Boutique publisher Top Hat Studios has announced they’ve picked up publishing for Slime King Games’ new 2D action RPG, Under the Island.
Under the Island is in development for Windows PC (via Steam) and other unconfirmed platforms. Though a release date wasn’t confirmed, the game is playable at PAX East this weekend, in Boston.
Slime King Games is a newer studio founded by veteran gamedevs from Daedalic Entertainment, with Simone Grünewald (art director and head of art at Daedalic for nearly 10 years) and Johannes Grünewald (animator and senior artist for nearly as long). Both worked on the Deponia series and Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth.
The game also features music from Miyoko Takaoka, veteran composer and sound designer that has worked on numerous classics like Ys, Sonic The Hedgehog, Granstream Saga, Terranigma, and many more.​ Additional music is also coming from Edward Marianukroh, most known for contributing to Chained Echoes.
Here’s a rundown on the game:
Do you remember waking up early on Saturday mornings as a kid, just to play video games? Do you love the feeling of diving into unknown worlds, where a new adventure’s waiting for you behind every bush, cave, and ravine? Yeah, of course you do! Scratch those itches as you embark in an epic adventure in Under the Island, a 2d Action RPG that celebrates the feeling of self-directed, open adventure that captures the childhood feelings of hoping to discover hidden secrets and corners of the world as you rummaged around in the backyard.
Say hello to Nia – our courageous plucky heroine, new to Seashell Island – who, after a few mishaps while getting to know the locals and surroundings, ends up on… not the best of terms with studious long-time local girl, Avocado. Together, they uncover an alarming mystery: the island is fated to sink into the ocean! Step into Nia’s shoes, and battle ferocious monsters, solve intricate puzzles, and explore different, unique, vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. Along the way, you’ll encounter a cast of unique and lovable characters, each with their own story to tell. Uncover the secrets hidden deep with the island, and find a way to save your new home before it’s too late.
Features:
- Embark on a thrilling adventure through a vibrant island world, filled with at least 6 different diverse biomes that change according to the day/night cycle and weather.
- Meet fascinating characters just waiting to get to know you with their own stories to tell!
- Or get foiled by and bicker with Avocado, that’s fine too…
- Traverse treacherous dungeons and caves, ranging from sentient greenhouses, to treacherous ice caverns, to crazy saw mills, gathering unique items and artifacts to become stronger and unlock new abilities.
- Fight weird enemies like eggplants that can’t stop throwing up on the floor, and wolves that somehow dig underground. And walking onions that would love nothing more than to whack you with their stalks… discover new ways to fight them, and new strategies with the artifacts, loot, and upgrades you discover around the island!
- Experience the world in unique different ways from playthrough to playthrough, with different events and challenges to encounter and overcome, all depending on the order you decide to approach them in.
- Uncover the secrets of the island’s ancient past, piecing together clues to unravel the truth behind its mysterious sinking.
- Embrace the freedom and fluidity of an adventure directed by yourself, exploring the island’s nooks and crannies at your own pace and discovering hidden secrets along the way.
- Befriend & help animals and treat them with snacks! Maybe some of them can help you?
- Under The Island also features music by Miyoko Takaoka, whose long career as a composer/sound designer has seen her associated with many classic gaming franchises, such as Ys, Sonic The Hedgehog, Granstream Saga, Terranigma, and many more.​ Additional music is provided by Edward Marianukroh, most known for contributing to Chained Echoes.
