There is something wonderfully seasonal about a knight stepping through a stone doorway with a glowing jack-o’-lantern for a head. That is the latest customisation shown by solo developer Jesse Walker for Mortal Crux, an ambitious medieval fantasy action RPG that is still in development.
A medieval world with a personal touch
Mortal Crux is being built around nonlinear exploration, deliberate action combat and a world that feels lived in. Its Steam listing describes day-and-night cycles, changing weather, NPC schedules, wildlife and quests, alongside plans for solo play and co-op with up to four players. The project is self-funded and developed by Jesse Walker.
A Halloween twist
In a recent post on X, the developer showed a new pumpkin-head customisation option: a grinning, glowing jack-o’-lantern perched on an armoured character. It is a small seasonal flourish, but it also demonstrates the attention being given to character appearance. Previous developer discussions have described options for adjusting hairstyles, colours and other cosmetic details, as well as armour that changes how a character looks.
Combat, exploration and cinematic interiors
The game takes inspiration from classic action RPGs and fantasy adventures. Its top-down combat aims for a more physical, timing-focused feel, while interior scenes use fixed cinematic camera angles to make individual rooms feel more intimate. The developer has also discussed finishing moves, stealth actions and camps with random encounters as recent additions to the project.
Still waiting for a release date
Mortal Crux has no confirmed launch window, and its Steam page currently lists it as coming soon to Early Access. It is not yet a playable full release and does not belong in The Switchboard. For now, its regular development updates make it a project worth following, especially for fans of ambitious independent RPGs.
Wishlist: Mortal Crux on Steam. Follow the developer on X for work-in-progress footage and updates.
Editorial note: This First Signal feature is based on the developer’s public updates and Steam listing. It is not a hands-on review. Featured image is official Steam artwork by Jesse Walker.