We've got a real treat for you today - an interview with our sound designer, Kostek Antonowicz (check out his Instagram)! Sound is of great importance to us, so we were looking for someone whose passion would allow us to translate it into the game.
Are you curious about who's behind the magical audio in Shadow of the Road? No need to beat around the bush - allow us to introduce...
Who are you?
Hey, I'm Kostek, I came to Earth to make some noise.
What are your responsibilities in the team working on Shadow of the Road?
I am responsible for audio. I create sound designs and implement them - first into Wwise and later into Unity. Additionally, I collaborate with a musician to create interactive music.
Which software do you use?
I use game engines like Unity or Unreal, and sound middleware like Fmod or Wwise. For sound creation, I use Cubase and Ableton.
How would you define “video game music”?
Video game music is the primary carrier of emotions. It's a universal language that doesn't require translation, allowing creators to shape how players perceive the game world and gameplay at any moment.
What role, in your opinion, does the music play in Shadow of the Road?
The music in Shadow of the Road, in addition to fulfilling basic requirements, places a strong emphasis on interactivity. For example, it incorporates changes in feelings and character of the music based on dialogue choices. It adapts as you explore the game world or encounter danger, creating a dynamic and immersive musical experience.
What guides you when creating the audio layer for Shadow of the Road?
When creating audio for Shadow of the Road, my primary focus is on the concept of immersion. I want players to navigate the game world not only through their eyes, but also through their ears. Sometimes, while walking along the path, you might hear something that catches your attention, or you might get startled by a sound and decide that you're not ready to go in that direction.
I have a deep appreciation for the ambient sounds of nature and previously nonexistent creatures in games, as they provide room for creativity and interpretation. I have the opportunity to work on all of this and more with Another Angle Games.
What sets the sound in Shadow of the Road apart from other games?
At a certain point, the audio in most games can be comparable. In Shadow of the Road, we placed a greater emphasis than usual on environmental sounds that allow for deeper immersion and the ability to differentiate areas. We are giving them a distinct audio character. Forests should feel mysterious, dense, and full of life, while other dimensions should sound demonic and ominous. The goal is to create a unique audio identity for each area.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Finding the balance between individual sounds. On one hand, sounds need to be clear and attention-grabbing, but on the other, there are times when audio should step back and make room for something else. I also strive to find unconventional solutions to make sure that the designs, even if they are abstract, are clear and intuitive for the player.
Which aspect of your work are you most proud of (at this stage)?
The most satisfying moment is when I can experience the game I've worked on from the perspective of a player. I feel proud that everything is cohesive, and I can spend a lot of time in the game just walking around and listening.
Why is it worth waiting for Shadow of the Road?
I had the opportunity to observe the team's dedication and the progress of development - there's no doubt that this title is going to be fantastic. It's a massive game being made with heart.
What is your favorite Yokai?
My favorite Yokai is KazenbĹŤ, because sometimes when I'm hungry, I make a scene just like him. He's not threatening, but people are afraid of him. :D
Hello again! In today's post we want to shed some light on the creative process behind Shadow of the Road and its evolution as a representative of the tactical RPG genre.
We'd like to delve into the genesis of the idea, our approach towards the environment, and the significance of skills. So, without further ado, let’s see where it all started!
Our passion for this genre runs deep…
…From hours spent battling in turn-based strategies to the immersive worlds of games like Final Fantasy, X-COM, Unholy War, Front Mission, Temple of Elemental Evil, Etherlords, and many more. Years ago, we used to play together some of the finest representatives of the genre – for example, the Fallout series (especially Fallout: Tactics).
One could say that the opportunity to create a world that would hold as much significance for players as in the titles we mentioned is almost like a dream come true. We’re sure that many of you could understand it very well!
Moving on!
Some time ago we mentioned the verticality of certain levels. It’s important, but that's not the only interesting aspect in the context of the environment! Soon you'll find special interactive zones that add depth to the gameplay and maximize immersion.
For example - imagine scenarios where you're ablaze and you can jump into the water to extinguish the flames, or have the ability to ignite oil for strategic advantage. Sounds great, huh? We want the environment to be a backdrop to the narrative events and a part of them at the same time.
What about skills?
