Islands of the Caliph (2023)

Islands of the Caliph is a grid-based, dungeon-crawler style rpg taking place in a low magic, fantasy world based on Islamic mythology. Game mechanics are pretty simple; move, block, attack, heal, improve gear, eat, and sleep. The unnamed PC finds themselves traveling across 9 islands carrying out various quests that culminate in rediscovering the lost Quran. Islands usually need to get 'unlocked' before they can be traveled to. There are plenty of side quests along the way and lots of exploring to do. Combat isn't too difficult. I definitely died a few times but I never ran into an insurmountable fight. Grinding is rewarded in gaining experience, gold, and occasionally gear. The puzzle to begin the final quest is pretty difficult to even know what the puzzle is, let alone solve it. I did end up looking up solutions on Discord and the Steam discussion board but I didn't have to do that until the very end.

The story is well-told. Behind the story, there is some really beautiful music and nicely done pixel art. I especially enjoyed that, as someone who grew up appreciating the beauty and poetry that can be a part of Islamic culture, we get a game that focuses on that beauty and poetry at a time when so much of the discussion about the religion is very negative.

Definitely a recommendation if you're looking for a nice, indie pixel RPG.