Elysium Above

Elysium Above is a 3D turn-based tactical game set in Wan Yan, a nation that has enjoyed thousands of years of peace but is now being torn apart by decades of war. You play as a mid-level commander in the Kingdom of Bo, deploying troops and directing battles as the newly restored nation faces powerful enemies. As the story unfolds, you learn about the ambitions and purposes of the factions around you and influence what happens next.

The struggle for Bo

Lu, a northern military power, has spent the past century absorbing neighboring countries and now stands as Wan Yan’s strongest force. In the south, Hong leads the newly formed Seven-States Union, which opposes Lu and seeks more allies. Bo lies between them. Lu destroyed Bo eleven years ago and occupied its territory; eleven years later, crown prince Huangzhu led Union forces in a surprise attack on Bo’s former capital and reclaimed the kingdom. The restoration may be only the start of further upheaval.

The story features more than 30 characters with fully animated portraits, over 40 hand-drawn scene graphics and story CGs. Eight teammates have distinct personalities and combat styles. The game also develops relationships and power dynamics among its characters as part of its world and story.

Commanding in battle

Characters can move and use skills freely until they run out of Strategy Value. Spending more Strategy Value delays that character’s next turn, so you manage both its use and the turn-order bar. Careful deployment and turn planning can create chances for consecutive actions.

You can also use the battlefield to impede enemies, setting fires or freezing the ground to disrupt their advance. Marks provide another set of tactical options: standard marks passively improve attributes, while strategic marks can be activated manually.

Skills and equipment

The game describes 45 skill trees with over 200 skills, with this system listed as 40% implemented. Unlocking different points in a skill tree can change the effects of active skills, and skills within the same tree may work in very different ways. Pairing active skills with passive skills to adapt your team to changing battles is listed as a feature to be implemented.

You can collect and strengthen your team with dozens of divine weapons and everyday items.

Teammates and free time

Between main storylines, free time lets you go on dates with teammates, explore their exclusive side stories or practice drills on the training grounds. Dates and strong battlefield command can raise teammates’ affection and unlock hidden storylines. Affection with key teammates can determine whether critical storylines appear, affect the ending and, if it is too low, lead teammates to leave. Teammates do not automatically take an interest in you or try to please you; relationships depend on give and take.

The Early Access story offers over 20 hours of gameplay, while the full version is described as having over 40 hours.