Misfits Attic, the studio famous for its innovative approach to space exploration through their 2016 release, Duskers, is gearing up for a daring leap into the cosmos once again. The team has officially announced their plans for a “spiritual successor” titled Humanity 2.0, but what does this mean for fans of the original game? In a recent video showcase unveiling three different prototypes, Misfits Attic has given us a teaser of what to expect from their vision of interstellar adventure and survival.
At its core, Humanity 2.0 seems to revolve around scavenging derelict spaceships and assembling your own vessel as you engage in space piracy and resource gathering. Players will not only be tasked with salvaging appearances from the wreckage but also defending their newly constructed ships from pirates lurking in the depths of space. According to Tim Keenan, co-founder of Misfits Attic, players will feel a sense of ownership and attachment to their vessels, not just mechanically but emotionally.
What sets this game apart from its predecessor is the added dimension of personality quirks in the drones players control. The drones, described as “glitchy” with “fun personality quirks,” will contribute to a gameplay experience that feels fresh. For example, players may encounter a drone that refuses to navigate tight corridors due to claustrophobia. This idea not only enhances gameplay dynamics but also adds a layer of depth to the robotic companions, giving them personality beyond mere tools of navigation and exploration.
As the footage reveals, players will find comfort in the familiar retro-styled green interface reminiscent of Duskers. This aesthetic choice serves a dual purpose: it appeals to veteran players who have grown attached to the original game’s design while also introducing a new generation of gamers to the intriguing world of drone exploration. The user interface allows for commands such as “slice,” enabling players to interact with their environment in visceral and meaningful ways, cutting up and rearranging their surroundings in real time.
While the showcased video primarily hints at the games’ mechanics, it hints that we might need to temper our expectations when it comes to expansive gameplay demonstrations. Keenan acknowledges that the project’s development is still in its early stages, leaving much of the larger gameplay elements still conceptual at this point.
A significant deviation from Duskers lies in the thematic direction, where Keenan seeks to infuse more complex emotional arcs into the gameplay. He envisions a narrative that transcends survival, placing emphasis on themes of sacrifice and the intricate task of “rebooting humanity” in a galaxy laden with challenges. The juxtaposition of hope amidst despair is a potent narrative tool, which Keenan reinforces by stating, “It’s just a ray of hope, not a sunrise,” lending the game a persistent tone that is darker yet compelling.
This embodies a refreshing take on familiar tropes within the science fiction genre, where the fight for survival often wears a dichotomy of optimism and pessimism upon its abilities. Here, players are encouraged to think critically about the choices they make while absorbing the richly crafted lore about humanity’s plight.
Although Humanity 2.0 may dominate discussions surrounding Misfits Attic, it is important to note that the studio is not solely focused on one project. Alongside this space adventure, the team is crafting other unique titles, including a fantasy-themed strategy game intriguingly called Scheme, evoking elements of Game of Thrones where manipulation plays a pivotal role, and a quirky tactical roguelike titled Magic Wizard Chess.
These projects demonstrate Misfits Attic’s multi-faceted approach when it comes to engaging players across various gaming landscapes. The diversity in themes and gameplay mechanics indicates a willingness to explore unconventional narratives while holding onto their roots.
As gamers eagerly await further announcements regarding Humanity 2.0 and the rest of Misfits Attic’s projects, a sense of excitement pervades the community. The promise of a deeper narrative experience, combined with the familiar aesthetics of Duskers, hints at a magnificently reimagined gaming experience. Misfits Attic’s willingness to innovate while preserving their signature gameplay creates a tantalizing prospect for fans of both new and classic titles in the sci-fi genre. The journey into the future of this creative studio has only just begun, and it’s bound to be a wild ride through derelict spaceships and the enigmatic cosmos.