DaRmaZat Developed by Tekden Studio and published by Tekden Studio and Tekden Film, Ertugrul of Ulukayin is an upcoming open-world action-adventure game set for release in Q2 of 2025. The title will be available on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. This preview is based on a demo version, providing an initial look at its story, world, mechanics, as well as its visuals and audio.
A Tale of War, Myth, and Survival
Rooted in medieval Turkic folklore, Ertugrul of Ulukayin explores the historical and semi-legendary figure of Ertugrul, father of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. Set in the 13th century, the story unfolds during a time of Mongol invasions that threaten the Seljuk tribes.
You begin the game as a warrior searching for his brother while fighting off Mongol invaders who threaten your tribe. Soon after, captured by a hostile tribe led by a powerful shaman, your first major challenge is to escape and defeat this formidable foe in a tough boss battle. After this, the world begins to open up, introducing new locations, intense battles, and companions who will fight alongside you in your quest to find your missing brother and protect your people.
A Test of Reflexes
The semi-open world and action-heavy combat in Ertugrul of Ulukayin revolve around parrying, demanding fast reflexes and precise timing. You can execute light and heavy strikes, block with a shield, and use a bow for ranged combat. Success in battle relies on draining enemy stamina before delivering a finishing move, adding a strategic element to each encounter.
However, the demo highlights significant control issues. Keybindings for keyboards feel unoptimized, making combat and movement frustrating. Worse still, controller support is completely absent—an unfortunate omission for a game that depends on fast reactions and precise inputs. Hopefully, these issues will be addressed before the final release.
Aesthetic and Atmosphere: Strengths and Shortcomings
For a AA title, Ertugrul of Ulukayin presents a visually appealing world, though occasional graphical glitches break immersion. While animations and cutscenes lack the refinement of a AAA production, the overall execution is impressive considering the budget.
One of the strongest aspects of the game is its soundtrack, featuring traditional Turkish and Central Asian instruments that deepen the historical atmosphere. Some melodies even bring to mind the music of The Witcher series. The Turkish voice acting is decent but could use some refinement, as certain lines feel stiff or slightly off in translation. Performance-wise, the demo isn’t flawless, with occasional frame rate dips and minor bugs—issues that are common in early builds.
Preliminary Thoughts
Ertugrul of Ulukayin has plenty of potential, but it still needs significant polish before launch. The historical setting and folklore-driven narrative are compelling, and the combat mechanics show promise. However, control issues, performance hiccups, and graphical inconsistencies must be addressed. If Tekden Studio can refine these aspects, this game could stand out as a unique historical action-adventure experience.
Additional Information
Release date: Q2, 2025 (Early Access)
Reviewed on: PC. Download code provided by developer and publisher.
Developer: Tekden Studio
Publisher: Tekden Studio, Tekden Film
Official website: https://www.ertugrulofulukayin.com
Relevant links: Ertugrul of Ulukayin on STEAM
