Crystal Rail

Design, Art Direction: Nicholas Dobkin

Programming: Eduardo de Luna

Music: Jordan Chin

Create a train, select a conductor (inspired by an extinct animal) and set off to make your fortune. Make deliveries, upgrade your engine, send blackmail, start a revolution… Anything goes if it gets you to the top! A train story set in a handpainted Crystalpunk world, with the quick, addictive gameplay of a roguelite.

Crystal Rail: A Rail-Rogue RPG

In the latter days of the Pandemic, game-director-to-be, Nick Dobkin, sat out of a job and adrift in life. In a moment of inspiration, he set out to craft the world for a heretofore unknown video game. He had no experience in design or programming, but many years as a fan of game design discourse, and after a year of painting and planning, found a programmer to bring the idea to life. It has been 3 years since, and Crystal Rail, his first game has captivated players with its intricate world, captivating artstyle, and unique blend of RPG, board-game, and roguelite game mechanics.

A work in progress demo is public on Steam. Early access release is expected in Q3 of 2025.