Comrades! Some time ago we showed you how Irony Curtain looked in the early prototype phase and how it looks like now. Today wed like to talk a little bit more about the reasons behind the change and the whole creative process. Its no doubt that Irony Curtain came a long way from the times when it was just a prototype called simply Matryoshka. There are three main reasons why weve decided to simplify the art style:

1. The previous style looked great but it didnt play well

The before screenshots weve shown are undoubtedly the ones that look brilliant detailed backgrounds, vibrant colours and original characters. And thats the whole point. It looked awesome on static graphics but the puzzles and navigating through the level seemed frustrating just BECAUSE of all those things. When everything is so detailed every object fights for your attention so it feels like pixel hunting all the time. It is crucial for us to have the best possible gameplay without any frustrations and unfortunately, the previous style caused a lot of it. One of Irony Curtain's minigames: the very detailed BEFORE (left) version and simpler AFTER (right) version

2. Weve changed the way we animate characters

The characters in the early prototype we've were made with a technique called cutout animation, a form of stop-motion animation that uses flat objects (think about the paper theatre that youve probably played as a child) . Right now Evan and other characters from the game are animated in a traditional stop-motion way that requires simpler textures on the models. And simpler textures mean simpler art style everywhere in order to keep the project consistent. BEFORE:
AFTER:

3. We want the art style to be a part of how we tell the story

When Evan first arrives at the Leaders Heart Hotel, hes overwhelmed by its monumentality and splendor. The location should reflect that, so weve decided to add a lot of empty space and make the character look really small in comparison to the building. There are locations in the game that didnt change that much though (e.g., Evans bathroom in the hotel room), weve only adjusted them to the current style of the game. BEFORE:
AFTER:
In the next episode of Behind Irony Curtain, well show you the creative process behind creating the locations in Irony Curtain. Stay tuned!

[ 2018-12-28 15:09:28 CET ] [ Original post ]

Journey to the mystical city of Shangri-La and find your missing niece! Embark on an adventure at the edge of the world to save Larisa from the clutches of the ancient labyrinth!

Tibetan Quest: Beyond the World's End is a captivating hidden object game that blends together the elements of the thriller and adventure genres with oriental esotericism and lore.
When you were seeing off your beloved niece three weeks ago as she embarked on an archeological trip to Tibet, nothing could have foreshadowed the dramatic events that were about to unfold. Only yesterday you received a mysterious letter from which you learned that Larisa and her crew had gotten lost in a snow storm.
Without hesitation you leave your family estate to come to your protégé’s rescue. The inhabitants of Lhasa's Tibetan temple guide you toward the legendary city of Shangri-La where Larisa and her expedition were last seen. Discover what really happened in Shangri-La and what secrets are hidden in the labyrinth beneath this ancient city brimming with magic. Beat the obstacles and puzzles, face the supernatural powers dwelling in the vast corridors, and find the clues about your niece's disappearance.

Will you find the courage to travel to mysterious Tibet? Will you face the dangers lurking in Shangri-La to save your family beyond the world's end?

Features

• Explore 55 picturesque locations to find Larisa!
  
• Complete 48 puzzles and unique Hidden Object Scenes!
  
• Become a master by unlocking 18 achievements!
  
• Put the troubled souls to rest in the extra adventure!