German developers Aesir Interactive and NightingGames have officially announced the third chapter of the Windstorm saga, titled Windstorm: The Legend of Khiimori. Published by Mindscape, the game is set to release in Early Access on Steam in September of 2024. As of the writing of this article, there are no plans for a console port.
THE LEGEND OF KHIIMORI: WHERE THE LEGEND BEGAN
Hear the call of the steppe. As a courier, it will be your duty to procure valuable resources to other encampments, braving a vast open world teeming with challenges that will require bravery, planning and excellent riding skills to overcome. From the highest peaks to the scorching desert, become one with your loyal steed as you embark on a legendary quest to discover the tale of Khiimori, the spirit of earth and sky, and create your own everlasting legacy.
- Brave the harsh climates of the land and carefully pick your routes to avoid danger and injuries
- Tame horses to unlock new coats and attributes, breed your stock to improve their abilities and train them to unleash their full potential
- Build and expand your very own camp and keep your horses in good shape for the adventures that lie ahead
- Improve your reputation amongst the Mongolian people by completing tasks, herding animals and mastering the Mongolian wilderness
- Discover the legend of the mythical “wind horse” Khiimori and forge a true bond with your equine companions
“The Sleeper. That’s what the Mongolians called people who were born with the gift to understand horses.”
Master Kaan – Ostwind/Windstorm
Windstorm: The Legend of Khiimori © Aesir Interactive
ADVENTURE AWAITS
Riding hot on the coattails of Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch, Aesir Interactive joins forces once again with fellow German indie team NightingGames to deliver perhaps its most ambitious title to date. Set against the stunning backdrop of 13th century Mongolia, a welcome departure from the contemporary setting of previous Windstorm games, Legend of Khiimori is an open-world adventure where the player takes the mantle of a young courier rider.
Managing resources and finding the safest places to set up camp
are cornerstones of life as a courier.
Windstorm: The Legend of Khiimori © Aesir Interactive
Life in the steppe is harsh and unforgiving. Danger lurks everywhere—from the ever-shifting weather, to the many beasts roaming the wilderness. However, our hero is not alone. To complete her quest, she can count on her trusted horse, the Mongolian aduu. Hailing from Central Asia, this hardy breed remained largely unchanged for centuries, thriving with little human assistance. Possessing remarkable strength and endurance for their size, they were the driving force behind the armies that would shape the greatest contiguous realm in the history of mankind: the Mongol Empire.
STEPPING STONES
In the past few years, Aesir Interactive made considerable strides in rejuvenating a genre suffering from years of neglect. This process gained significant momentum when Alice Ruppert joined the studio in April 2021, first as a freelance consultant and later as a Creative Producer. In a 2020 interview with The Mane Quest, former CEO Wolfgang Emmer reiterated Aesir’s commitment to the equestrian gaming community, aiming to “build something that can grow over the years to come”. That was, of course, referring to their upcoming IP, Horse Tales: Emerald Valley Ranch. Released in November of 2022, the game is currently rated “Mixed” on Steam with a 61% of positive reviews, before ceasing active development in April.
While a shelf-life of just under two years may sound underwhelming, I also believe it makes the most logical sense. Unlike other behemoths, smaller entities like Aesir have a finite number of resources at their disposal. Horse Tales was definitely a stepping stone for the studio, both in terms of scope and technical state, despite some hiccups along the way. Furthermore, Ruppert’s position put her in an uniquely qualified position to steer the project towards greener pastures. Thus, I find it plausibile that Aesir saw fit to concentrate their efforts on their upcoming release, hopefully heeding the lessons of the past to craft a truly unique experience for adventurers all over the world. Could we be about to witness a new golden age for horse games? Stay tuned!
Windstorm: The Legend of Khiimori is available to be wishlisted on Steam. You can stay up to date about this project following the official website, Instagram, Threads, X, TikTok, YouTube and Discord.
