This interview delves into the development of Goddess Order, an upcoming mobile action RPG from Pixel Tribe, the creators of Crusaders Quest. We spoke with Ilsun (Art Director) and Terron J. (Contents Director) to gain insights into their pixel art style and world-building process.
Pixel Tribe's Goddess Order: An Interview
Droid Gamers: What inspires your pixel sprites?
Ilsun: Our high-quality pixel art aims for a console-level feel, emphasizing narrative. Inspiration draws from a vast well of games and stories, focusing on nuanced expression of form and movement within the pixel constraints. It's less about direct references and more about the cumulative impact of our experiences. Collaboration is key; the initial characters (Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan) evolved through team discussions, shaping the overall art style. Ongoing dialogue with scenario writers and combat designers ensures character designs align with the narrative and gameplay. For instance, a character concept might begin as a description ("a refined noblewoman who becomes a fierce dual-blade wielder") and collaboratively develop into a fully realized pixel sprite.
Droid Gamers: How do you approach world-building in a fantasy RPG?
Terron J.: World-building in Goddess Order originates from the core characters—Lisbeth, Violet, and Jan. Their inherent personalities and backstories drive the narrative. Developing their stories felt less like work and more like a collaborative journey, revealing their growth and heroic purpose. The game's emphasis on manual controls directly stems from the power and agency conveyed by these characters.
Droid Gamers: How are combat styles and animations designed?
Terron J.: Goddess Order's combat features three-character turn-based battles with link skills. Design focuses on creating unique roles for each character, ensuring strategic depth in team composition. We carefully balance character abilities and consider the impact of linked skills on overall combat flow. If a character lacks a distinct advantage or controls feel clunky, we make adjustments.
Ilsun: The art team then visually represents these roles. Weapon choice, appearance, and movement all contribute to a character's visual identity and combat effectiveness. Despite the 2D pixel art, we strive for three-dimensional movement in animations. The team even uses physical props (swords, spears, etc.) to study realistic movements for more authentic combat animations.
Terron J.: Finally, technical optimization is crucial for a smooth mobile experience. We rigorously test performance across various devices to ensure consistent gameplay and avoid compromising cutscenes or immersion due to technical limitations.
Droid Gamers: What's next for Goddess Order?
Ilsun: Goddess Order aims to deliver a compelling JRPG experience with its pixel art and narrative. The story follows the Lisbeth Knights' quest to save the world. Post-launch, we plan to add more activities, such as quests and treasure hunts, expanding on both the main storyline and the knights' individual backstories. We'll also introduce challenging advanced content with refined controls. We welcome player feedback and support.
