Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Divers
Mar 28, 2025
In this lively discussion, game developers Kayin, known for 'I Wanna Be The Guy', and Jay Ma, celebrated for 'Into the Breach', explore the immersive world of 'Divers' from the UFO 50 collection. They dive into unique game mechanics, emotional storytelling, and nostalgic influences that shape modern RPGs. Listeners are treated to anecdotes about navigating gameplay challenges, the importance of sound design, and how ambiguity enhances player engagement. With humor and camaraderie, they underscore the value of community in the gaming landscape.
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Hostile, Cryptic RPG Vibes
- Divers immerses players in a hostile, cryptic NES-style RPG with no initial guidance.
- The game creates compelling tension through mystery and unfamiliarity from the start.
Strategic Combat Reveals Party
- Battles in Divers reveal the party as three lizard characters with limited weapon uses.
- Weapon uses refresh only at the surface, encouraging strategic resource management.
Old RPG Emotion Revival
- Modern RPGs have rigid, codified mechanics, while old RPG vibes explore exploration and resource management meaningfully.
- UFO 50 games revisit abandoned old-school RPG emotions and mechanics, including punishments and exploration depth.