Skills are a cornerstone of the tactical RPG genre, and it’s no different in our game. They're not just decorative – they shape the core of the gameplay. Our focus lies heavily on the tactical depth within them. Well, it’s safe to say that we have plenty of intriguing aspects planned, but we'll save those juicy details for future updates… ;)
Certainly, it's worth mentioning the Yokai system, which will be almost a fundamental aspect for us. Summoning them to add a new dimension to battles will be something unique in the realm of other tactical RPG games. The system might share some similarities with Guardian Forces from Final Fantasy VIII, but there will be many more differences than resemblances. We can't wait to present it to you - you’ll love it!
More to come!
Before we wrap up, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for sticking with us and supporting the whole development process. Your active participation in our journey is invaluable, and your passion fuels our dedication to making Shadow of the Road the best it can be.
To remain informed about our advancements in the game's environment and other components, we extend an invitation for you to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Discord.
Stay tuned for more updates, and remember – the road ahead is full of adventures and tactical brilliance!
It's nice to be writing to you again! Firstly, we are grateful for your support and continuous feedback. We truly appreciate your patience as we worked through each step of the development process. We’re getting closer!
Today we'll delve into a crucial aspect of Shadow of the Road - the environment. We're well aware of its significance in turn-based RPGs, and it's a paramount element in our game as well.
Beautiful World
As the game is set in Japan, during the fall of the Empire's feudal era in 1868, the surroundings are reminiscent of the 19th-century Land of the Rising Sun. To create an environment that truly captures it, we had to dig through loads of pics from back then.
Luckily, some photos have survived the passage of time. We found pictures of rich people, villagers in their settlements, ports, markets, bridges, and even abandoned castles… But we didn't stop there – we also checked out artwork from earlier times, showing how they built temporary fortifications!
Source: oldphotosjapan.com
And hey, we couldn't miss the opportunity to draw inspiration from legendary movies like Akira Kurosawa's "Ran" and the whole collection of "Rurouni Kenshin" movies by Keishi Otomo. Have you watched them?
Don't expect a monotonous environment!
Shadow of the Road will take you on a journey to diverse locations, ranging from underground cave systems to open meadows, from serene monasteries to dangerous forests. Each of them is very distinct from another. All offer diverse experience, opportunities, and atmosphere.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀   
Keep in mind that the environment will influence the flow of combat. With such varied terrain, certain characters may gain advantage, and attacks that seem impossible in other settings, can suddenly be effortlessly executed. Adding to the immersion, some elements of the environment will be destructible, making every encounter more dynamic and engaging.
Speaking of that - we wrote more about utilizing the terrain in combat in our previous devlog, so if you haven't read it yet - we encourage you to catch up!
Seek and you shall find
Moreover, we didn't want our world to feel empty, so you'll come across numerous collectibles along the way. These items will significantly impact your characters. Moreover, you will be able to find shrines, providing a boost to your abilities too.
We believe that a true warrior must be vigilant, so keep your eyes wide open - not only to admire the beauty of the surrounding nature. We want to reward those who will stray from the beaten path while exploring the world of Shadow of the Road.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀     
Stay tuned!
To stay up-to-date with our progress on the environment and other parts of the game, we invite you to join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Discord. We find immense joy in sharing the visual aspects of our project, and we can't wait to hear your thoughts.
It's great to be back and we are truly grateful for the warm reception of our previous devlog, which focused on the gore aspect of the game (by the way, if you haven't checked it out yet - here it is).
Today, we would like to share some new exciting updates that we have been working on lately. Consider this as the first of many dev diaries to come in the future. We want you to know what is happening with the game, so you’ll be one of the first to hear about the latest milestones! Lighting
Let’s start with something important!
We have been experimenting with different lighting techniques to enhance the overall atmosphere of Shadow of the Road. We strive for global illumination to be believable and applicable to both characters and environments.
We believe that the right lighting can help players truly immerse in the game's world and amplify the sense of danger lurking around every corner.
It's the work of the tiniest details, but worth every drop of sweat!
Verticality
Next, we want to give you a glimpse of something exciting. For example, take a look at one of the stages. What makes this encounter particularly interesting is… The abundance of ladders, adding a unique multi-level dimension to the fight!
Yes, fight! We must let you know that this is where you’ll find dangerous enemies, so you better watch out and get ready. Samurai must be strong, but also wise - remember to use the environment around you! Get ready for intense vertical combat!
New skills
Another interesting thing we want to introduce you to is a new skill called "Glacial Fangs". We won't reveal all the details just yet, but we can show you how spectacular this attack is in motion.
