Grifford Academy
Release Date: Jun 25, 2025 (early access)
Developer: LandShark Games
Publisher: LandShark Games
Platform: Steam/PC
*Special thanks to the PR team and PressEngine for the preview key*
Intro/story:
Grifford Academy is a charming, story-focused RPG that blends teen drama with magical adventure. You follow three high schoolers (Erika, Viva, and Cap) as they’re whisked into the mysterious book world of Caldria. Their goal? Rescue missing classmates and help Erika locate her brother. Along the way, players shape each character’s personality through choices that also influence their combat capabilities.
Grifford Academy centers on meaningful character development. Dialogue choices aren’t just window dressing; they actively shape each teen’s personality, making them more confident, empathetic, or determined. These traits don’t just affect dialogue—they can unlock perks in battle or alter story paths. Even minor decisions can ripple out and reshape your journey.
Gameplay and gameplay impressions:
The game features straightforward, turn-based battles that strike a fine balance between simplicity and strategy. It offers two difficulty settings: a relaxed Story Mode for those focused on narrative, and a tougher Strategy Mode for players who want a challenge. Battle tactics are clear-cut—equip gear, buff your squad, and make smart decisions in each fight.
Originally set for July, the Early Access launch was moved up to June 25, 2025, to better align with Steam’s promotional windows. The full story is available at launch, but this version is a work-in-progress with bugs, hence why early access. The game will continue to get polished and updated throughout its development time. The developers are aiming for a 3–6 month Early Access phase during which community feedback, from Steam and Discord (both accessible from the main menu of the game), will actively shape updates. Planned additions include recipe crafting, pets, and a roguelite mode.
Visual and Audio:
The visual style draws inspiration from JRPGs like Ni no Kuni and Western animated series such as Gravity Falls, offering a whimsical, storybook feel. It emanates from LandShark Games’ Singapore-based roots, blending varied cultural aesthetics. The soundtrack heightens emotional and magical moments, creating a memorable audio backdrop.
Final Thoughts
Grifford Academy offers a tender and strategic RPG experience that’s both accessible and emotionally rich. With thoughtful design, a strong narrative core, and a beautiful audiovisual presentation, it appeals to fans of story-driven games. Early Access is a great opportunity to jump in, influence its evolution, and enjoy a heartfelt adventure.