Stygian Sentinel 25
Issue #25, June 6th 2016
Next stop? Vertical Slice![edit]
We've completed test levels and our Pre-Alpha Prototype. We've proven out our magic system, our movement system, our art style, and the basics of combat.
Over the course of building the latest few areas, we've learned what works, what doesn't, and what still needs further experimentation to perfect. There's still refinement on the art style and a shift to more economical ways of building, using materials, and streamlining the development pipeline.
But, now? We can finally focus on building The Stygian Abyss. Not just a slice or a corner, but one of the actual levels.
We decided for our Vertical Slice (aka "a section of the game that spotlights all major elements"), we'd focus on Level 2, our second smallest level.
Want a peek at some of the key locations that Level 2 will feature?
Here's a one-line description of Marcaul:
"A Tangiers-like neutral zone, this settlement features areas that represent all three major Factions."
We'd love to see what you pick up from just that simple sentence.
Share it with us on the forums!
Be the Bad Guy in Underworld Overlord![edit]
What? A third project?! Are these OtherSide folks crazy? Well, yes. We are a bit nuts... We're very excited to announce Underworld Overlord, an exclusive title for Google Daydream.
Blending proven tower defense and "god game" simulation mechanics, Underworld Overlord immerses players in an incredible VR setting steeped in the fantastical Underworld mythos.
In it, the player commands a dungeon full of monsters, traps, and treasure, during an onslaught of so-called 'heroic' adventurers. Action takes place from a virtual 'puppeteer's' perspective as the player pulls the strings, directs forces, and builds defenses in a dynamic VR environment.
As our creative director Paul Neurath puts it, "The Underworld franchise has a rich history of pioneering immersive video games, so bringing the franchise to VR is a natural fit."
It's a stand-alone game, developed by a team of VR and Android experts and specifically tailored to the capabilities of the Daydream platform, but it connects to Underworld Ascendant, sharing creatures, characters, and lore.
Here's some of the coverage Underworld Overlord received in the news:
Introducing Underworld Ascendant's New Art Lead![edit]
Meet Dax!
We're also proud to announce the latest addition to the Underworld Ascendant team, Art Lead Dax Procissi.
Dax recently wrapped a seven-year stint working on Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons Online, and Infinite Crisis at Turbine, where he was the Senior Animator responsible for character animations and production art.
Dax's responsibilities on Underworld Ascendant include modelling, animation, managing art pipelines, communicating with outsource artists, helping Art Director Nate Wells in art evaluation, and more. He's also an avid gamer, skateboarder, and ping pong champ.
Please join us in welcoming him on-board!
In Other News[edit]
In case you missed it, two noteworthy games recently launched on Kickstarter:
Epic Tavern: In "the first management-RPG," you rule the land from your Tavern by recruiting heroes, sending them on quests, and reaping the rewards.
ZED: From Chuck Carter (artist behind Myst and Command & Conquer) comes an "adventure/puzzle journey into unpredictable dreamworlds."
Be sure to check them out!
Best,
The Team at OtherSide