Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing a series of interviews with the developers who helped bring the game to life. From gameplay and programming to art direction and game design, they'll talk about the challenges they faced, the decisions they made, and some of their favorite moments while creating Terrinoth®: Heroes of Descent.
We're kicking things off with Bruno, CEO & Creative Director, and Nicolas, Co-Head of Design. In this interview, they discuss the origins of the project, what it meant to adapt the beloved Descent universe into a video game, and the design philosophy that shaped the adventure.
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You can also watch our growing developer interview series on YouTube, where members of the team share stories, insights, and the creative process behind the game.
How did you first come into contact with the world of Descent, and how did the ambition to adapt it into a video game come about?
Bruno: I originally come from the world of tabletop role-playing games and board games, and I've always been a fan of Fantasy Flight Games' titles. After seeing the success of Gloomhaven, we started discussing with Asmodee the idea that Descent could be a great franchise to bring into the world of video games.
What were the main principles that guided the adaptation of the board game into a video game, balancing faithfulness to the original with innovations unique to the medium?
Nicolas: We stayed true to the core pillars of the original license: distinctive heroes evolving in a believable world with rich lore, a balance between exploration and combat, and an experience designed to be enjoyed with others. However, together with our partners, we quickly decided to tell an original story and create an entirely new cast of heroes.
One aspect of the game that differs significantly from the board game is exploration. While adapting The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk (a previous game from Artefacts Studio), we realized that real-time exploration was the right direction to pursue. It gives players more freedom and responsiveness while reinforcing the dungeon crawler feel of the game.
Bruno: Another important goal with Terrinoth®: Heroes of Descent was to deliver dynamic gameplay. We didn't simply recreate the board game's rules one-to-one. Just as we did with The Dungeon of Naheulbeuk: The Amulet of Chaos, we adapted the mechanics to best serve the gameplay experience.
In your opinion, what makes Terrinoth®: Heroes of Descent a must-play experience?
Nicolas: Our heroes move away from the traditional fantasy archetypes, which gives the game a refreshing identity. You'll notice this not only in their visual designs, but also in their personalities, dialogue, and abilities, all of which help make each character feel unique.
From a gameplay perspective, Terrinoth® is both accessible and deep. Players can enjoy the combat systems at their own pace, while those looking for a greater challenge can optimize their party compositions to tackle the highest difficulty levels. Discovering and combining powerful synergies between heroes' abilities is truly at the heart of the experience.
Is there a particular feature or aspect of the game that you're especially proud of?
Nicolas: From an artistic and narrative perspective, the sense of adventure is present throughout the entire journey. Players travel through a wide variety of environments, ranging from dark and oppressive locations to vibrant and exotic landscapes.
On the gameplay side, the tactical battles are fast-paced and engaging. The resistance and weakness systems give real weight to every decision, encouraging players to carefully choose their abilities to make the most of each encounter. Height also plays a key role in combat, offering significant tactical advantages to players who make good use of their surroundings.
Personally, I believe one feature has the potential to bring every type of player together: the online cooperative multiplayer mode. We hope it captures what made the board game so special: players discussing strategies, debating their options, playfully disagreeing, and ultimately working together to make the best decisions, both during exploration and in tactical combat.
Bruno: We also introduced gameplay mechanics that reward positioning. For example, players who discover hidden tactical spots using Kurnos' Eye can earn bonus Action Points. We've also designed multiple ways to initiate combat, helping encounters flow more naturally. High ground provides a meaningful advantage, encouraging players to stay mobile rather than relying on the more static gameplay often found in traditional tactical RPGs.
If you had to sum up Terrinoth®: Heroes of Descent in one promise to players, what would it be?
Nicolas: Terrinoth®: Heroes of Descent is a captivating tactical RPG that invites players to embark on an epic adventure alongside a cast of charismatic and memorable heroes. Whether venturing through dangerous dungeons alone or with friends, they'll face countless challenges and demanding tactical battles. Every victory will depend on choosing the right abilities and creating powerful synergies between heroes to overcome the forces of darkness.
We hope you enjoy learning more about the people and ideas behind Terrinoth®: Heroes of Descent!
Don’t hesitate to join our Discord to discuss with others fans of the game, but also to be able to talk directly with the dev!