Red Goddess is a new game currently in Kickstarter phase at the moment. It features a rich artistic direction, as well as an interesting story in which the main character enters her own mind to confront her inner demons. We took some time to talk with Yannick Puig of Yanim Studios, and here is what he had to tell us about the game:
How does it feel to have almost reached your goal on Kickstarter?
Yannick: The truth is, that for us, it is a great joy to see the game that we wanted to create, supported by so many followers that are interested. We are very excited to develop the game, and this funding will help us get there.
What made you decide to use Kickstarter as a way to get your game funded?
Yannick: Kickstarter, for us, is the best crowdfunding platform available. Not only does it have a historical trajectory that gives it a good amount of followers, but it also offers a seriousness to make donations. There are many big projects to have come out of this platform, which are proud to have been received by this community.
What made you decide to create a sidescrolling platforming game?
Yannick: The story of Red Goddess needs to be in a complex and active environment in order to be fully realised, so this is the genre that best suits that vision. However, in saying that, Red Goddess is an adventure game first and foremost, with platformer elements into the mix, as well. There is a non-linear open world for players to explore in the game, which is filled with lots of action, combat, characters to talk with, and puzzles to solve.
What inspired “Red Goddess” and who thought of the name?
Yannick: Red Goddess was inspired by several games and stories, such as the TV series “Misfits”, as well as games such as “Giana’s Sister”, “Dust Elysian”, or “The Cave.” Red hair is also a characteristic of the character, thus, the name “Red”. We also wanted to create a game that demystifies the world of the gods; as if they were almost human, with the same problems as adolescents, inner conflicts, and the desire to search for one’s self.
How would you explain “Red Goddess” to someone new?
Yannick: Red Goddess is a 2.5D side-scrolling action adventure game with a unique atmosphere, and compelling narrative. The story revolves around a troubled goddess named Divine. She feels confused and haunted by her past. Something mysterious is tearing her apart from the inside out, destroying her mind, her soul ….and her, altogether! Our journey begins when Divine decides to right this wrong by exploring her own subconscious. In her mind, she will discover a planet within her own mind made up of mountains, forests, caves, and unknown perils.
What has been the biggest challenge since you’ve been working on “Red Goddess”?
Yannick: The most difficult challenge in any game development is being able take an idea and make it a reality; especially when you have to so many things to consider, such as technical, programming and imagination.
Has there been ideas of mechanics that you’ve wanted but have had to be unfortunately axed?
Yannick: Yes, there has been some features we have had to cut. We have a limited budget, so we’ve had to reduce working time. Even if we were to get great financing through Kickstarter, our idea is to expand the story with additional chapters, and include more bosses to defeat, and also some new powers to unlock.
The art style in the game is fantastic! Can you tell us some of the methods you used?
Yannick: We have a lot of industry experience in 3D animation and Vidogame art, so as a result, we are able to do a lot of pre-production design and character development, which in turn, leads to a richer artistic quality.
Can you share something new about the game with us as an exclusive first for GameCloud?
Yannick: Sure, not a problem! In the current demo build, there are only two different environments so far: a forest and a cave. We are actually planning to develop four different worlds for the game, which also include the surface and underground. We’re also working on a more dynamic “split” and “character ball” gameplay.
Finally, when will our readers be able to go hands on with the game?
Yannick: The PC Version will be available end of February 2015, with console versions to follow in April 2015.
“We need your support, so please take a look to our Kickstarter campaign. We have many rewards: Figurines, hand-made drawings, paintings, also the possibility to design creatures with us for the game.” – Yanim Studios
Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yanimstudio/red-goddess-inner-world
