Clea 2 will be released on March 25th! As we approach launch day, this feels like a good time to reflect on the original Clea. For the first time, I will dive deep into each chapter and share my design thoughts, things I would change next time etc. If you have not completed Clea, I recommend reading these after a playthrough to avoid spoilers. Okay, let's dive deep into the final two chapters cleasunnies. The cells start off with you crammed inside only two rooms with a speedy servant. This Dark Servant is one of the fastest in the game, but now that players have conquered the Invisible Edmond "stop test", I am confident they will overcome.
In fact, as the chapter expands, more rooms become unlocked, which also means the Dark Servant must travel farther to reach you. While the puzzles ramp up in complexity, in a sense, your hunter becomes less of a threat. The Watchers pop up on occasions to keep you honest, but by this stage, you are most likely using this all to prove your prowess. I am more than okay with this, as it is something you have earned. If it motivates you to replay on Chaos or Chaos+ Mode, even better.
If you have challenged Clea on Chaos+, you would know about those Yellow Servants who appear on the final floors of most chapters. As I type up this article, I wonder if I should spawn the Yellow Servant on all difficulty settings, inside these cells exclusively. There are plenty of players who struggle from start to finish (which is fine), so this could be too much of a risk.
After surviving the cells, you have reached Clea's final chapter. The focus here is no longer on a challenge, but rather emotions. A piano track plays as a teary eyed Clea navigates back to the mansion's double doors. Edmond is gone. Dad has perished. Even Mom has turned. You are alone with your chaotic thoughts. Players make their way through past locations as they reflect on the puzzles they have solved, the foes they have conquered. The curtains close for both Clea and the player. Clea's mom can outrun and catch you with ease. She has extremely sensitive hearing, too. One noise from you, and she will bolt directly to your location. She is no pushover, but still, she is designed to not be too much of a hurdle. One, again, this is a time for players to ponder. Two, a game should know when to bow out. Once your ideas have been expressed, exit with grace rather than pad out the content. Take some time to regroup, gather feedback from players, then brainstorm again for that sequel, or a new game.
If you enjoyed your time with Clea 1, please consider wishlisting the sequel: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1257860/Clea_2/ Your support will give Clea 2 a boost, and if you can tell your friends, that would also be super cool. Thank you for reading cleahappy!