Interview: Alex Zimich – Director of Sci-fi Horror Game Derelict
Derelict is a new sci-fi horror game that you can contribute to here. Dread Central caught up with director Alex Zimich to get an overview of the game.
DC: So a team of two have been developing the game for several years right?
Alex Zimich: Yes, a few years, two or so. Mostly the design and setting/story at first. Then we started building levels and programming in 2013. We have so far completed nearly all of the core gameplay, and are working on art, design and the rest of the programming for the story, and any other features we need for the existing levels.
We work very hard and each wear a lot of hats. I do the art, as well as the animations when needed. I also dabble working in the editor and make the levels.
DC: Can you describe the setting of the game? Is it set in the far future where space travel is common?
AZ: Far in the future, where money still is the driving force in the world… and the colonies of earth continue to expand its borders…
DC: Can you talk about the spaceship on which the game takes place, Wings of Icarus?
AZ: The Wings of Icarus, a terraformer and colonization ship with its own science bay, is colonizing the planet below. It has all the tools required to build a research station. There is no record of this development. All you know that its there. However, the Wings of ICARUS has been infested with dross… you aren’t being paid to ask how, or why. Their objective was to build the station. YOUR mission, is to reclaim the ship from the Dross, which now infest the ship.
DC: And you’ll be able to command your squad?
AZ: You and your team have been chosen from the powers that be, to fight your way into the Wings of ICARUS and reclaim the ship. Your soldiers will have a sort of mind of their own and will adapt based on the situation they are put in. But as the commanding officer, if you say go explore this dark room, they will obey.
DC: Will there be different ways to approach situations?
AZ: In this game, stealth is not an option. your soldier are known to the dross and have been since they boarded the ship. The levels are not linear, or at least not in the later, more open levels. This will allow the player to choose the path the soldiers take. With the AI continually spawning dross from all directions. the soldiers must adapt and hold key areas through the map, and prepare for any scenario.
DC: The Dross are the aliens in the game, can you tell us about them?
AZ: Not much is known about the dross. They were discovered on the planet below, but did they originate from there? If not, then where? They are known to be voracious eaters. Devouring all biological matter, or bringing it to their nest, to eat later. The rest of this document is classified.
DC: And can you tell us about the characters?
AZ: I cannot. That’s classified. All you need to know is your team was chosen to lead this mission. You have your orders, commander.
DC: And do the enemies adapt throughout the game?
AZ: In any level, you can see the dross communicate with themselves. They will learn from their mistakes such as approaching the soldiers. The dross have been known to use darkness to hide and flank their prey. They will not just walk blindly to their deaths.
DC: Will there be a wide variety of weapons?
AZ: The weapons, while varied, will mostly be divided into a few categories. For example, the shotgun is more powerful than a single rifle shot, but doesn’t travel as far. It’s shot in a cone shape. You know how shotguns work… I’m saying that there are rifles, shotguns, and flamethrowers, pistols and miniguns currently. There will be variations of these weapons, each doing something a little different.
DC: Would you say that this is a more fast paced shooter or more akin to a suspenseful horror?
AZ: That’s a good question. While the combat is fierce, the enemy will lurk in the shadows and attack from there. So I’d say it’s both.
DC: Will there be lots of replay ability?
AZ: I personally have played each level hundreds of times. And if you enjoy completing the level with all your soldiers alive in record time, there’s a lot to replay. Once the level is memorized and the player knows what to do. Theres still the need to go and do that, which doesn’t always turn out according to plan. With the AI spawner and the randomness to it, each play through will be different. The Dross’ AI also reacts to the players’ choices. This forces the player to quickly react to different situations, and the ever adapting Dross.
DC: Will there be alternate gameplay modes?
AZ: The only safe spot in the ship is the airlocks between sectors. Getting to the safe zone is one mode. But opening the door to the exit and completing the objectives are several more modes of play. This is relative the the story however, there will be different objectives and set pieces throughout the game.
Visit Derelict‘s website here, and Alex’s Youtube channel here.
Categorized:Horror Gaming Interviews News
