Prodigy (video game)
| Prodigy | |
|---|---|
 Prodigy logo | |
| Developer(s) | Hanakai Studio[1] |
| Publisher(s) | TBA[1] |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 4[1] |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
| Release date(s) |
|
| Genre(s) | Tactical role-playing game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Prodigy is an upcoming tactical role-playing video game under development by Hanakai Studio. The game features figurines representing characters in the game, and uses cards to control their behaviors, such as attacking. Both cards and figurines are placed on a game board, with their position on the board influencing their powers and abilities. After an initial release date set in 2015, the studio announced that Prodigy's release would be delayed to 2016 due to an upgrade of its gameplay system.[1] A Kickstarter campaign to fund the game's Alpha and Beta phases began on April 2, 2014,[2] with a $100,000 funding goal. It reached its goal in just three days[3] and ended up collecting $212,194 from 1,208 backers.[1]
Gameplay
Prodigy is a tactical role-playing game played with figurines representing game characters placed on a 3x4 board.[4] The board uses near field communication (NFC) technology.[5] Each square on the board's grid gives different capabilities to the characters in the video game.[2] The front row gives offensive bonuses, while the back row gives defensive bonuses.[4] The middle line is neutral. Characters can be moved freely around the board, with no action points or other forms of limitation.[1] There will be an initial group of 23 figurines for the game.[2]
The player places Arcana cards on the game board to make characters perform actions such as attacking. Combinations of cards placed on the board trigger special actions unique to each character. Special skills, unlike normal actions, require mana.[1]
Prodigy will include a large single-player campaign including boss battles, as well as competitive multiplayer.[2] In both modes, the player's team is controlled through the figurines, while the opponent's or IA's team is displayed on the video game screen.[1]
Plot
There are two main factions in the game. The Sorcerer Kings are powerful masters of mana who control the northern territories. The Free People are slaves and soldiers who rebelled against their former masters and now control the southern territories.[1]
Companies
The playable characters in the game are split into Companies. All Companies are members of one of the two factions. Each Company comprises the following character types:
- A Watcher, someone who has the power of free will
- A Guardian, a magical creature bonded to the Watcher, and the only being able to create mana
- Companions, four additional characters who have been drawn to the Watcher's service
As of April 2014, there are two Companies. The Company of Thorns are members of the Sorcerer King faction, and the Company of the Storm are members of the Free People faction.[1]
Other characters
Henchmen are characters who can join any Company of the Sorcerer Kings, while Allies can join any Free People Company. Legends are more powerful than Henchmen and Allies, and can fight for any Company. Bosses can also be controlled by anyone, but can also be fought against.[1]
Development
All of the figures are much more detailed than similar figurines for games such as Skylanders and Disney Infinity,[4] and were designed by veteran figurine modeler Jean Bey,[2] who had previously funded miniature figure game developer Rackham.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Prodigy the Game". Kickstarter. Retrieved June 30, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Jackson, Leah B. (March 26, 2014). "Prodigy Takes Figurine Gaming to a New Level". IGN. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
- ↑ Prell, S. (April 5, 2014). "Prodigy blends tabletop and PC gaming, clears funding in 3 days". Joystiq. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
- 1 2 3 Petit, Carolyn (March 28, 2014). "Prodigy: Not Just Skylanders for Grown-Ups". GameSpot. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
- ↑ LeJacq, Yannick (April 2, 2014). "A PC Game That Combines Magic's Strategy With Skylander's Toys". Kotaku. Retrieved April 5, 2014.