Renegade Game Studios will release Proving Grounds, the first in its new Solo Hero Series of combination storybook/solitaire games, in April.

Proving Grounds begins with a novella written by the award-winning author and game designer Monica Valentinelli that sets up the background story, the tale of Maia Strongheart, daughter of the late Sun Queen, who has been framed for murder and robbed of her birthright.  The story is connected to the dice-based solo game, in which the player controls the actions of the novella’s protagonist as she tries to prove her innocence and reclaim her mother’s throne by fighting in an arena called the Proving Grounds. 

The game side of the title was designed by Kane Klenko (FUSE, Flatline) and features artwork by Matthew Dobrich.  It features real-time playing mechanics and a total of six gameplay modules that can be used separately or combined as the player wishes, or used altogether for the full gladiatorial experience.

Proving Grounds comes with 1 storybook, 1 encounter board, 70 cards, 14 tokens, 15 dice, a tracking dial, and a reference card.  Intended for 1 player aged 10 or higher, it takes about half an hour to play.  MSRP is $35.00.

In April, Renegade will also release its game of 19th Century Presidential politics, Revolution of 1828 (see “Explore Presidential Campaign History at Its Dirtiest”).