Of Hounds and Old Gods

Welcome to "Of Hounds and Old Gods" (Working title) - a 2D Stealth/Action Microvania currently in early development.

Core Concept 

A young bounty hunter has to fill her master's role after they die during a job - capturing an Isharan witch gone rogue. She finds herself chasing a dangerous fugitive through remains of a long forgotten civilization, sprawling throughout a mountain range, while surviving a hostile paramilitary faction, deadly mutants, security systems and natural hazards.

Story & Setting

In the distant future, following the rise and fall of countless civilizations across galaxies, humanity coexists with diverse forms of extraterrestrial life. These life forms, though non-sentient, include microorganisms, viruses, algae, and other primitive organisms.

The narrative centers on a powerful order Isharai, an enigmatic faction of great political influence. To track down a dangerous fugitive - a powerful "witch" gone rogue - they enlist the services of "Bloodhound," a seasoned bounty hunter. As Bloodhound embarks on a pursuit leading to a frozen world, an EMP blast knocks their vessel out of the sky, plummeting it into the snow covered cliffs along a mountain range. 

Unbeknownst to all, Bloodhound dies in that crash, and what emerges from the little vessel is their young apprentice, who has to fill the shoes of her former teacher, must survive the a sprawling megacomplex, remnants of a fallen civilization. The journey unveils anomalies of unknown origin, rival factions, corrupted security systems, ruins inhabited by a race of mindless and lethal artificial humanoids.

Mechanics:

Primary game mechanics  

• Exploration: The player can walk, run, climb, jump, swim and prowl / crawl (stealth mechanics) throughout the ruins. A progressive map system with shelter zones (save zones) along with acquired abilities/tools will aid in reaching different portions of the world map.

• Combat: Players will have to engage in combat encounters with various enemy factions, including corrupted security systems, genetically enhanced primitives and various humanoids. Players can use melee and ranged weapons, tactical gear, and employ sneaking and environmental hazards to their advantage.
 

Players can choose from a variety of melee and ranged weapons, as well as gadgets and special abilities that allow them to adapt to different situations and enemies. Combat requires players to use a mix of offensive and defensive maneuvers, including dodging, blocking, parrying, and rolling, as well as careful resource management and environmental awareness.