We had the pleasure of chatting with Honour Bound Game Studios all about Relic Odyssey: Ruins of Xantao! Check it out to learn more about this incredible game!
Tell us about Honour Bound Game Studios
Honour Bound Game Studios was founded in 2022, but really took off when we hired 3 amazing young people from Algonquin College. They are the true foundation of our success! We try to build innovative gameplay mechanics while fostering inclusive and engaging communities to promote positive change. Our values to ensure we have a long lasting positive effect on gamers but also the young people that are looking to launch their careers!
What inspired you to create “Relic Odyssey: Ruins of Xantao“?
Indiana Jones was our first inspiration, but there are so many great adventures we get inspiration from. Zelda, Laura Croft, and all kind of treasure hunters games.!
Indiana Jones was our first inspiration, but there are so many great adventures we get inspiration from. Zelda, Laura Croft, and all kind of treasure hunters games.! People also compare us Halo, Half Life 2 and Red Faction
People also compare us Halo, Half Life 2 and Red Faction
Can you share some details about the main characters, Samuel, Sarah, and Clunky, and their roles in the game?
Samuel Hunt – Captain
- Well versed in combat.
- Is an explorer, treasure hunter, and the captain of his own vessel, Relic Odyssey.
- Has a passion for finding and studying ancient ruins and artifacts.
- Holds himself to an exceedingly high standard.
- Takes responsibility for protecting Sarah.
Sarah Asadi – Engineer
- Provides player intel and upgrades.
- Samuel’s trusted assistant and adventure companion.
- Has a passion for learning, and vast knowledge about technology, innovation, and ancient cultures.
- Feels the need to impress.
Clunky
- Wit: Quick, intelligent, and humorous remarks, often involving wordplay.
- Fights alongside the player.
- Discovered by Samuel in the abandoned archeology base
- Can scan items around the map and help collect resources.
- Has suit/weapon upgrades to personalize him and make him stronger.
- Clumsy and clunky, because of his tiny robotic legs.
- Reacts to the world and environment with robotic emoticon faces on his “face” screen.
How did you come up with the unique gameplay features like powered gloves and the digging rig?
The digging rig was inspired by a flash game called “Motherlode” and Minecraft. The glove was created during a brainstorming session to figure out what a futuristic archaeology tool would be.
What has been your biggest success story with this game?
Clunky started off with a small role but based on early feedback he changed into a pivotal part of our game. Everyone loves having Clunky as a companion, he makes the game more lively
Goals for the game?
You’ll have multiple goals throughout the game but you are sent first to figure out what happened to the missing archeological crew.
What can players expect from the enemies and factions they will encounter?
The Queen is fighting for dominance for the planet and establishing her colony. You will fight her alien colony as you dig further into the depths of the planet. The Smugglers are trying to make a quick buck but in the process destroying the resources and ecosystem on the planet for the collector. The Xantao civilization is a faction that was forced to go into hiding while trying to get away from the harm of the Queen’s colony.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to create a game?
Start small, focus on gameplay only until you have that done. Do not add visuals until you are happy with the gameplay, fail fast so you can move on to the next prototype if your current prototype is not fun
Thoughts on All Ages of Geek?
I really like the format. The fact that we can see you 2 hosting, with that little screen in the middle is so cool! It feels cozy to watch you, relaxing. I’m a FAN!
Where can folks support your work?
I would say, sharing the game with your friends if you think they will like it, wishlisting & buying the early access would be amazing for us! Encouragement & Feedback too! We love those.
Relic Odyssey Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1fVT1aPwGKoiHbehPSl-gDlbgYaUIIT4SoExhjxLbO_0/edit?usp=sharing
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