Hello, I’m Cedric Babouche, Art Director. Dordogne Valley, A heartful story adventure drawn in watercolor! French studio Un Je Ne Sais Quoi, part of the animation group Umanimation, has been working on this indie work for several years now and it will finally be released on her June 13th. You play as her 32-year-old Mimi, looking for childhood memories as she travels back to where she spent her summers as a child. And that place is the idyllic Dordogne region of southwestern France.
When we started the project, our starting point was to create a family story. The Southwest region, where I used to spend most of my summer vacations as a child, was a natural choice for the setting of the story, as it was often featured in the first drafts and sketches. My connection to my roots allows me to tell a truly heartfelt story that fits perfectly with the family theme.
The rest of the team didn’t share any history or knowledge of the area, so we all traveled there together to get a feel for the atmosphere. We have visited the famous places that make up much of Dordogne’s identity, but in order to distance ourselves from traditional postcard material and get closer to the experience of everyday life there, we take time away from the obvious spots. spent: meeting people in the market, the presence of a river of emotions.
As a result, you can visit real-world locations such as Sarlat, La Roque Gageac, Castelnaud-La-Chapelle and, of course, the Dordogne River. These are not the locations we originally planned to include. The story comes first, and the real-world locations to visit were chosen based on the needs of the story. So, first we thought, ‘Let’s go to the market’ and then we thought, ‘Let’s go to Sarlat’s market because it’s such an iconic place’. Similarly, we decided to add a kayak ride and then go to La Roque Gajac. Because the magical experience of discovering that view from the river is so iconic.
So, Dordogne Valley It gives you the feeling of visiting the places that form the region and its identity. At the same time, you will feel a peaceful stay, enjoying the nature and the quiet atmosphere of the village. Its idyllic surroundings are hand-painted in watercolor to convey a sense of tranquility. I drew a thumbnail sketch towards the actual landscape, capturing the natural atmosphere of the place and giving it an engaging presence. Sounds and music are also truly immersive, including recordings of nature sounds and his score of beautiful ambient for the French band Supernaive. Dordogne Valley It has a warm, melancholic Ghibli vibe, but musically it stands out completely from the orchestral score you’d expect.
Dordogne Valley Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S will be released on June 13th. A perfect moment to travel with Mimi to the Dordogne Valley. We hope you are ready for some wholesome moments in the South of France.
Dordogne Valley
focus entertainment
$19.99
Immerse yourself in a unique narrative experience and embark on a vibrant journey that awakens the senses and evokes warm memories. Play as Mimi and explore precious childhood memories and time spent with her late grandmother. As past meets present, you’ll face adult choices with fond memories of your childhood and uncover lost family secrets. Explore the landscapes of the Dordogne Valley in thousands of summer colors in gorgeous hand-painted watercolor environments. Relive the moment, the panorama, the smells, the sounds and the sensations during your adventure. Recount these vivid memories in your diary as a past recollection of Mimi’s family unique to your experience and as a nostalgic and moving reflection of your journey. • Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Dordogne Valley with hand-painted watercolors • Embark on a unique and heartwarming storytelling experience • Awaken your senses as you explore childhood memories • Collect photos, sounds and scents to create an adventurous diary let’s create
