Don’t call it an Otome game. Ok, so Project Swordsmith has some of the graphic styling’s you would expect from a relationship game, but it’s got more. According to the developers, “Project Swordsmith is a dieselpunk action RPG that mixes fantasy themes with WW2 era tech and culture.” The game takes place in a world featuring elite soldiers with superpowers called Knights and focuses on the societal prejudices they face. After selecting from a variety of playable Knights, players will spend a large portion of the game interacting with others at school via familiar looking Otome gameplay mechanics. But don’t worry, it doesn’t stop there. As time goes on you’ll find your way to combat where the game turns into a turn based strategy title. Engaging in combat won’t just feature the usual “issue commands, wait, wait, wait, wait, issue more commands” cycle. After you issue commands you’ll be able to use special powers and tactics to interrupt your enemies moves with counter attacks or defensive maneuvers. Be careful though, they can do the same to you!
The Project Swordsmith Kickstarter campaign is relatively modest, with a $10,000 funding target needing to be met by November 16th. The challenge for them may be that interactive fiction gamers may be turned off by the combat elements, and RPG and strategy gamers may look down on the relationship parts. If nothing else, check out Project Swordsmith for what it’s trying to accomplish with its story :
“At its heart Project Swordsmith’s story is about respect and social equality and the struggles different people have to endure to acquire them.“
Dig it.
I love what they’re trying to do. The art style isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but the gameplay and setting are definitely things to be excited about.
This is an exciting game because, besides being somewhat cross-genre, it goes beyond what most other games have done. It combines narrative, adventure, relationships, action, and social commentary in a fun and thought-provoking way.