Question: Sandrock is a simulation RPG, but between simulation and RPG, which part do you think is more important in Sandrock?
Answer: Roleplaying part is more important. I like storytelling in a game very much, that's why we made Portia a simulation game with stories. And we summarize and think it's a suitable mode we can follow, so I think RPG takes a more important role in Sandrock. This time, we spent a lot of time on the NPCs’ creating and the story writing. Then, we want to build the variety of personalities and characters, as well as the entire story will perform in-depth. But, we don't forget the simulation, the simulation elements are still prevalent, like the workshop, farming, etc.
Question: Compared to Portia, some players feel Sandrock’s NPCs aren't as friendly as Portia's, can you tell us a bit more about that?
Answer: Portia is a super friendly place: a port town with lush green grass, you can feel the casual style and the atmosphere from the first look. Somehow Portia is like a fairy tale town, so it needs to be a nice beautiful town with very friendly characters.
However, Sandrock is a wild desert town and residents live in a harsh environment, as players already know. So some people will still be friendly, but the diversity is a key, so some people have their own personalities.This is unlike Portia, where everyone is nice to you. For example, Yan, everyone wants to beat him! Haha, we have a story designed for Yan, so be patient and see his story through. In Sandrock, you can find these character flaws of some NPCs at the early stage, but growth will be in Sandrock, some of them will change because of you! Let's see! Like Elsie, some players may feel she acts immaturely in some situations, but you can see her growth in the future. More importantly, NPCs will change their attitude and dialogue along with the relationship points!
Question: Will NPCs be able to romance each other?
Answer: We have discussed this in Portia before, with Nora and Arlo. We hope to make NPCs like real people. NPCs hate, love, laugh and cry just as much as real people do. But these kinds of NPCs won't be too numerous. So if you (players) aren't interested in some of the NPCs like 1 or 2 years in the game, why not let them fall in love?
Questions: Any other things you want to talk about with our Builders?
Answer: Hmm… because we're still in Early Access, some stories and romanceable parts are still in development. We understand you may not be interested in all of the current NPCs that much yet, so you can wait a bit for more content to be added, and then, you start romance and enjoy it more. As well as Nia, your childhood friend, she will be here!
Last but not least, we hope you have a great time in Sandrock!!!
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