Withering Realms Interview – Horror, Action, Storytelling, Crafting System, and More

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In the realm of the same inventor as “Withering Rooms“, we find “Withering Realms“, an engaging Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) that seeks to blend horror elements with traditional action RPG gameplay. Expected to arrive on PC (through Steam) towards the end of this year, the developers graciously sat down for a discussion about the title, touching upon topics such as the intricate balance between action and fear, development of progression systems, and even the distinct gameplay variations depending on the game’s in-game day/night cycle.

Is it more likely that the game, titled Withering Realms, leans towards a chilling atmosphere, or does it primarily emphasize action in its gameplay, when it comes to horror elements?

In my opinion, horror and action genres tend to clash more than they complement each other, but not every time. To ensure a distinct divide between these elements in this game, I’ve intentionally heightened the contrast.

As The Doll character, gameplay leans towards action with a somewhat reduced emphasis on horror elements (though there’s still plenty of creepy occurrences).

Playing as Althea, the game takes on a survival horror feel, reminiscent of older games, when moving stealthily in areas that are off-limits, with camera angles that are stationary.

What kind of progression systems can we expect in Withering Realms?

I greatly enjoy developing games that empower players and create a sense of growth throughout the experience. My debut game, “Withering Rooms,” was particularly rewarding as it highlighted overlooked aspects such as Luck, which became crucial elements in powerful game builds. I aim to further explore and deepen this concept in this upcoming project.

In The Doll game, the character development system is modeled after a standard action RPG, but with an unusual twist: instead of progressing overall levels, you upgrade individual body parts. For instance, you can enhance your left arm, right arm, legs, and so forth separately. Additionally, you can create and upgrade various gear such as talismans for specific limbs, replacement eyes, and spell catalysts specifically for Clover, the ghost girl character.

“I think horror and action are often (but not always) at cross purposes”

What is the style of storytelling you’re aiming for?

I prefer immersing myself into a game where I have to discover my role rather than being told about it extensively. As soon as you begin a new game, you’ll find yourself controlling Clover and The Doll. The main quest is primarily linear, yet there are multiple endings to explore. Additionally, there’s an abundance of optional content, all designed to keep you engaged and curious. However, the game’s design aims to let players solve puzzles and uncover secrets on their own.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into the world of ‘Withering Realms’, I can’t help but wonder if it’ll be a nod to classic horror tropes, or if it’s going to maintain a more somber, realistic tone.

For sure, there will be tributes to costumes! I’m keeping tight-lipped for now, but let me tell you this: The Doll’s bare pate serves as a versatile palette that can be creatively adorned in numerous styles.

What variety can we expect from the weapon crafting mechanics?

Each tool designed for both left and right arms comes with predefined actions and characteristics. However, it’s essential to gather the required materials to create them. Keep in mind that these tools cannot be personally tailored or adjusted.

Contrarily (without any intended pun), the charms attached to your limbs showcase a more intricate creation process. For example, you could create a charm that lowers stamina usage and boosts fire damage, then attach it to your right arm, making the hefty Flamethrower a more practical choice. As you enhance your right arm or core body stats to the point where stamina consumption is no longer a concern, you might opt to craft a new charm solely focused on enhancing fire damage.

As a crafting enthusiast, I must admit that while I’m excited about using these tools, it’s important to note that they aren’t customizable. You’ll have to gather all the essential resources to get started, but the tools themselves remain as they are.

How much of a difference will there be between playing during the day versus playing at night?

In several games, the nighttime scene is simply a “bluish” adaptation of daylight with a starlit backdrop. However, in the game “Withering Realms“, the night is absolutely pitch-black.

In this game, real-life light sources are employed, making daylight far more intense than nighttime by a factor of hundreds of thousands. Clover, the ghostly entity, gives off a very subtle luminescence that is overpowered by the daylight but serves as your guide during the dark hours if you’re not utilizing additional lighting options. Therefore, you’ll have to rely on torches or spells to navigate effectively when it gets dark.

Under the cover of darkness, I find myself treading with caution, for it’s then that the most terrifying beasts and spectral entities emerge. With the veil of night obscuring my vision, I must rely on my keen ears to navigate this chilling landscape. A low, ominous rumble beneath my feet serves as a warning – a sign that something massive is approaching, ready to pounce at any moment.

Will Withering Realms have a skill tree? If so, what kinds of upgrades can we expect?

In this game, there isn’t a traditional skill tree for character development. Instead, the diversity arises from how you allocate stats, decide on which items to enhance like tools and talismans, and the equipment choices you make.

Can you share the release date for Withering Realms? Are there plans to bring it to PS5 and Xbox?

My goal is to launch my game on Steam’s Early Access program, and I plan to include a demo too. As we get nearer, I’ll provide an exact date. Following that, I’ll concentrate on the complete release for PC and consoles (PS5, Xbox Series X), with the possibility of additional platforms. To achieve this, I might collaborate with a publishing partner.

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2025-04-18 16:41