You come round as your escape pod plummets into the inky waters of a distant flooded planet. Comms are down and power failing. You have no choice but to head out into.. the dark.
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8 user reviews - Need more user reviews to generate a score
Release Date:
Apr 12, 2021

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Early Access Game

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Note: This Early Access game is not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“This is a game idea that has been floating around my head for 20 years or so. I’m a triple AAA dev but had a couple of weeks off between jobs. I decided to finally make this as a short personal game jam. I’m pretty happy with the results- obviously given it’s just me and the timescale a lot is still a bit rough around the edges.

I wanted to get it out there early to get feedback and help decide the future direction of the game.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“These things take a long time, its a spare time project. Likely 1-2 years depending on other commiments.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“Loads I want to do. I've created the first 40 minutes or so of gameplay so far - I'd say the final experience should be 2 hours or so. Polish, loads of polish, better pod handling, full pass on the voice acting needed.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Its the first 40 minutes of gameplay at reasonable but needing polish quality. Playable with VR or without.
You can expect to crash land in your pod on a dark ocean planet. As you explore a story will unfold with full voiceover as discover strange lights and perhaps life on the planet.
A dont want to say too much more at this point, its better to experience it.
The experience is not final, tho reasonably polished. I would like to replace the voiceover.
Controls are currently limited to pad or keyboard.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“Yes, game will be very cheap for now due to limited level of completion and price will increase as the game improves.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“I'd like input on whether the main direction this project should be VR or not. I also need input and encouragement to know its worth putting in the time and money investment to complete this to a high standard.
I've started a discord server for any feedback https://discord.gg/gaXHRtkUD9. Or please drop me an email thedark@lightarcstudio.com”
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About This Game

You come round as your escape pod plummets into the inky waters of a distant flooded planet. Comms are down and power failing. You have no choice but to head out into.. the dark.

This is a game idea that has been floating around my head for 20 years or so. I’m a triple AAA dev but had a couple of weeks off between jobs. I decided to finally make this as a short personal game jam in 2020. I was pretty happy with the results- obviously given it’s just me it was pretty rough around the edges. I released part one then. I've since come back to it every now and again esp now my daughter is very interested in helping with writing etc. I've now released part two, polished some (but not all) of the rough edges and extended the story on to maybe an hour or so of gameplay, maybe a bit more if you take your time and explore.

Looking forwards to finishing the final part and the story this year (I'm writing this in May 2023... if your reading this way in the future tell me to get my ass into gear!)

The game works well in non VR 1st person camera and VR. I've done some work to make this work well in both modes.

I’m loving this as a VR experience however if you are playing in VR I’d describe it as “Medium” comfort level. It starts pretty rough, but I’ve tried to keep decent smooth periods between higher action (and motion) moments. However…if you are sensitive, you might just get seasick, if so unplug and fire it up again without VR. Also its control pad only for the moment (no touch controller etc) support. I hope to add that later - although the pad does work well for the interface that you need to pilot the pod touch is just more involved.

You can expect to crash land in your pod on a dark ocean planet. As you explore a story will unfold with full voiceover as you pilot your escape pod over dark waters unlock the secrets of the planet.

If you enjoy it, please leave me some encouragement.

Thanks for playing and good luck out there, Captain.

System Requirements

    Minimum:
    • OS: Window 10
    • Processor: 3.5 GHz Intel Core i5 3450, 4.0 GHz AMD FX-8350
    • Graphics: GTX 680 or equivalent
    • DirectX: Version 11
    • VR Support: SteamVR. Gamepad required
    Recommended:
    • OS: Window 10
    • Graphics: GTX 1080

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