A classic CRPG structure with a French twist
Fans of Planescape: Torment, Baldur’s Gate and Neverwinter Nights have not always had many modern games that recreate the appeal of classic computer role-playing games. Covenant of Gears: The Three Musketeers is taking a distinctly different route, combining that traditional CRPG framework with Alexandre Dumas’ famous swashbuckling world.
Officially announced on 10 August 2026, the project is being developed and published by French studio Super AC. Its Steam page describes a tactical RPG set in a reimagined 17th-century France, where alternate history meets steampunk machinery.
The Musketeers become a four-person party
The playable group includes D’Artagnan and the three Musketeers: Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Each hero has a defined combat role: D’Artagnan is the warrior, Porthos serves as the tank, Athos fights as a sharpshooter, and Aramis takes on the assassin class.
Those roles are not completely fixed. Every character has a customisable skill tree, while coordinated attacks and synergistic abilities should reward players who build their party around complementary strengths.
The setting also leaves room for a new interpretation of Cardinal Richelieu, one of the most recognisable figures in adaptations of The Three Musketeers. Previous film versions have featured Charlton Heston in 1973, Tim Curry in 1993 and Christoph Waltz in 2011.
Real-time battles and player-made adventures
Covenant of Gears combines real-time combat with a tactical pause, allowing players to stop the action and plan their next moves. That structure should appeal to players who enjoy the deliberate decision-making associated with older CRPGs.
Beyond its main campaign, the game will include a modular campaign editor. Players can use it to create their own adventures and locations, then share those creations through the Steam Workshop. It is a clear nod to the community-driven design tools and custom scenarios that helped make Neverwinter Nights so enduring.
Early access is still a long way off
The combination of Dumas-inspired adventure, tactical party combat and user-created content gives the project a strong identity beyond its nostalgic influences. However, it will still need to establish its own voice rather than relying solely on memories of classic CRPGs.
That test is some distance away. Early access is currently expected in the fourth quarter of 2027. A Kickstarter campaign is planned to help fund additional staff and operational costs.
For Australian players who enjoy story-rich role-playing games and hands-on customisation, Covenant of Gears: The Three Musketeers is one to watch. Keep up with more arcade and gaming news, explore the arcade video collection, or browse the Arcade Machines range for a dedicated gaming setup. Players planning a home project can also compare arcade machine buying advice and DIY arcade kits.
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