Bellwright Launches Later This Month in Early Access – Here's a Deep Dive with the Devs
Unleash Your Inner Rebel in This Genre-Bending Adventure
Get ready to build, fight, and lead a rebellion in Bellwright, a unique blend of strategy, town-building, action, survival, and RPG elements from Donkey Crew. Launching on Steam Early Access later this month (April 23rd), Bellwright promises a captivating experience for solo players and co-op enthusiasts alike.
A Story of Redemption and Rebellion
Framed for the murder of the Prince years ago, you find yourself drawn back to your homeland to uncover the truth and clear your name. Bellwright isn't just about building a town; it's about sparking a revolution against the oppressive Sovereign. Explore a vast 25 square kilometer map, liberate villages from the Queen's rule, and unravel the secrets that bind you to this conflict.
Unveiling the Developer's Vision
We had the chance to chat with Florian "chadz" Hofreither, Project Lead at Donkey Crew, and delve into the heart of Bellwright's development. Here are some key takeaways:
Winter's Bite: Brace yourself for harsh winters! While autumn offers resources from plants and foliage, winter demands stockpiles and hunting for survival.
Co-op Options: Play with friends and adjust the difficulty to suit your group. Dedicated servers won't be available, but players can host their own worlds.
Performance Matters: Built with Unreal Engine 5, Bellwright prioritizes smooth performance, even on older PCs.
Inspiration & Influences: The team draws inspiration from a variety of games, including Subnautica, Medieval Dynasty, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, Banished, RimWorld, and Going Medieval. Bellwright offers a unique combination of these beloved elements.
Content Roadmap: Walls, siege systems, and an emphasis on NPC behavior are high on the post-launch development list. Peaceful/sandbox modes and infinite play are also being explored.
Narrative vs. Sandbox: While the narrative adds depth, Bellwright excels as a sandbox experience. Players can choose to prioritize building and exploration over following the story.
Army Formations and Sieges: More detailed army formations and siege mechanics are planned for future updates.
Early Access Duration: The Early Access period is expected to last 3-4 years, depending on player feedback and the scope of planned features.
Addressing Past Concerns: Donkey Crew acknowledges the challenges with their previous game, Last Oasis. They're committed to delivering a polished and engaging experience with Bellwright, and are even planning to revisit Last Oasis with improvements.
Beyond the Q&A
Here are some additional details gleaned from the conversation:
Expect animal encounters, with both hostile and domestic creatures roaming the world.
PvP mode is not currently planned, but the team might reconsider based on player feedback.
Liberation mechanics involve building trust with villagers, culminating in a battle to overthrow the occupying forces.
The game offers a decent amount of character customization options.
AI voiceovers are a temporary measure; professional voice acting is planned for the final release.
A Passion Project with Promise
Donkey Crew has poured their heart and soul into Bellwright, aiming to deliver a game that feels larger than the size of their team. With its unique blend of genres and focus on player agency, Bellwright has the potential to carve its own niche in the gaming landscape. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or a budding town builder, Bellwright offers an exciting adventure waiting to be explored.
Are you ready to answer the call of rebellion? Bellwright launches on Steam Early Access on April 23rd!
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