Stay tuned for more updates, and believe us - you’ll be able to use many more thrilling skills in the game. Enemies will be terrified!
Something extra…
As a little surprise and a token of our gratitude for being with us, we would like to show you something exciting and truly satisfying. You see, during the development of Shadow of the Road, we've been having an absolute blast, and the fruits of our labor have seamlessly merged into captivating elements that breathe life into the very fabric of the game.
For example - let's take a moment to admire the way this bridge is generated. Trust us when we say, we can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride due to how incredible it looks!
Till next time!
Before we wrap up, we want to invite all of you to follow us on our social media platforms - Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements.
Above all, we highly encourage you to join our Discord server, where everything happens first! Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.
First of all, hello again! We want to thank you for your support and for following the development of Shadow of the Road. It means the world to us!
Gore
Today we want to talk about the concept of gore in our game.
As many of you may know, the phrase refers to brutal graphic and violent aspects often depicted in pop culture. It's an element that can evoke strong reactions and emotions - let’s be honest, it could be even disgusting for some people.
You can see an example below, but be aware that all of the materials here are a work-in-progress.
From the beginning, our goal has been (and will be) to create a truly bloody and intense experience in Shadow of the Road. We wanted to challenge the boundaries and deliver a game that doesn't shy away from the darker side of its world. We believe that by embracing the brutality, we can achieve a unique and immersive atmosphere. It is not a secret that…
The path of a samurai is not colorful
Throughout the development process, we have put a lot of effort into improving the gore element. We understand its importance and have dedicated a significant amount of time to refine it. We constantly strive to strike the right balance between realism and art, aiming to deliver an experience that resonates with players.
In terms of the future, we have several enhancements in mind for gore and general atmosphere. We want to ensure that the impact of violent encounters feels weighty and meaningful. This includes refining the visual effects, sound design, and even the narrative context surrounding these moments.
We want every brutal scene to have a purpose and contribute to the overall experience!
Before we wrap up…
We would like to let you know that we will be sharing more updates soon. Stay tuned for our future announcements and join us on Discord, as well as our other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We greatly appreciate your support and engagement.
How are you doing? Hope all is well! We are continuously working on our game and although there is still some time until the release, you can observe how the game is evolving, taking on different colors and shapes.
Some of you ask about the release date. Well, we’re not ready to reveal it just yet. At this moment, we can only guarantee that there will be several closed tests before the game's launch, in which you will have the opportunity to participate. They are getting closer, so join our Discord to make sure you don’t miss them!
Alright, alright, enough with the introduction! Today, we would like to present a very important element of the game. The enemies!
We guarantee that there will be no shortage of them in Shadow of the Road, and we're striving to make them highly diverse. We’re not going to show you all of them today, but we will introduce you to four types that will shed some light on our vision. Here they are:
Ninja:
Ninjas are basic enemy units skilled in the art of stealth and close combat. Armed with a deadly katana, they can swiftly evade attacks and strike from a distance using shurikens. Their agility and quick strikes make them a formidable opponent.
Wolf:
Wolves are the basic wild creatures that accompany the bandits and fight alongside them. They are agile and can be relentless in their attacks. Be cautious of their biting jaws and swift movements when facing them!
Prowler:
Prowlers are ranged units armed with a bow, making them a threat from a distance. They have exceptional situational awareness and can react to events on the battlefield with their “Overwatch” ability. If you get too close, prowlers switch to wakizashis for close-quarters combat.
That’s all… For now!
These are just a few of the basic enemies. In the final game there will be many more, so you'll definitely need some good training before embarking on an adventure in this world that combines Japanese folklore and steampunk.
Thank you for being with us, and we can't wait to show you more surprises! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We're always here to chat with you!
Today, we’d like to delve into the fascinating fusion of steampunk and Japanese culture. These two seemingly different elements come together in a remarkable way, creating an incredible atmosphere that keeps us hooked (and hopefully you too!).
Let's talk a bit about steampunk and its origins…
Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that combines futuristic technology with Victorian aesthetics. It's all about that retro vibe, with steam-powered machinery and a touch of industrial revolution. It's a style that has captured the imagination of many and has become a beloved theme in various forms of media.
There were many books, TV shows, and even games (for example BioShock, Dishonored, or Final Fantasy VI) created in this genre. We're sure that, to some extent, you've already encountered steampunk, whether consciously or not. But never before in the form that we intend to present it in our game!
