After five years of solo graft, Dundee developer Ross McRitchie is ready to unleash his heartfelt JRPG, Cairn: Mathair’s Curse, on 9 October 2025 via Steam.
A Story of Family, Loss, and Quirky Battles
At its heart, Cairn: Mathair’s Curse is a turn-based JRPG about a boy named Alex and his mother, caught up in a tale of love, loss, and family. When a shadowy cult awakens an ancient curse, Alex and his pals must set off on an adventure—battling cultists, solving puzzles, and even scrapping with… haggis. And yes, stop signs too.
The game’s fictional land of Albaness is steeped in Scottish humour and nostalgia, echoing the Highlands of the early 2000s. Expect heartfelt moments alongside cheeky nods to growing up Scottish.
What Awaits in Albaness?
- Around 25 hours of story-rich gameplay steeped in Scottish mythology
- Strategic turn-based battles against cultists, haggis, and stranger foes
- Puzzle-solving and treasure-hunting across a handcrafted pixel-art world
- A colourful, often hilarious cast of characters
- An original Celtic soundtrack with SNES-era vibes
Made with Love in Dundee
This isn’t just another JRPG. It’s a personal project years in the making. Ross handled everything from writing and art to programming and design, dedicating the game to his late mother and grandmother. The music? That’s by his partner Christine, rounding out this family-made tribute.
Cairn: Mathair’s Curse on Steam is shaping up to be a unique JRPG with a Scottish soul, ready to make you laugh, think, and maybe even cry a bit.