Xalavier Nelson Jr., founder of Strange Scaffold joins Remap Radio to discuss game development stress, being a boss, and their upcoming Max Payne-style game. Cado and Ren talk about playing Cantata, a colorful space tactics game, and Ren explores Chants of Sennar. They also discuss the neglect of the sound team in game development and the reasons behind Bethesda's continued use of their Creator Engine.
Cantata is a vibrant turn-based strategy game that incorporates elements from Starcraft and Civilization, featuring unique factions and offering a mix of strategic decision-making and tactical combat.
Chants of Sennar is an engaging puzzle game centered around language and linguistics, where players unravel unique languages and cultures while overcoming language-based puzzles.
Deep dives
Overview of Cantata
Cantata is a turn-based strategy game that combines elements from games like Starcraft and Civilization. It focuses on military expansion and resource management within different factions. The game features unique and interesting factions, including an evil space empire and eco-terrorist robots. The art style is vibrant and combines elements of Mobius and Mike Mignola. Cantata's campaign structure slowly introduces new chapters and missions, offering a mix of strategic decision-making and tactical combat. The writing and world-building are engaging, with well-crafted dialogues and intriguing faction dynamics. The game recently introduced turn limits, which sparked mixed reactions among the community.
Unique Turn Limit System in Cantata Challenges Players
Cantata, a strategy game, features optional turn limits that provide modular difficulty for players. These turn limits add a level of challenge that can be adjusted to suit player preferences. While some players find the turn limits in Cantata to be difficult, the game could potentially provide an option to disable them in response to player feedback. The turn limits in Cantata are praised for promoting strategic decision-making and cognitive efficiency without the need for complex execution requirements.
Exploring Language and Linguistics in A Chance of Sennar
A Chance of Sennar is a puzzle game that revolves around language and linguistics. Players climb a tower of Babel, with each floor featuring a different language and culture. By deciphering texts, signs, and NPC conversations, players must unravel the unique language of each floor and overcome language-based puzzles. While early puzzles in the game may have straightforward solutions, the hope is that as players progress through the tower, they will encounter more intricate and nuanced language systems. The game's aesthetics, art style, and attention to detail in language and culture make it an engaging and immersive experience.
The Wild and Over-the-Top Experience of Beat Down: Fist of Vengeance
Beat Down: Fist of Vengeance is a proverbial hidden gem from 2005 that offers a unique gameplay experience. It combines elements of a fighting game, role-playing game, and an urban-themed adventure. Players navigate a city filled with criminals that can be robbed, interrogated, or challenged to fights. The game features a robust cast of over 50 characters, each with their own story and relationship dynamics. Outfit customization also plays a significant role, allowing players to dress their characters in different urban-themed costumes that affect gameplay. Beat Down: Fist of Vengeance offers an offbeat and action-packed experience worth exploring.
We’re delighted to welcome Strange Scaffold founder Xalavier Nelson Jr. to Remap Radio this week. You might remember him from Patrick’s interviews from Summer Games Fest earlier this year—he’s fantastic. With Rob at Disney, Xalaiver joins Patrick, Cado, and Ren as they discuss the perils and stresses of game development, being a boss, and Strange Scaffold’s upcoming Max Payne-style game, El Paso, Elsewhere. Plus, Cado and Ren have been playing the colorful space tactics game Cantata, and Ren’s checked out the linguistics-focused Chants of Sennar.