Nepenthe Uses Unique Art to Bring Players into its World
Justin Lam — June 18, 2018 — Tech
References: store.steampowered & indiegames
Nepenthe is a unique hand-drawn RPG that conjures up memories of grade school doodling and daydreams of mystical adventures. Developed by Yitz, this incredibly original indie game sets players in the strange world of Carithia and places them in control of a "bald dude" who has lost all his memories. The premise may sound fairly basic, but Nepenthe relies more on its gameplay mechanics as well as its unique art style.
Combat in this hand-drawn RPG is handled through a turn-based menu system but can also be fully avoided by the player. Each encounter offers players a moral choice and allows them to end the situation with discourse and appeasement.
The scribbled aesthetic of this hand-drawn RPG may turn some players off but those that engage with it are sure to be drawn into the absurdity of the world. The scribbled doodles engage players in the comical nature of the game and quickly become soothing as players traverse Carithia.
Combat in this hand-drawn RPG is handled through a turn-based menu system but can also be fully avoided by the player. Each encounter offers players a moral choice and allows them to end the situation with discourse and appeasement.
The scribbled aesthetic of this hand-drawn RPG may turn some players off but those that engage with it are sure to be drawn into the absurdity of the world. The scribbled doodles engage players in the comical nature of the game and quickly become soothing as players traverse Carithia.
Trend Themes
1. Hand-drawn Rpgs - Opportunity for game developers to create unique and visually captivating RPGs that stand out in a crowded market.
2. Unique Art Styles - Artists and designers can explore unconventional art styles to create immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
3. Player Choice and Moral Decision-making - Game developers can incorporate meaningful choices and consequences into gameplay to enhance player engagement and emotional investment.
Industry Implications
1. Indie Game Development - Indie game developers can leverage the popularity of hand-drawn RPGs to create innovative and compelling gaming experiences.
2. Art and Design - Artists and designers can find new opportunities to showcase their creativity and craft unique art styles for video games.
3. Gamification and Interactive Storytelling - Companies can explore using player choice and moral decision-making in gamified experiences and interactive storytelling to engage and captivate their audience.
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