.”

Chen added that the producer’s dry sense of humor naturally made its way into development, eventually making the contrast between the dark world and lighter character moments part of Tides of Annihilation’s identity.

That can be seen through Gwendolyn’s interactions with characters such as Niniene, a young girl capable of transforming into a bird, as well as Mercury, the bizarre pair of snake-like arms responsible for operating the game’s store.

Those moments stand in sharp contrast to some of the darker discoveries players can make while exploring London, including bodies frozen in time that crumble into dust when approached and recordings left behind by humanity before its apparent destruction.

Tides of Annihilation Is Not a Soulslike

That philosophy of balance also extends directly into gameplay.

Despite its intimidating enemies and action-heavy combat, Eclipse Glow Games doesn’t consider Tides of Annihilation a Soulslike.

Chen explained that the developers instead want combat to remain accessible while still offering enough mechanical depth for experienced action-game players.

“Our goal is to strike a balance between accessibility and depth. Tides of Annihilation is not a Soulslike, so we don’t want players to approach it with that specific expectation.”

According to Chen, players should be capable of performing stylish and satisfying attacks relatively quickly, while mastering timing, mechanics, and different combinations of Knights will provide a considerably higher skill ceiling.

The game also includes difficulty options designed to allow players to tailor the experience to their preferences, including a story-focused difficulty that still provides some resistance without turning every encounter into a major obstacle.

Gwendolyn Remains at the Heart of Tides of Annihilation

While Tides of Annihilation’s world and combat systems have continued evolving throughout development, Gwendolyn remains the centerpiece of the project.

Chen described the game as “Gwendolyn’s heroic saga,” explaining that Eclipse Glow Games wanted to create a protagonist capable of combining strength and grace while fighting directly alongside her Knights.

“We wanted Gwen to have a commanding presence—not simply through her appearance, but through her actions, personality, and role within the world.”

Gwendolyn has undergone significant changes since the project was previously known as Ghost of Fog, but the fundamental idea behind the character has remained intact.

One major change, however, recently occurred behind the scenes.

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Jennifer English’s Departure Hasn’t Delayed Development

Jennifer English recently announced that she was stepping away from her role as Gwendolyn, raising questions about how the change could affect the game.

Chen said the studio was saddened by English’s departure but fully supported her decision to prioritize her health and well-being.

English also reportedly helped Eclipse Glow Games during the transition process, working alongside other members of the voice cast to help the studio find her replacement.

“We believe Gwen’s core identity remains fully intact, while her new voice will continue to bring the character to life in a compelling way.”

Importantly, the change hasn’t resulted in a development delay.

Chen confirmed that the transition has been carefully managed and Tides of Annihilation remains on schedule.

More Tides of Annihilation Is Coming at Gamescom

Tides of Annihilation still doesn’t have an official release date, but players shouldn’t have to wait long for another look at the game.

Eclipse Glow Games has additional trailers planned around Gamescom, while attendees will also have an opportunity to play the game on the show floor.

Between its devastated interpretation of London, Knight-based combat system, Arthurian influences, and deliberate mixture of darkness and humor, Tides of Annihilation continues to shape up as one of the more distinctive upcoming action-adventure games.

Are you looking forward to Tides of Annihilation? Let us know what you think about the game in the comments below.