Game of the Month June 2016 - Wanda

[Tarq 746]

Hello RMers and welcome to the first entry in our new Game of the Month feature. This month we'll be looking at Wanda by the developers over at Kodots Games. Its a game with a strong and interestingly delivered story, a full OST, and, ofc, a gorgeous array of graphics. The majority of gameplay is derived from a series of puzzles, although these can be skipped if you feel they disrupt the narrative experience.

@SomaelCK, a developer on the project, has generously agreed to a little interview on the upcoming release.

 

 

So, first of all, what exactly is 'Wanda'? Is it the, seemingly organic, lifeforms we meet? Is it the planet they inhabit? Is it something else entirely?
Wanda is a project that we accidentally conceptualized and quickly grow into the main project.The name 'Wanda' is nothing more than a code-name we made up for the project and also a play on the word 'wander'.We decided not to name the planet nor the robots because names hold no value for these simple-minded bots.

 

 

The game's very distinct artstyle is going to draw a lot of attention for this game; what led you to consider these aesthetics?
Wanda has a unique premise and to narrate that we figured we need an artstyle that is also unique. So I asked artist (Haru) to try hand-drawn map and it worked like a charm. There, we have a totally unique world that gives otherworldly atmosphere and a perfect fit for characters that we just created. We believe that a simple art style, similar to that of a children's book, would suit Wanda's theme well.

I saw in your thread that this story was previously published as a graphic novel; are there any changes between versions and which would you say was the better, or at least your preferred, format for telling this story?
Actually, the comic started out as an art project based on the game. The comic is basically a scaled-down version of the game, highlighting some of our favourite special moments. We thought it would be a waste to not share it so we plan to include it as a DLC after the game's release.

 

 

There is quite a diverse array of puzzles in Wanda. Personally, I really enjoyed the sonar puzzle, which was very reminiscent of the Chocobo Hot 'n' Cold minigame from FFIX; what was your favourite puzzle to work on and why?
My favourite puzzle to work on would be the Sonar Puzzle and the Portal puzzle, simply because both of them are made with just simple "Eventing" without using any extra script. Haru's favourite is the laser puzzle, because she felt it's just right, not too complex, not too simple.

 

 

With Kodots Games having successfully published two games on Steam now, what advice would you give our aspiring commercial devs?

Don't try and please every audience. Do what you think feels right. There will always be audience for your work of passion.

 

What's next for you guys?

We have several planned projects but nothing is solid yet. We will decide our next step after Wanda is released.

 

 

 

Wanda will be available on Steam from 3rd June.

You can get more info on Wanda here: http://www.rpgmakerc...y-an-adventure/

Vote for next month's GotM here: http://www.rpgmakercentral.com/topic/38625-game-of-the-month-july-2016-voting-thread/

 

 

This is a new feature and, understandably, will require a lot of feedback and work to live up to your standards. This thread is not the place to discuss that though, it is to celebrate the great success of one of our members; please leave any necessary feedback in the description and questions thread.

[+ Chaosian 617]

Nice interview. Good questions and informative answers. I hadn't known it was actually coming out on Steam, congrats!

Hoping this becomes a regular feature!

[+ Takeo212 1,079]

Oooh, I wasn't aware of that steam release either to be honest. Wanda really does catch my attention, especially graphically, so that's a game I'm keeping my eye, and wallet out for~

I love these interviews/features. Some games need that extra attention, and I whole heartedly think Wanda is one of them.

[SomaelCK 89]

Nice interview. Good questions and informative answers. I hadn't known it was actually coming out on Steam, congrats!

Hoping this becomes a regular feature!

 

Oooh, I wasn't aware of that steam release either to be honest. Wanda really does catch my attention, especially graphically, so that's a game I'm keeping my eye, and wallet out for~

I love these interviews/features. Some games need that extra attention, and I whole heartedly think Wanda is one of them.

 

Thanks !!! 

 

We just released demo for Wanda! You can download it and get the taste of the game before the full release

[Nirwanda 323]

I didn't know Kodots had another game besides Wanda (and that old demo Vision Spire Infini). It would have been cool to dedicate a little time for it as well, though I understand that the star of the interview had to be Wanda itself. So it's mostly wishful thinking born out of curiosity. Neat interview and I want to wish the guys at Kodots much success.

[+ Chaosian 617]

Whoooooa hey, guess what turned up on one of the news sites I got to? Serious street cred, man.

[Rikifive 3,411]

Congratulations!!!! I'm absolutely not surprised to see that game here ~ Great work! (=

[SomaelCK 89]

Whoooooa hey, guess what turned up on one of the news sites I got to? Serious street cred, man.

That is one fair and professional review so far! Make me feel happy entire morning

[Nirwanda 323]

Wow, congratulations, Somael. You guys deserve it.

[SomaelCK 89]

Wow, congratulations, Somael. You guys deserve it.

Thank you! Been busy with the launch and all. I only remembered to reply now!

[lianderson 122]

Beautiful artwork and music, and it looks like the story is great as well. Good job and congrats on your success!