Fumito Ueda, the visionary behind Ico and Shadow of the Colossushas returned with his first game in a decade, Gen Atlas. This new sci-fi adventure promises to deliver a unique experience that only Ueda can craft. Published by Epic GamesGen Atlas is set to be a groundbreaking title, not just for its narrative but also for being Ueda’s first game released on PC.
The game was first teased in a trailer on Friday, showcasing a silent protagonist wandering through a desert, encountering colossal robots and engaging in shooting mechanics. The footage, though brief, hinted at a world rich with detail and mystery. On Sunday, a meeting with the developers and Epic Games provided a deeper glimpse into the game’s development and Ueda’s vision.
Defining a Classic Fumito Ueda Experience
Ueda’s games are known for their uniqueness and the ability to deliver experiences that can only be achieved through videogames. When asked about what defines a classic Fumito Ueda experience, Ueda emphasized the importance of uniqueness and the use of videogame-specific mechanics to create something that stands out in the market. He aims to balance this uniqueness with a balanced game experience that is both familiar and unexpected.
The cinematic presentation in Ueda’s previous works, such as Shadow of the Colossus, was groundbreaking. Ueda’s approach to using filmic language in games was ahead of its time. When asked about the secret sauce that sets his games apart now that other games have caught up to his cinematic style, Ueda explained his focus on bringing in something unexpected. He refines standard game mechanics to make them more entertaining and unique, ensuring that the player’s experience is always engaging.
The Shooting Mechanic in Gen Atlas
One of the standout features in Gen Atlas is the shooting mechanic. Ueda clarified that while shooting is a new element in his games, it is not the main mechanic. Instead, it is one of the ways players can overcome hurdles in the game. The shooting mechanic is designed to challenge players and provide a sense of achievement once mastered. Ueda emphasized that it is not about scoring points but about feeling that your existence matters in the game’s setting.
The nuance between frustration and challenge was a key point in the discussion. Ueda explained that the shooting mechanic is implemented to challenge players and provide a healthy amount of frustration, leading to a sense of achievement once the mechanic is mastered. This approach ensures that players feel a sense of progression and accomplishment.
The World of Gen Atlas
Gen Atlas is set in a vast, desert-like environment filled with colossal robots. The game’s themes revolve around robots and the passage of time, with the environment changing over large spans of time. Ueda’s inspiration for the game came from a desire to explore the theme of robots in a sci-fi world. He wanted to create a game where players could experience the fantasy of piloting giant robots and engaging in epic battles.
Ueda also touched on the influence of AI on our culture and how it inspired the themes in Gen Atlas. He expressed a high interest in learning new technologies but emphasized that all game development is done by humans at his studio, Gen Design. This approach ensures that the game’s unique vision is preserved and not diluted by automated processes.
As a writer for PC Gamer, the excitement of covering a game that is not exclusive to PlayStation is palpable. Ueda expressed his enthusiasm for reaching a broader audience with Gen Atlas. He sees the PC and console markets as similar in their desire for new and fresh experiences. Ueda’s goal is to deliver something that feels new and exciting to players, regardless of their platform.
The sand in Gen Atlas is a central element of the game’s environment. Ueda, who was particularly animated when discussing the sand, hinted that it plays a significant role in the game’s storytelling. The vast span of time and the changes that occur over this period are key elements in the narrative, with the environment reflecting these changes.
