- Colombian indie studio RipRed’s debut title launches on Steam on July 27
- Pen & Ink Art, Timeline Combat, Break System… Competing with Originality
- Notebook-style world + unlimited artifact builds… Strategic roguelike depth emphasized
A living, breathing world is contained within a single notebook. In that space filled with late-night scribbles, heroes made of paper and junk fight against fate without even knowing that they are products of imagination.
Graphite, a pen-and-ink roguelike RPG developed by Columbia indie studio RipRed and published by indie.io, will be released on Steam on July 27, 2026. A free demo of the game, allowing players to experience the entire first act, is currently available on Steam.
The world on a lined notebook… Sensibility perfected with pen and ink
The most distinctive feature of Graphite is its unique setting: a school notebook. Every element of the game is rendered in a style that looks as if it were drawn with pen and ink, bringing the textures of hand-sketched characters, monsters, and even the environment to life. Beyond a simple art style, the direction stands out for its close integration with the worldview itself.
The core of the game lies in its setting. The characters are unaware that they are imaginary beings. However, the irony of them taking quests, prophecies, and alliances seriously completes the game’s atmosphere. Even within the humble backdrop of an old notebook, the story is by no means light.
Event cards reminiscent of tarot cards and narration-based branching choices create a new story with every playthrough. The direction naturally evokes memories of drawing characters in the blank spaces of childhood notebooks and enjoying self-made board games.
Timeline combat and break system… emphasizing strategic depth
Combat takes place on a dynamic timeline. Every action produces results over time, and players must formulate strategies taking this into account.
The key is the ‘Break’ system. Depleting an enemy’s Poise can neutralize their planned actions, but conversely, the enemy pressures the player in the same way. In other words, every strategy can simultaneously be a risk factor.
The artifact system is also noteworthy. Items can be accumulated without stack limits, offering a high degree of freedom in building, and strategies become increasingly complex and powerful as the game progresses. However, since enemies can also acquire artifacts, battles maintain a constant sense of tension.
A narrative intersecting with seven heroes… The connection between two worlds
The game features a total of seven heroes, each possessing a unique personality, combat style, and individual narrative. They are entrusted with a mission by a figure known as ‘The Scribe,’ and their stories intersect during their recurring journeys.
In this process, a dual structure is revealed where the fantasy world within the notebook and the real world subtly intertwine. Choices, failures, and accumulating stories are the core elements that run throughout the game.
“I wanted to give something never felt before”… RipRed’s debut work
RipRed is a small, indie studio based in Columbia. ‘Graphite’ is the team’s first commercial release.
Lead developer Juan Rodríguez expressed confidence, stating, “Based on the RPG and roguelike genres we love, we wanted to create a unique and engaging experience unlike anything before,” and added, “The world, characters, and the ever-changing gameplay sensations will provide users with a new experience.”
Praised as “original”… Attention on community reaction
Since the game’s release, the most frequently mentioned keyword in the community is ‘originality’.
In particular, the high level of completeness in the pen and ink art style and worldview, the unlimited artifact build, and the symmetrical structure where enemies and players share the same system are receiving positive feedback.
Users have left reviews such as, “It reminds me of doodles in my notebook from childhood,” “The timeline combat and Break system are strategically interesting,” and “The completeness of the worldbuilding can be felt even from the demo.” The fact that it is the debut title of a South American indie developer is also cited as a factor attracting attention.
Information regarding ‘Graphite’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | RipRed (Colombia) |
| Publisher | indie.io |
| Genre | Pen & Ink Roguelike RPG |
| Release platform | PC (Steam) |
| Release date | July 27, 2026 |
| demo | Free Steam demo available (Act 1 full playable) |
| graphic style | Pen and Ink / Notebook Doodle Concept |
| Hero number | 7 people (each with a unique personality, playstyle, and narrative) |
| core system | Dynamic Timeline Battle / Break / Unlimited Artifact Stack / Tarot Adventure Deck |
| Unique mechanic | Enemies can acquire artifacts / Party composition responsive branching choices |
| Main Keywords | Roguelike, RPG, Pen and Ink, Notebook, Timeline Combat, Indie, South America |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
