About the Design of the Game
We enjoy developing non-linear games. This is the general idea behind all our games.
For "All Whispering Tome," our goal was to create a game that could be both easy and challenging. To achieve this, we defined our game as a "clue-based, non-linear exploration game," and in the process we found that "Metroidvania" encompasses these aspects.
"Metroidvania focuses on exploration of large, non-linear, connected worlds. These worlds can be unlocked and traversed by discovering hidden keys or clues and often require the player to traverse them multiple times during the game."
This definition of Metroidvania guides the development of this game. Our world is mapped by words and interconnected by all of their possible meanings. This game is about exploring this world through each story, word by word.
This was our approach. While opinions may differ, we believe that a "clue-based, non-linear exploration game" is at the core of Metroidvania, and we can realize this with words.
We welcome suggestions for other tags that might better encompass this concept.
Sequence of Ideation
Extremely simplified unordered summary of our ideation process
"3D games also count as Metroidvania. Going 4D might be an extension of the genre. Managing both space and time would be too complex and potentially unworkable. However, 1D is another possibility. Overlapping or parallel number lines might work but wouldn't be entertaining. Defining a 1D map can only be done with words and is well-suited to our talents. For the action, we should consider solutions that can be implemented primarily with words, perhaps maps."
A Note about the Demo
The current demo doesn't seem to effectively convey the game's core as a "clue-based, non-linear exploration game." We initially intended the demo to showcase our narration style. Given our proximity to release, hasty changes to the demo might not be ideal. We will port some features from the main game to the demo as quickly as possible after release.
The updated demo will allow you to better understand the game and then you may decide.
Given these circumstances, we may need to reconsider our approach to the genre and develop a solution that doesn't reveal too much too early, but better conveys the game experience we offer, both in the main game and the demo.
This way, we might justifiably earn the Metroidvania tag.
We removed Metroidvania tag until that time.
In the meantime, take your time, immerse yourself in the stories, and enjoy.
Best Regards,
Beşinci Kural Team
Note: This is an expanded version of our comment regarding the concerns raised in the related topic. You may comment in that topic if you have questions or concerns.
