The Kazakh game Critical Shift has received its first public demo version

The independent studio Rhinotales has released the first public demo of Critical Shift—a tactical role-playing game that combines turn-based squad combat with tense real-time exploration.

The two-hour demo, timed to coincide with the start of the Party-Based RPG Fest, is now available on Steam. Players will explore the ICE-1 facility—a classified station that lost contact after sending a distress signal. Rhinotales has also released a new trailer showcasing the squad, the combat system, and the dangers awaiting players at ICE-1.

In the two-hour demo, you can meet six of the eleven agents and explore the classified facility buried beneath layers of Antarctic ice.

Critical Shift is one of the largest games developed in Kazakhstan in terms of development scale. It has been in development for six years by a team of 35 people. The release is planned for PC, Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Key markets: North America, Europe, China, and the CIS. Localization is planned for 11 languages, with full voice acting being prepared for English, Chinese, and Russian.

The demo features three sectors of ICE-1: the surface, administrative offices, and the warehouse. Players will get to know the layout of the complex, which hides many dangers and secrets. It also features six of the eleven operatives, each with unique skills, personality traits, and tactical roles. The squad includes Bear—a battle-hardened squad leader; Diver—a scientist and biological protection specialist; Bishop—an occultism expert; Goblin—a sniper and demolitions expert; Huck—a hacker and engineer; and Saint—a physicist and brilliant chess player. Players will need to adjust their squad composition depending on the tasks at hand and effectively use operatives' skills during combat, exploration, and uncovering the secrets of ICE-1.

In Critical Shift, you will experience a multi-layered science fiction drama with mystical elements, co-written with Guiltythree, the popular author of the web novel Shadow Slave. As you uncover the mysteries behind the disaster at ICE-1, you will encounter unexpected plot twists that blur the line between allies and enemies.

The full version of Critical Shift will offer over 40 hours of tactical combat, exploration, and an engaging storyline: you will find more than 30 handcrafted levels, 11 agents, deep character progression, weapon upgrades, as well as diverse factions and enemies.

Critical Shift will be released for PC in 2027, with a console version also planned.