Ink-based strategy game Inkulinati, which is developed by Yaza Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment, will make its way to Early Access next month.

Announced today, the title will arrive on January 31 via PC (Steam Early Access, GOG Early Access, and the Microsoft Store (PC Only)) and Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S via Xbox Game Preview and Game Pass. A Nintendo Switch release will arrive when the game exits the Early Access phase. A demo of the game is live right now on Steam and Xbox until January 1.

A synopsis for the title reads:

Inkulinati are a legendary group who battle one another on the pages of medieval manuscripts. They fight by drawing beasts with the Living Ink. Thanks to this magical substance, those creatures come to life and an epic battle ensues. Donkeys playing trumpets with their bottoms, bishop cats vanquishing heretics with prayers, heavy but deadly snails that eat units alive, and more. Much, much more.

—But be not deceived by the tomfoolery of rabbit bottoms and braying mules— Inkulinati is neither for feebleminded coxcombs nor harebrained half-wits. These comical illustrations belie the tactical depth of Inkulinati’s turn-based combat. Players assume the role of master Inkulinati, commanding living illustrations on 2D manuscript battlefields. Each stylishly inked creature plays a strategic combat role, while legendary medieval characters such as Dante and Hildegard can turn the tide of battle.

Inkulinati includes both solo and local multiplayer gameplay. Players can ready their troops to delve into the game’s demanding single-player campaign or challenge other Inkulinati locally in a revival of the old-school hot-seat-mode. The game features intricate maps that influence duels and allows for different gameplay styles (e.g. aggressive vs. cunning).