Van-14 is set to redefine the Metroidvania genre, featuring a futuristic heroine battling malevolent deities. Created by Robin Eyre, an artist at Iron Gate Studios known for Valheim, this indie gem draws inspiration from classics like Super Metroid and Hollow Knight.
Robin Eyre recently sat down with Game Rant to discuss the ambitions and intricacies of his passion project, Van-14, developed during his free time. Here are the highlights from the conversation:
Crafting a Unique Metroidvania Experience
Q: Introducing Van-14 to Newcomers
- Eyre: Van-14, a retro-Metroidvania with numerous boss battles, is my personal project birthed from a yearning to explore the genre I cherished in my youth.
Q: Evolution of Metroidvanias
- Eyre: Highlighting Hollow Knight as a modern masterpiece, Eyre anticipates titles like Silksong and Crowsworn while staying true to the essence of Super Metroid.
Q: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
- Eyre: Embracing classic Metroidvania elements, Eyre aims to introduce fresh mechanics like customizable abilities, offering players a tailored experience.
Q: Zone Exploration and Upgrades
- Eyre: Players can venture through around five diverse zones in Van-14, encountering upgrades gated behind challenging boss fights to enhance Van's suit performance.
Unraveling Van-14's Narrative
Q: Insights into Van's World
- Eyre: Eyrie, Van's robotic companion, serves as the narrative guide, immersing players in a rich lore-filled universe without disrupting gameplay flow.
Q: Embracing Secrets and Discoveries
- Eyre: Drawing inspiration from Super Metroid, Van-14 promises hidden surprises and unconventional mechanics to incentivize exploration and experimentation.
Q: Teasing the Unknown
- Eyre: Delving into the enigmatic lore of Van-14, Eyre hints at mysterious entities, challenging players to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Old Gods and Van's mission.
Designing the Essence of Van-14
Q: Artistic Influences and Animations
- Eyre: Drawing inspiration from 90s anime like Ghost in the Shell, Eyre personally crafts the pixel art cinematics, infusing the game with a dark, captivating aesthetic.
Q: Sonic and Visual Symphony
- Eyre: Eyre's meticulous approach extends to sound design, with plans to enhance SFX and music to deliver a truly immersive experience, complementing the game's visual appeal.
Q: Game Development Insights
- Eyre: Eyre emphasizes the importance of engaging gameplay, captivating art, and a compelling mystery to create a standout Metroidvania experience, drawing from his Valheim development experience.
Q: Future Plans and Community Engagement
- Eyre: While a release date for Van-14 remains uncertain, Eyre invites players to join him on the journey, offering glimpses into the game's development process through his YouTube channel.
Van-14 continues to evolve behind the scenes, promising a unique take on the beloved Metroidvania genre. Stay tuned for more updates on this ambitious indie project.