Graduate Games Blog

Our Astral Hunters Website is up.  Click on the image above to check it out (if you haven’t already noticed and clicked the banner on our homepage).  The website doesn’t feature much yet, but it will continue to be updated with pictures and information in the following months.  The bulk of the site content is on the FAQ page:

When Will Astral Hunters be Released?
The short answer is that it’ll be done when it’s done. Part of the advantage of being a small indie studio is that we don’t have CEOs or financial bean counters rushing our game out the door. Ultimately, the goal is to have the first episode of the game released before the end of 2010.

Episode? What are you Talking about?
Astral Hunters is a very ambitious game, so we made the decision early-on to break the game up into episodes. We think that this will be beneficial to everyone. Customers will be able to get a taste of our game at a cheaper price and these episodes will help fund a game that would normally be way too ambitious for a 2-man indie studio.

How Many Episodes are We Talking About?
Right now, we’re working on a short prologue/tutorial level that will lead into Episode 1. Episode 1′s basic premise is that you’re stranded on a planet and need to procure a ship to escape. This ship will unlock a universe and other planets to explore in future episodes. Right now, we’re planning on at least 3 episodes, but we’ll keep expanding the universe as long as fans support it.

What is the story of Astral Hunters?
The game is set in a universe that is at the brink of war. There is a human-run conglomerate faction,tons of planets, different alien governments and a militaristic faction with advanced weapons that has just surfaced. The current galactic government is fearful of this new technologically advanced player, so tensions are running high. This advanced civilization is very militaristic and is based on the Roman Empire. Players will control a member of this faction who defects. He is a Praetorian Guard.

How Long is an Episode and How much will it Cost?
We’re not sure yet, but our goal is to have each episode last for over 3 hours and cost $10 or less.

Single or Multiplayer?
The focus is on a great single player adventure, but we’re planning on having global high score tables for speed runs of each level/planet. There will also be a Level Editor that users will be able to create new levels and planets with. We would love to offer co-op action in the future or sequels.

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Do you have any other pressing questions?  Comment below and let us know what we need to get answered.