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 ]

Discover the truth about the mythological Minotaur!

48 LOCATIONS AND 17 HO SCENES TO EXPLORE!
Embark on the greatest adventure of your life in a fascinating world of antiquity. Step into the shoes of Pamela Cavendish and visit visually dazzling locations ranging from Paris to the island of Crete, all of which are filled with cleverly hidden objects and challenging minigames!

WIELD THE THREAD OF ARIADNE AND SOLVE 34 MINIGAMES!
Use the mythical thread of Ariadne to overcome obstacles and find clues about a mysterious cult that is seeking to resurrect the Minotaur.

DISCOVER YOUR MYTHICAL HERITAGE!
Learn the truth about the descendant of Ariadne – the only human capable of stopping the beast from the labyrinth once and for all.

UNRAVEL THE ANCIENT MYSTERY OF THE MINOTAUR!
Find out what happened during the mythical encounter between the demigod Theseus and the beast Minotaur thousands of years ago. Then enter the dangerous labyrinth and face your destiny!

FIND THE PEGASUS IN THE BONUS ADVENTURE!
Hunt morphing flowers, catch hidden butterflies, and explore an exotic island in a bonus journey to search for mythical creatures like the Pegasus.

Features

• Learn about the world of Greek mythology!
  
• Investigate a mysterious cult!
  
• Explore 48 varied locations!
  
• Face the Minotaur in his labyrinth!