Eggplant: The Secret Lives of Games EP: A Year of UFO 50 - Vainger
Apr 11, 2025
Join Adam Saltsman, co-founder of indie publisher Finji, Trent Kusters, an Australian game developer, and Teddy Dief, known for Hyper Light Drifter, as they dive into 'Vainger', a standout title in the UFO 50 collection. They discuss unique game mechanics and design inspirations, comparing it to classics while tackling the challenges of speedrunning. The trio also shares insights on creativity in indie games and highlights exciting upcoming projects. Plus, they can't help but rave about a new local eatery, Gabury Chicken!
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Vanger's Size and Design Depth
- Vanger is a big Metroidvania-like game with gravity-flipping mechanics inspired by Super Metroid and VVVVVV.
- It offers complex exploration with a mod system that changes gameplay, making it feel large and dense.
Narrative via Terminals
- Terminals in Vanger serve both as story devices and pivotal game mechanics, giving vital upgrades among many messages.
- This dual role enriches narrative immersion and gameplay, linking the story to the player's actions.
Balancing Skill and Cognition
- Vanger balances cognitive load and precision skill by carefully designing gravity-flip platforming and shooting.
- Design choices like continuous firing enable players to manage demanding upside-down challenges more smoothly.
