The Design Evolution of Tunic | Developer Breakdown is a video published by Noclip Crew, where they interview Andrew Shouldice, the creator of the isometric action game Tunic. The video explores the game's design, art style, camera perspective, level design, combat, and the use of an in-game manual. Tunic is an action game inspired by classic Zelda titles, featuring a small fox as the protagonist, and is available on PC and Xbox platforms.
Andrew Shouldice started the game with a low-poly art style due to his limited 3D experience. He later embraced Blender and its animation capabilities within Unity, which helped improve the game's visuals. The game's isometric perspective features an orthographic projection, which compresses depth, requiring the use of depth of field and other tricks to create a sense of depth for players. Lighting also plays a crucial role in creating depth and visual clarity.
To improve combat design, the camera angle changes when a player locks onto an enemy, providing a better sense of the geometry of the space. The game also employs various post effects, such as bloom and gradients, to create a visually appealing experience. In terms of level design, Tunic focuses on tension and release, using shortcuts and checkpoints to balance the gameplay experience.
Teaching players how to use their shield is an essential part of the game, as demonstrated by the use of turrets that require players to stun them with their shield. The level design encourages players to experiment with different strategies, such as using turrets to defeat enemies. The game's world design aims to create a sense of mystery and discovery, with hidden areas and secrets that evoke the feeling of early Zelda games and the Soulsborne series.
The combat system in Tunic evolved from a stamina-based system similar to Dark Souls to a risk-reward system, where players can always attack and dodge, but running out of stamina makes them more vulnerable. The game encourages players to experiment with different strategies and items, allowing for a sense of genuine discovery and cleverness.
An in-game manual, inspired by old instruction manuals, serves as a way to teach players about the game's mechanics and reveal mysterious aspects of the world. The manual is pieced together by finding pages in the game world and features diagrams and explanations in a unique language, adding to the sense of mystery and discovery.
In conclusion, The Design Evolution of Tunic | Developer Breakdown provides an in-depth look at the design, art style, and gameplay mechanics of Tunic, with insights from its creator, Andrew Shouldice. The game focuses on creating a sense of mystery, discovery, and experimentation for players, taking inspiration from classic Zelda titles and modern action games.
