Since we started working on HIJAC, we’ve been bombarded with requests for different type of cults to be included. From Cthulhu, satanic and militarist cults, to peace-loving, espresso machine worshipping ones… we’ve seen all sorts.
Allowing players this amount of freedom posed considerable design questions for us. We really do want to allow people to pursue as many strange goals and cult types as possible. This is where the cult themes system comes in.
Players are presented with randomised theme options that they can choose to pursue, these are called ‘Divine Inspirations’. These might require your leader to research certain theme technology in their Inner Sanctum, or your cultists to complete a theme related mission. Once completed, these will reward you with new rooms, object types and aesthetic options for your cult.
As you near the end of the game you’ll have to choose an end goal based on one of the themes you have been pursuing. For example, if you’ve been pursuing the Darkness theme, you might decide that your ultimate goal is to summon the Great Old One himself, or perhaps you’ll choose something more… apocalyptic. We don’t want to give too much away here.
On Early Access release the Darkness theme will be available with multiple endings. Further themes and endings will be released during Early Access. We’ve already got some great ideas for these other themes and the implementation of some has already started!