Let’s take some time to delve a little more into what we’ve been doing recently.
We’re sorry for not posting this last week on schedule like we normally do, but we’re taking this time to move these blog posts to be better in line with our development process. This should make it easier for us to show you what we’re up to!
We’ve been spending most of our time working out specifics of how the cars should feel during gameplay. Cars in Aether & Iron are powered by Aether, and as such, don’t drive along the ground, but they don’t fly, either, and we’re putting a lot of effort into making sure that the “hover” feel of the cars keeps them feeling fresh and unique!
Let’s talk about the posts from the past 2 weeks.
These cars mark an important milestone for the team - our garage is beginning to fill up with 3D models of the cars and the weapons! Straight from the concept art and into a whole new dimension, it’s rewarding to see things like this come to life in all their glory. You can expect to not only see multiple chassis, such as the ones shown, but also plenty of guns to mount onto them in a plethora of various configurations. We’re excited to see what you all come up with!
The Heights are the pinnacle of technological development and the crown of New York that sits above the clouds. This is where the elite of the elite live and look down upon the people below as they bask in the sunlight. The Heights may be cold and oxygen deprived, but that’s okay because large fur coats and stylish oxygen masks are the most luxurious things a person can own! The foes you’ll fight here are going to be unlike anything you’ve seen during your journey through the city, and we hope you’re prepared for what you’ll find.
Much like our mood pieces for the Lowers and the Uppers, this picture is less of a true representation of what the Heights will look like and more of a “feel” test, where we want to make sure we get the overall aesthetics established before moving forward. The Heights themselves are based on the Streamline Moderne art movement of the late 30’s, which emphasized smooth forms and a very “futuristic” look relative to the other styles at the time. This is important since we want to drive home just how ridiculously wealthy and technologically advanced the people of the Heights are, as this is literally the best money can buy, and you’re in the home of some very powerful people. Don’t let the clean aesthetic fool you, the Heights mean business.
The path to the top of New York isn’t an easy one, and you’ll need allies if you plan to survive. So, meet Cress, your lead mechanic. It’s her job to keep your cars in working order and their weapons securely fastened to their chassis. Allies like her will make it easier to weather the storms you’ll encounter as you take on all that New York has to offer.
Cress’s design was inspired by female factory workers of the 1930’s, with a bandana for keeping her hair up and overalls to keep the grease off her shirt. She’s a hard worker who isn’t afraid to get dirty, and her experience with machines is crucial to keeping your fledgling Barony afloat. How’d she lose the arm? We’ll talk about that later. ;)
But just as there will be plenty of allies to help you succeed, there are also plenty of rivals to stop you. Who is this mysterious man with the dapper coat and cigarette holder? A rival baron? A long-lost cousin? The head of the fashion guild? Who knows? All we do know is that this socialite is one of the many who are hoping to shape the city in their own image.
This fashionable fellow is clad in clothing that flaunts his wealth and status, with gold Art Deco styling on his shirt and pants and a coat with a bold red lining. While he may not be the wealthiest in New York, he’s definitely someone of power that you should watch out for!
Thank you for joining us for this update! We’ll show more in 2 weeks!
-Brenton