What is the Cortex skill tree and gardening gameplay?

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Sometimes, all it takes to grab your attention is a single screenshot, and Ultros (Hadoque, Kepler Interactive, 2024) is definitely one of those games. Every screenshot drips with color and is so rich with detail, it beckons you to come see what's going on. And once you're in, a beautiful soundtrack, lush soundscape and layered story grabs hold, but that's not all that's waiting for you. Ultros is a singular type of game, the type of game that I'm always thrilled to discuss on the podcast.

Guest info: John Rogers (he/they)

• Check out everything Gaming in the Wild https://gaminginthewild.carrd.co/
• Check out Lost in Cult's Ultros: Design Works, written by John! https://www.lostincult.co.uk/ultros

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 Title Card
• 0:34 Intros
• 6:05 Our Histories with Ultros & Metroidvanias
• 9:06 Opening Thoughts About Ultros
• 13:55 Story/Setting Setup
• 15:01 Art and Visual Design
• 26:02 Music and Sound Design
• 38:00 Emergent Story
• 46:51 Gameplay- Combat and Plant Care
• 1:03:55 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
• 1:06:51 Gaming in the Wild and Lost in Cult's Design Works- Ultros
• 1:13:49 SPOILER WALL and Patron Thank-You's
• 1:15:57 Spoiler Section- Business As Usual
• 1:32:11 Spoiler Section- A Change
• 1:45:13 Spoiler Section- A New Course of Action

Music used in the episode is credited to Ratvader. Tracks used: Ouji Saint, Dark Sleep, Gärdner’s Pilgrimage, Dream Lament, But This Time It's Something Different, Ultros Ahimsa

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Cover art by Jack Allen- find him at https://linktr.ee/JackAllenCaricatures

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