Solbrand: A New Game from Former Indiana Jones Designer
A new game is on the horizon that will appeal to those seeking a different experience in the gaming world. Mattias Astenvald, former art director of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, is developing a quirky puzzle-adventure game called Solbrand with his independent studio, Dead People Dreaming. The game, which has yet to announce a release date, aims to transport players to a sunken world imbued with elements of cosmic horror. It draws inspiration from Astenvald’s birthplace in Uppsala, Sweden.
What Kind of World Does Solbrand Invite Players To?
In this futuristic story, players play the character “Spook,” the captain of a small marine research vessel. Their mission is to explore a sunken city filled with legends, forgotten gods, and sea monsters. The game will sometimes navigate through a map, and sometimes dive into the first-person view to solve puzzles.
Solbrand allows you to uncover hidden areas by scanning the surface. Among the explored areas are structures inspired by the real world. Sometimes, human remains are even found, and it’s possible to shape the narrative by communicating with their spirits. This system both enhances the atmosphere and offers players an extraordinary exploration experience.
Astenvald says that Solbrand is rooted in the rich history and culture of the Uppsala area. He believes the stories of his home region are deeper and more inspiring than most people realize. The game’s language and atmosphere are also informed by these roots. “In the digital age, we know the other side of the world, but we don’t know the stories of where we live. I wanted to change that with this game,” says Astenvald.
The Dead People Dreaming team consists almost entirely of Astenvald, making Solbrand, in a sense, a personal art project. Experimenting in both language and visual style, the game attracted attention even with its first trailer. Already being compared to atmospheric productions like Stasis: Bone Totem, Solbrand will offer an unsettling journey, albeit not a scary one.
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