Spire

Spire is an unusual FPS game featuring platform elements and stunts. The game was developed by an independent studio called Hitbox Team, who are also the authors of the critically acclaimed platform game, Dustforce.

Story

The action takes places in a fantasy world full of magic, however, it is nothing like e.g. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Instead of goblins and elves, the world is filled with creatures, which were designed from the ground up, by the authors. Hitbox Team used their imagination to fill the game world with unusual races and items, which evoke feelings of strangeness and wonder. This makes exploration much more entertaining. The game also reflects this variety with its mechanics, as when we encounter a new object for the first time, it is difficult to figure out the effects that interacting with it may cause.

Mechanics

The action in Spire is observed from the first-person-perspective (FPP). The goal of the players is to reach the very top of a high tower. Along the way, players encounter a lot of dangers and discover may secrets. The interior of the tower is randomly generated, so every time we start the game we get a different experience. The system responsible for generating the levels is not only limited to layout randomization. Instead, it features a certain intelligence that allows it to analyze the structure of the level to create enticing action sequences and also implement story elements. This way the authors have managed to offer a polished single-player experience without the need to resort to strictly scripted action.

The controls are similar to those from other FPS games, however, there are a few unique features, which increase the player’s moveset. Thanks to this Spire controls fluently, allowing you to jump, wall-jump, slide on different surfaces, and perform effective stunts. The game also features a plethora of items. It’s possible to hold one item in every hand. An important part of the gameplay consists of finding out new ways to combine the effects of different items, as some of them may e.g. increase the speed of the character or allow to change the environment, while others can be used for attacking or defending oneself. Spire also features an achievement system connected to online ranking boards.

Technical aspects

The game was developed using the Unity engine. The creators placed their bets on a cartoonish art style full of colorful textures and simplified shapes. Enemy animations are really over the top and fit this style in a really effective way.

Last updated on September 19, 2018