Paper Airplane Explores Dark Truth in New Indie Game "DRIFTED"
Taiwanese developer Hu Chi has captivated players with "DRIFTED," an atmospheric exploration game that casts players as a paper airplane navigating a mysterious and unsettling world. Originally showcased at the Tokyo Game Show, the game has garnered praise for its chilling atmosphere and unique gameplay.
The premise of "DRIFTED" is simple yet intriguing: players guide a paper airplane through a labyrinthine environment. Unlike traditional flight mechanics, this paper airplane doesn’t fall unless it collides with something, creating a sense of constant tension and anticipation.
The game’s visuals are a blend of wide hallways, claustrophobic corridors, and imposing iron cages, all bathed in a haunting cinematic soundtrack. Players can also utilize a special rotation skill, allowing them to spin and dive through the air, adding a layer of strategic movement.
"DRIFTED" is deeply personal for Hu Chi. It marks his debut solo project, inspired by his passion for film and his fascination with urban exploration. After its initial release, the game was featured at prestigious events like the Tokyo and Sendai Game Shows, the Paris Indie Game Dev event, and even the ACG Bahamut Creation Competition, where it snagged the highest prize in the game category.
Evocative Atmosphere Draws Comparisons to Acclaimed Titles
Hu Chi acknowledges the difficulty of balancing the player’s experience, especially in the early stages. “I was concerned that players might find the initial exploration too slow", he admits. He even grappled with the idea of adding an attack feature to the paper airplane, leaving it out to preserve the game’s focus on exploration and atmosphere.
His dedication seems to have paid off. "DRIFTED" has earned praise from prominent figures in the gaming industry, including Kotake, the creator of the acclaimed walking simulator "Exit 8."
"Tokyo Game Dungeon, DRIFTED was really good. People who like INSIDE will also like it -Kotake/KOTAKE CREATE via Twitter
Kotake’s endorsement, comparing "DRIFTED" to the critically acclaimed game "INSIDE," speaks volumes about the game’s eerie atmosphere and compelling narrative. Hu Chi, while surprised by the comparison, sees the merit in the observation: While "INSIDE" relies heavily on lighting and camera techniques to generate a sense of dread, "DRIFTED" achieves a similar effect through its carefully crafted environments and unsettling story beats.
The developer is currently refining the game’s later stages, tweaking certain scenes and plot elements to deliver an even more captivating experience.
"DRIFTED" is available now on Steam.
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