Coin Operated Games announced the release date for this isometric strategy RPG Empyre: Lords of the Sea Gates, coming to PC-via Steam on October 4.

Set in Neo-Victorian New York circa 1911, Empyre: Lords of the Sea Gates has players strategically more their party through the various maps and fight or barter for resources. The features an original story created by Emmy-nominated writer/comic artist Paul Noth, who has worked on The Late Night Show With Conan O'Brien, Saturday Night Live, and many others.

“After writing for different media throughout my career, I’m very excited to be working with Coin Operated Games to write their video game script,” said Paul Noth. “The world that has been created in Empyre: Lords of the Sea Gates is amazing and truly unique, so I’m thrilled to be able to develop a story set in this new world.”

The world of Empyre: Lords of the Sea Gates is almost completely covered in water. However, the water is not okay to drink, which is a pretty big problem for people who are trying to survive in this world. Many of the games’ objectives and side quests will tie directly into the experiences that someone in the 19th century would have.

“We are very honored that Paul is working with us on the storyline for Empyre: Lords of the Sea Gates,” said John Randall, Creative Director of Empyre. “He is a world class writer, and has been invaluable to us with helping to shape the direction of our games’ signature Neo-Victorian story and experience.”

The developer details the game's features:

The Game - Is an RPG with characters that you can level up and develop and companions who will join you and aid you on your adventure. To overcome the obstacles in your path, you can use Charm, Threats, Lies or Weapons ranging from brass knuckles up to Steam cannons and flamethrowers.

Professions - You and your companions will each belong to a Profession that helps to define their role in the party. For instance, you will be joined by a Sandhog (the men who dug the tunnels beneath Manhattan). He is a strong and burly type whose punishing work environment has made him into a tough fella who is hard to take down.

Combat - When you must fight, you can enjoy the benefits of our combat system which gives you fine control over your party members as well as fast moving action. We like to think of it as good for turn based players who like to strategize and tactically maneuver their party members. But also good for real time fans who like to see the combat unfold quickly.

Art of Barter - The Art of Barter system is how you handle object acquisition in our city. Steam powered difference engined Vending machines dispense all sorts of remedies for the tired, the poor and the huddled masses. For those hard to get items (weapons and such), you will have to work a little harder. You can convince an unwilling antagonist to part with his possessions (usually over his dead body). Or you can find those few and far between purveyors of illicit goods who will trade you for what you need. But leave your Ducats at home. These fine folks will only accept items of interest to them (swords, knives, pistols etc.) in exchange for their goods.

You can check out new screenshots below: