Underworld Ascendant A RPG by OtherSide Entertainment

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

800,000 is reached (enhanced music!).

 

[Zanderat]

Might hit $850K, as they are at $839K with three hours to go.

---------- Updated at 09:28 AM ----------

Final total $859K!

 

[volsung]

I'm happy this was funded and kinda surprised it didn't get more money. Whatever, give us the base game and expand it. People couldn't recognize an actual cRPG if it bit them in the ass.

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

About ecology in Underworld Ascendant: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/othersidegames/underworld-ascendant/posts/1195636

This is really fascinating.

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

Matt Chat interviews Paul Neurath about Underworld Ascendant:

[video=youtube;pO6lj-nf_t8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO6lj-nf_t8[/video]

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

 

[volsung]

Funny thing is it actually doesn't look that bad.

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

That demo has a Grimrock-ish feeling to it

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

About biomes in Underworld Ascendant: https://underworldascendant.com/news/65_update.php

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

If you didn't know, Underworld Ascendant project still accepts backing through PayPal on their site: https://www.underworldascendant.com
So go ahead and support them if you didn't yet!

Current total funding is approaching $900,000. See about new stretch goal for 900k here: https://www.underworldascendant.com/news/612_update.php

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

The next stretch goal (900K) is almost reached. Just 3+K to go for adding liches. You can still back the game if you didn't yet: https://www.underworldascendant.com

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

900K goal is reached (localizations). Next one at 950K (necropolis of the ancients).

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

Recent update from Underworld Ascendant, which mentions a new stretch goal (at $925,000) - the Wailing Hunt: https://www.underworldascendant.com/news/817_update.php

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

Early prototype video with developer commentary:

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

About physics simulation in Underworld Ascendant: https://underworldascendant.com/news/119_update.php

A door in the Underworld is physically modeled out as a heavy wood or metal object attached to pivoting hinges, optionally with a locking mechanism. Doors have parameters for physical strength, resistance to fire damage, resistance to magic, their acoustic blocking factor, strength and complexity of any lock. What does this mean for when a player encounters a door?

* Player might smash through weaker doors. If door is susceptible to fire, they might burn it to weaken it, then smash through.
* Could pick the lock, or possibly smash the lock.
* Might spike the door closed to prevent a creature from opening it from the other side.
* Could listen at the door to try to hear what's moving around on the other side.
* Use magic spell to unlock and open the door; or use magic to bind the door and block it closed.
<...>

What is interesting about this type of simulation approach is as a player I just have a problem to solve or have a goal to achieve. I don't have to think about what the developer wants me to do. I don't have to worry about the 'right' thing to do. I might solve it simply, or go for a complex or challenging solution. Honestly both can be extremely rewarding.

This level of physical simulation is quite rare for RPG games

 

[volsung]

Looks good, and I agree simulation is an extremely important and always overlooked factor in games, specially RPG's. Said it before, and I'll say it again: computing resources can be used for much more than just displaying pretty graphics.

 

[M4xw0lf]

That thread title - I always misread it as ..."by Obsidian Entertainment". I'm sad now.

 

[Gilrond-i-Virdan]

That thread title - I always misread it as ..."by Obsidian Entertainment". I'm sad now.

Why sad? OtherSide has some great RPG designers as well.

 

[volsung]

If Pillars of Eternity was the spiritual successor of the Infinity Engine games, then Underworld Ascendant is the successor of the Ultima Underworlds, just as revolutionary in their time. We should all be happy, they're different types of RPG's anyway.

 

[M4xw0lf]

Why sad? OtherSide has some great RPG designers as well.

I'm suffering from incurable Obsidian fanboycy, that's why.