Steven Universe creator and former Adventure Time writer Rebecca Sugar recently expressed interest in an RPG based on her show during a Reddit AMA. Little did we know that two weeks later, at PAX Prime, Cartoon Network Games would unveil Steven Universe: Attack the Light! which is, in fact, an RPG.

Attack the Light! draws inspiration from Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario, utilizing a turn-based combat system which pits Steven and his intergalactic guardians, the Crystal Gems, against a slew of monsters throughout various dungeons. In addition to the RPG elements the game will feature an interactive dialogue tree/relationship system, the results of which will have implications for the Gems’ in-battle performance.

At the helm of the project is Grumpyface Studios, the folks who brought you Castle Doombad and Super Mole Escape. The studio is working closely with the Steven Universe team to craft an experience loyal to the spirit of the show, and Sugar has penned an original storyline for the game.

The title wisely utilizes touch gestures in lieu of on-screen buttons and directional pads. Perhaps the best implementation is dungeon navigation: Players simply swipe between rooms, much like the way we’re accustomed to swiping through photos on our phones and tablets.

Combat flows smoothly with characters’ special moves using other familiar touch gestures. Amethyst’s special attack launches the player into a rapid-slashing micro-game reminiscent of Fruit Ninja, while the drag-to-aim mechanic of Pearl’s spear throw feels like Angry Birds. None of the mechanics felt gimmicky, but instead enhanced the gameplay, mixing it up from the standard tapping.

Those familiar with the series know that Steven, while a valuable member of the Gems, isn’t a fighter. It’s fitting, then, that he should play the role of the healer in Attack the Light! Steven’s Cheeseburger Backpack contains an array of power-ups derived from the show, including my personal favorite: Together Breakfast — used in the game to heal all the Gems at once.

Because the Gems are so powerful, the idea of a “hit-points” system isn’t really practical for them. In its place we find a “harmony” gauge for each character which indicates their level of synchronicity with the team. When a Gem’s harmony lowers, she will lose the ability to use certain moves, forcing the player to make choices that will benefit the whole team.

Recent Steven Universe episodes have shown a technique in which two of the Gems can combine their physical forms to create an exponentially more powerful being called a “Gem Fusion.” While no indication of their inclusion was made during my playthrough, it seems like the perfect dynamic for this type of game, especially if players are able to use the relationship system outside of battle to strengthen the bond between two characters.

Each dungeon will feature a unique color scheme to reflect the scintillating art style of the show. Even the characters’ in-game representations are based on their distance models (a simplified drawing used to simulate the perception of a character from far away). Needless to say, the game’s design choices will in no way tarnish the vibrant essence of its source material.

I typically don’t look to my iPad for my RPG fix, but Steven Universe: Attack the Light! has certainly piqued my interest. I’m rarely this optimistic about licensed games, but I have faith in Rebecca Sugar, and it’s nice to know she has substantial input on the development process.

The title is slated for release later this year on iOS, Android, and Amazon, with no pricing information currently available.