Underworld Ascendant - June Update

[Silver]

Underworld Ascendant have updated their blog and are now focused on producing a vertical slice. They also announce a third project for Google Daydream Underworld Overlord.

Next stop? Vertical Slice!

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.

[...]

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.

More information.

 

[Jaguar]

Hmm... isn't this the team that is doing System Shock too? Can't say that I am excited to see a VR project sucking up time and resources...

 

[Void000]

Hmm… isn't this the team that is doing System Shock too? Can't say that I am excited to see a VR project sucking up time and resources…

They are outsourcing.

 

[rjshae]

Tangiers? Play it again, Sam. Oh wait, that's Casablanca. Is it a port then?

 

[Sacred_Path]

I always figured a vertical slice was something you do more for publishers than for internal revision.