Maliki: Poison of the Past is an indie RPG adventure that combines turn-based combat, time manipulation, exploration across different eras, and light base management elements on PC. Players take on the role of Sand, a temporal survivor working to restore balance in a world threatened by the plant monster known as Poison. The game draws from a graphic novel series and features a cast of quirky companions who assist in missions that span past worlds and a safe haven called the Domaine.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around traveling through time with a Chrono Pack to fix disruptions in the space-time continuum. Exploration involves navigating altered historical settings filled with monsters, solving temporal riddles that require careful timing and observation, and gathering resources. Combat occurs in turn-based encounters where the time manipulation mechanic lets players shift the order of actions, create linked attacks with allies, or reposition enemies into previous moments for strategic advantage. Basic attacks, items, blocks, and special techniques form the foundation of each turn, with joint moves delivering extra damage when timed correctly.
Between excursions, activity centers on the Domaine, a protected area outside normal time. Here, players tend to the Thousand-Root Tree that shields the location, plant and harvest crops, prepare meals, and craft or upgrade equipment and accessories. These tasks improve combat readiness and provide a steady rhythm of preparation before heading back into the fractured timelines. The system encourages balancing aggressive time-bending fights with steady upkeep of the safe zone.
Game Modes
The experience centers on a single-player campaign that weaves together several interconnected systems rather than separate selectable modes. The primary focus remains story-driven progression through time periods, where combat, puzzle-solving, and resource management all advance the same narrative thread. No competitive or cooperative multiplayer options exist, keeping the emphasis on solo pacing and character development with companions like Becky, Fang, and Fenimale.
Within the campaign, players shift between high-stakes temporal battles that reward precise manipulation of action order, slower exploration segments that uncover lore and items, and downtime activities in the Domaine that build long-term power through farming and crafting. This structure creates a consistent loop without distinct game modes that players toggle independently.
Story and Presentation
The narrative follows a small group of survivors led by the enigmatic Maliki as they confront Poison's influence over reality. Questions about the monster's origins and Maliki's own secrets add layers to the tale, delivered through expressive dialogue and character interactions. The visual style blends French graphic novel influences with Japanese chibi aesthetics, resulting in colorful, dynamic character designs and environments that feel distinct across different time periods.
Sound and animation support the mix of serious ecological themes and lighter moments, with the overall tone maintaining a balance of emotion and wit. The Thousand-Root Tree serves as both a mechanical hub and a symbolic element tied to the story's themes of restoration and protection.
Is It Worth Playing?
Maliki: Poison of the Past suits players who enjoy turn-based RPGs that incorporate time-altering tactics alongside cozy management tasks. The combat system stands out for its creative use of timeline shifts to build combos, while the Domaine activities provide a reliable contrast that prevents fatigue from constant fighting. Reviews highlight the endearing characters and thoughtful story as strengths that keep the journey engaging from start to finish.
The game launched in April 2025 and maintains a Very Positive rating on its primary PC platform, with players noting the charming presentation and solid integration of its various systems. Those seeking a self-contained indie title with clear progression, memorable companions, and a unique battle twist will find it delivers a focused experience without unnecessary complexity. If the blend of strategic combat and light farming appeals, the title offers consistent enjoyment through its verified mechanics and narrative focus.
