Astor: Blade of the Monolith is an exciting indie action-adventure RPG that combines the immersion and exploration elements of classic adventure games with stylish, dynamic combat. The game is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!
We asked the developers at C2 Game Studio to tell us about their experience creating this outstanding indie game in Colombia and share the unique challenges and successes they experienced along the way.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while developing this game in Colombia?
One of our biggest challenges when developing a game in Colombia is recruiting local talent, as the gaming industry there is still evolving. Unlike in the US, where you can boast years of experience and a list of published titles on multiple platforms and in multiple genres, such criteria are not feasible here and few would meet them. Instead, we focused on identifying potential and passion, although without the security that comes from proven experience, this is often a gamble. Very few have had the opportunity to play a game from start to finish, a luxury that is rare in our region.
What influence did living and working in Colombia have on the game’s story and design?
We always approach our games with a global mindset. However, it’s natural for our environment to subtly influence our creations. Even if our culture isn’t intentionally incorporated into them, elements of Colombian life may go unnoticed. For example, Crystal Haven, the city of the Diokeks, has the charm of a Latin American city, partly inspired by Guillermo del Toro’s Troll Hunters. Now that I think about it, Crystal Haven has some food stalls, maybe we should have added some arepas, buñuelos and empanadas, that would have been a nice Easter egg!
What was the most rewarding part of producing Astor? What was the most difficult part?
The best moment was when the months of iteration paid off and combat finally felt great. That’s when we knew we had something special. It was also incredibly satisfying to see our game showcased at events and see people’s reactions!
Have you changed the game based on player feedback? And if so, how?
We listened carefully to feedback from our partners, publishers, and players and carefully selected suggestions that aligned with our vision for the game. Some changes were straightforward, such as toning down the prominence of non-interactive props that confused players. Based on input from the PC demo, we implemented several technical improvements, including a depth of field effect slider, camera distance adjustments, and an option to disable camera assist.
What impact do you think Astor will have on the gaming industry in Colombia and Latin America?
There are many talented studios in Colombia that are making incredible games. We hope that Astor will open doors not only for our studio, but also for other studios in Colombia and Latin America, attracting more investors and publishers who believe in our talent, passion and work ethic. In addition, we want to inspire the next generation of game developers to believe in their ability to create great and beautiful things.
Take care of your mental health, this rollercoaster ride has many ups and downs.
What can players expect next from C2 Game Studio? Are there any more games or updates planned?
What’s next? Right now we’re focused on supporting Astor to the best of our ability, but we’re already developing new game ideas and are excited to apply everything we’ve learned to our next project! It could be something related to Astor, or maybe a whole new adventure. Only time will tell.
What advice do you have for new game developers in Latin America?
The hardest part, however, is always finishing the game. As veterans say, the last 10% is the hardest, and they’re absolutely right! Fixing bugs, meeting platform requirements, and making necessary compromises is all part of the process and extremely challenging.
For developers entering development for the first time, it’s important to dream big but start small. Our path to founding Astor involved significant growth and gaining experience. Focus on mastering the basics, build a strong team around you, and choose reliable partners. Remember to take care of your mental health too; the road to success is full of ups and downs.
Astor: Blade of the Monolith
Versus Evil, LLC
24,99 $
Explore the bustling planet Gliese, once inhabited by an ancient people and now home to their sentient creations – the Diokek. After the disappearance of the Ancients, the Diokek lived in peace until malevolent creatures called the Hiltsik began to wreak havoc on their settlements. Faced with the threat of an even more sinister force, Astor, a young Diokek warrior, must traverse Gliese to solve the mysterious disappearance of his creators thousands of years ago, believing they may have left behind the key to their salvation. Learn new attacks, skills and combos, unlock magical powers and collect legendary weapons as you destroy hordes of enemies. Find your way to the Monolith, an ancient structure with immense power, and face the source of the planet’s tormenting evil. Will you join Astor on his journey to become the planet’s savior? FEATURES · Fight intense battles against 16 different enemies and 10 fearsome bosses across over 20 hours of main story and side quests. · Arm yourself with 4 unique weapons, master dynamic skills and combos, summon powerful constructs, and develop your own fighting style. · Traverse Gliese’s varied landscapes, complete various side quests, and discover remnants left behind by your creators. · Test your skills in combat challenges and master New Game+ mode for an even greater challenge. EXPLORE A LIVING WORLD Explore the mystical planet Gliese and search for a lost history hidden within the majestic landscapes, ancient ruins, and old temples of past civilizations. Use your newfound rune power to transform into the spirit realm to solve puzzles, discover secret passages, and find answers to save the future. DEFINE YOUR FIGHTING STYLE Arm yourself with 4 types of powerful weapons and special abilities as you plunge into intense, fast-paced battles. Pummel your enemies with a combination of melee strikes, ranged attacks, and aerial combos. Switch between equipped weapons at any time—even mid-combo to land relentless critical hits. The choice is yours! HARNESS RUNIC POWERS IN COMBAT Harness the power of the Rune Swarm, an ancient energy that allows you to materialize runic powers as weapons or tools in combat. Unleash charged attacks to create devastating finishers like the Wall Crush and Runic Cannon, or summon powerful familiars, shields, and decoys to gain the upper hand in battle. THE TRUTH ABOUT YOUR DESTINY IS REVEALED Your journey will take you on a path of discovery toward your destiny. Find answers to solve the mysterious disappearance of the Old Ones thousands of years ago, for they created the Diokek, but what deeper meaning lies behind the existence of your kind? Are you, Astor, truly the chosen one, destined to bring salvation or destruction? The ancient monolith holds the key to your answers and awaits your arrival with the secrets of the past.
