[img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/06f4fae7c949a45d2832602c55086185b27cf3fe.jpg[/img] Hey Zodiac Challengers! Welcome to our first devlog for 13Z where we take you behind the scenes to explore the quirky origins, inspirations and some future plans for our game. [h2]It All Started With.. Cats[/h2] Believe it or not, we originally wanted to create a cat-themed action game because we've got a few cat lovers and pawrents in the team! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/54b48f7a302246c45ed56b57a252b78a38b14a67.png[/img] During one of our brainstorming sessions, a fascinating tidbit came up: the cat was famously left out of the Eastern Zodiac circle due to mythic rivalries and celestial twists of fate. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/b01fa94b46f0a6cf849c0528e79ea735cf15425a.png[/img] For those unfamiliar with the Eastern Zodiac, it comprises twelve animals—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig—each governing a year in a 12-year cycle. These animals significantly influence the personalities and destinies of individuals born in their respective years. Unlike the Western Zodiac, which is based on monthly divisions and celestial constellations, the Eastern Zodiac assigns a year-long period to each sign, integrating both cosmic and earthly elements. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/15f0f4244f811c974def599e4cfbd311f9f90031.jpg[/img] Intrigued by the legend, we thought: [b]what if there was a 13th Zodiac? And what if it was a cat? What if this was a game about the incumbent Zodiac guardians looking for a new animal to join their ranks?[/b] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/454f9f06f4d330354fd6309796abe09e3fa44156.jpg[/img] This idea quickly grew legs - or rather, paws. As we deliberated, our Chief Happiness Officer, a lovable cavapoodle, looked up at us with big, soulful eyes. In that moment of cuteness overload, we thought, "Why stop at cats? Why not include [i]other animals[/i] too?" One thing led to another, and our Zodiac game expanded to encompass a whole array of animal spirits. But you might ask - why is our first character not a cat but a fox? Well, that's a tail… we mean tale… for another time. ;) [h2]Our Vision for 13Z[/h2] 13Z is a bold blend of oriental mythology and whimsical fantasy that places our studio's love for fast-paced, stylish and fluid action at its core. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/749c09a2e34e6173fc8b976b693d4a4d93543ef0.gif[/img] Beyond grounded combat, we're also focusing on choreographing moves that make use of the level verticality and aerial combos. [i]Yes, we're huge fans of DMC. [/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/1d219774e3ba019cb74ac55da18c6acf067f2393.gif[/img] Our character designs and concepts are another area that we're thrilled about. Each Challenger has unique skills, with some able to transform into their spirit animal forms as part of their combat abilities. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/0cf22b4232f5ca054eee20dc24e6ffa75c7de5a5.gif[/img] We believe a great game is best enjoyed with friends, so co-op will be a key feature of 13Z. Players can find synergistic builds with their teams to tackle challenges together. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/9b71e18de70a46d3f152ede7f0822928a8fd7f16.gif[/img] Though not shown in our early gameplay video, we're also working on a village that players can upgrade to enhance their abilities in future runs, while interacting with NPCs and fulfilling some side quests. We’ll share more details about this once the mechanics are finalized, but it's an area we're very excited about. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/fc9be5deca5d6c3b573367348468cb4ffc6f7567.jpg[/img] Finally, as with any great roguelike experience, variety and choices matter. We're working on synergistic upgrade systems within and outside of the Trials to design satisfying progression paths for different characters and builds. Permanent upgrades can also be unlocked using persistent currencies earned from the Trials. From new skills and characters to Village upgrades and run modifiers, these persistent improvements will enhance your strategies and keep each attempt fresh and exciting. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45006846/504ef74b86d3d2c688926448150dcfcc92ba8edd.png[/img] That's right, Challengers! We're currently crafting a demo of 13Z as we'd love for the community to have a meaningful part to play in building a game that we would all want to play together. Expect to see it in a few months—we can't wait to share our progress and hear your thoughts. If you'd like to be one of the first to know or to be part of our closed demo, please join us on [url=https://discord.gg/eH7RqCVfHu]Discord[/url]. Stay connected and share your feedback through our social channels. [url=https://twitter.com/13z_game]Twitter[/url] | [url=https://discord.gg/eH7RqCVfHu]Discord[/url] | [url=https://tiktok.com/@13z.game]Tiktok[/url] https://store.steampowered.com/app/2348250/13Z/ Don’t forget to add 13Z to your wishlist, tell your friends and help us bring 13Z to life! Thank you for joining us on our journey! Crafted with Love, Mixed Realms