In the world of Shadow of the Road, the responsibility of bringing steampunk to Japan lies with EMC (a mysterious British conglomerate with unclear intentions).
Initially, the idea of blending these seemingly contrasting atmospheres seemed risky to us. After all, Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, evokes an entirely different imagery. It's all about that Zen vibe – peace, balance, spirituality, and chill.
However, it's precisely this unexpected combination that makes the world of Shadow of the Road so captivating. It immerses you deeply and leaves you craving for more. You want to navigate through the next stages of what seems so unassuming, believe us.
Join us!
We are confident that during the upcoming testing phase (and by the way, we encourage you to join our Discord to participate), you'll also get to experience the feeling we're talking about.
We encourage you to keep following the game's development on Discord, Twitter, Facebook, and right here - on Steam. Moreover, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We'll respond as quickly as possible and with great pleasure.
Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates, and let's embark on this extraordinary journey together.
To kick things off, we would like to express our gratitude for your companionship on the journey of developing Shadow of the Road. Stay with us and stay tuned - we’re still progressing!
Also, we'd like to invite you to join our Discord server, where we are building an awesome community full of fantastic people and where you can expect to see exciting news and updates on the game.
What's more, we are planning closed beta tests in the future, and members of the server will have priority access. They’re our closest Samurai!
Alright, let's cut to the chase!
The Yokai are an integral part of the game, one of its pillars. We understand that not everyone may be familiar with who or what these creatures are, so we've decided to provide some insight.
Yokai are fascinating beings deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and mythology. They encompass a wide range of supernatural creatures, from mischievous spirits to powerful entities. Yokai can be seen as a collective term for a wide range of beings, including spirits, monsters, demons, and ghosts.
Each of them has its unique characteristics and origins, making them a captivating part of the world. When it comes to categorizing Yokai, there are several ways to go about it. One common approach is based on their characteristics and behavior (e.g. Oni, Kappa, Yurei…). However, we don't want to spoil their exact role in the game's storyline.
Rest assured, though, that you will come across Yokai on more than one occasion. Their presence will add an extra layer of mystery and excitement to your path in the game. You will be able to control some of them and to figure out their intentions and background. Intrigued, huh?
To wrap it up…
Thank you! And we have one more good info - devlogs will now be appearing more frequently. We want to once again encourage you to stay tuned and follow our game! There's a lot more to come, and we can't wait to share it with all of you.
We humbly express our gratitude for your unwavering support and interest in our game, Shadow of the Road. We are honored to have such a virtuous community, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Allow us to share with you a tale of old…
This story takes place in the land of the rising sun in 1868. A power struggle is underway between the Shogun and the Emperor. Satoru and Akira, two skilled ronin, manage to impress Shogun’s spymaster who unexpectedly sends them on a mission to escort a young boy named Toshiro to Tokugawa.
However, Toshiro may not be an ordinary boy. Although there's nothing to indicate it, he may turn out to be more important than many people think…
As the heroes will journey on, they will overcome each obstacle and adversity in their path and find themselves encountering new individuals who will join their cause. Each of these newcomers have their goals and motivations.
Despite their differences, their adventure had the potential to bring them together in ways they never thought possible. But it’s just the beginning...
It's up to you how the story ends...
We hope that this short introduction to the game’s story has ignited a spark of interest within you, and we invite you to accompany us on our journey to greatness. The story is based on facts and situations that actually took place, but when our adventure begins, it will engulf you with the magic of fantasy.
The path ahead may be perilous, but with your courage and determination, we shall overcome all obstacles.
Join us on Discord, where we share exclusive materials. We are eagerly anticipating your arrival and looking forward to embarking on this journey together.
Until we meet again, may the spirits of the samurai guide you on your path.
It is an honor to be in contact with you once again! Today we bring you thrilling news - a never-seen-before gameplay teaser for Shadow of The Road. The video shall highlight the game's most crucial elements - combat, exploration, and storytelling!
But that’s not all, as we have a secret to share! Our Discord community (where our closest warriors are) has already seen this teaser! If you wish to receive the latest materials faster and in greater quantities, join our server and become bushi! Just click here!
Lastly, we would like to express our utmost gratitude to all our supporters who are with us during the development of Shadow of The Road. Your constant backing means the world to us, and we cannot wait to share more exciting news with you soon.
