Mortal Crux (opens in new tab) is one of many independent projects that are slowly being assembled before our eyes on Twitter and TikTok.Last checked in (opens in new tab) This solo-developed action-RPG was only a few months into development last February, but since then it’s amassed a laundry list of interesting features for its frigid fantasy. All demoed for a dedicated audience on social media.
A WIP system that randomly generates harvestable vegetation in elevator shafts. 🍄This feature was the reason for the glass floor lift design I introduced a few months ago.February 14, 2023
At first glance, Mortal Crux is a one- to four-player isometric action RPG that combines the Soulsy positioning and timing-based combat system with the fantasy feel of classic CRPGs and similar to Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance. It looks to combine with its console cousin. Solo His developer Jesse Walker has delivered short videos of his updates as he creates new features and areas. I continue to be blown away by Mortal Crux’s intricate fixed-camera interior and playful approach to RPG design.
That attention to detail is what really gets me excited about Mortal Crux. A snippet of this gameplay (opens in new tab) Being released on Valentine’s Day is a good example. Walker returns several times to this set piece of the Clockwork Elevator, which is itself a knockout, complete with intricately animated gears and chains like a German clock tower, and a 17th-century We actually sell the structure. A button in the middle!
Mortal Crux adds collectible cave mushrooms at further distances. This mushroom makes a noise as the elevator descends. If you’re quick enough, you can pick up some of this precious crafting resource and get your hands on zooming in on lovingly rendered models.
Likewise, I’ve always been impressed with how Mortal Crux adds emergent, almost immersive simulation-like detail to its world.can throw weapons block magic in the air (opens in new tab), the resulting collision can enchant that thrown weapon. Ditto for persistence, flame radiation magic (opens in new tab) It evaporates arrows and magic missiles from the air, while ice spells freeze enemies, Prime them to pieces (opens in new tab).
Updated the Flamethrower spell to jam incoming projectiles outside the range of the AoE explosion. 💥#IndieGameDev #indiegame #indiedev #gamedev #unity3d #RPG #gamedevelopment #madewithunity #solodev #gaming #Steam pic.twitter.com/AiPrdxBEe1February 10, 2023
I love this reactive design and it goes back to firing hatchets from the air in Resident Evil 4 and not being able to climb slippery rock faces when it’s raining in Breath of the Wild . This is a simulationist sensibility not seen in many Western RPGs these days. An exception, though, is his Larian take on slapstick deeds in the Divinity series.
Walker continues to play Mortal Crux and seems to spend most of his spare time playing the game. I asked if Elden Ring has changed the way developers approach Soulslike, but development has eaten up much of his attention, leading Fromsoft’s monster blockbuster and his 2022 Game of the Year I haven’t checked yet. (opens in new tab)Mortal Crux doesn’t have a release date yet, but you can wishlist the game vapor (opens in new tab).
image 1 of Five
