Beyond the Sword: How Knowledge and Actions Shape 'World Soul'
In my last post, I shared the "why" behind World Soul. Today, I want to pull back the curtain on the "how." How are we designing a world that challenges you to be clever, not just strong? A world that remembers not just your victories, but your character? It started with a simple idea: the most satisfying feeling in a game isn't just winning a fight; it's that "Aha!" moment when you solve a complicated problem. It’s the feeling I had when I dreamed the solution to a puzzle in Myst, and it’s what we want to create for you.
More Than a Puzzle Box
I’ve always loved puzzles that make you look at the world differently. I recall an escape room where our team had to hold hands to complete a circuit, and a geocache hidden in a narrow tube near a stream that could only be retrieved by using a bucket to float it to the surface. The solution wasn't about finding a key; it was about applying real-world logic.
That’s the philosophy behind our puzzle system. We encourage you to apply your knowledge of physics, art, and history to advance. We believe there's a fundamental sense of accomplishment in solving a problem by applying what you already know. It makes you feel smart because you are smart.
A Partner in Problem-Solving
Of course, nothing is worse than getting permanently stuck and having to search the web for an answer, breaking the immersion. That’s why your cohort companion is so important. They aren't a hint button; they are a partner in the problem-solving process.
If you’re stuck, your companion won't just give you the answer. They’ll ask leading questions like, "That's strange, why would someone leave a bucket here?" Their goal is to prompt you to observe your environment and connect the dots yourself, preserving that moment of discovery. By engaging you in a dialogue, the cohort helps you learn the principle behind the puzzle, making you better equipped for future challenges.
The Weight of Your Actions
This reactive world extends into our social dynamics. It always bothered me in games like Cyberpunk 2077 that I could see trash everywhere but couldn't do anything about it. In World Soul, the little things matter. Our reputation system tracks your affinity not just with individuals, but with entire clans.
Of course, the quests and their results matter; slay the monsters and save the lost. However, this isn't just about big choices. Do you take the time to interact with local pets? Do you help repair a broken fence without being asked? Do you run recklessly through settlements, bumping into inhabitants, or walk with respect? These small actions have a cumulative effect, shaping how people see you. Living worlds notice how you treat them.
Culture, Codified
These systems all come together in the cultures of the human-animal hybrid clans. For example, the Elephant Clan's hybridization was intended to enhance longevity. As a result, they have become living chronicles who value history. A player who sits and listens to an elder’s stories will see their reputation increase. They are also fiercely protective; ignoring a quest to help a family in danger will have significant negative consequences on your standing with them.
This is our goal: to build a world where every system is interwoven. A world that rewards your curiosity, respects your intelligence, and responds to the choices you make.
Be sure to keep an eye out for the third installment of my founders’ series, where I am going to detail what this journey will entail both for us, and you. If you haven’t already, check out my first installment in this series here!
