Exploring the Real-World Inspirations Behind the Enigmatic House in CLeM
In one of our previous posts on Xbox Wire, we delved into the origins of the story and the main character of the game CLeM. Today, we’re excited to share insights into the design elements and inspirations behind one of the game’s most crucial characters: the house itself.
At Mango Protocol, we pride ourselves on our ability to draw wonder, mystery, and fun from everyday surroundings, no matter how mundane they might seem. Since our studio’s inception, we’ve been infusing these elements into our games, constantly looking at the world around us to extract its magic.
Creating the Perfect Environment for CLeM
When we began developing CLeM, our team unanimously agreed on the necessity of finding the ideal setting for the game’s escape room vibes. Fortunately, we had access to Torre Elias, a hauntingly beautiful 19th-century traditional Catalan house. This house, which belongs to Mariona’s family, provided the perfect backdrop for our game. Imagine having total access to a protected architectural heritage building—it’s an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.
The Exterior Facade
The main street facade of Torre Elias is what you see when you explore CLeM’s house garden. The house has been continuously inhabited since its construction, with each generation leaving its mark by updating or rebuilding parts to meet modern living standards. This history helped us create the "empty but not really abandoned" look we wanted for CLeM’s house. We aimed to evoke a sense of a place that was once full of life, a home that provided comfort and shelter to a family not too long ago.
The Kitchen
The kitchen of Torre Elias is a prime example of how furniture that appears old by today’s standards can still be relatively modern compared to an 1800s kitchen. This mix of old and older furniture was adapted seamlessly into the game by Mariona, adding layers of authenticity and nostalgia.
Preserving Timeless Elements
When you inherit an ancient architectural gem, you may introduce modern touches to make it livable, but certain elements withstand the test of time. For example, the marvelous hydraulic tiles and wall paintings resembling wallpaper are beautiful staples of Catalan Modernism that Mariona translated perfectly into the game’s style.
Personal Touches and Small Items
The small items in a house often reflect the personal taste of its inhabitants. For instance, the forged iron wall lamps that light up an in-game corridor, along with patterned wall decorations and additional hydraulic tiling, create a perfect atmosphere for the less modernized rooms in CLeM’s house.
Mariona also selected decorative and artistic objects to fill the house with flair and personality. Some of these objects were incorporated into puzzles, allowing players to connect with the characters who lived in the house. One notable item is a Bristol glass jar, which plays a significant role in the early stages of CLeM. Such objects help create a cohesive environment while being relevant to gameplay development.
Art and Inspiration
Art plays a significant role in CLeM’s house. Mariona filled the walls with works from iconic female artists, which also inspired some of the puzzles. For example, you can find homages to Vanessa Bell’s “The Pond at Charleston,” Tamara de Lempicka’s “Plante grasse et fiole,” and Maria Blanchard’s “Pianist,” the latter of which inspired part of a musical puzzle in the game.
The Game Experience
If this deep dive into the inspirations behind CLeM’s house has piqued your interest, you can explore it yourself. CLeM is a narrative-driven puzzle adventure game with a dark twist, now available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
In CLeM, you wake up in a world where puzzles are intertwined with exploration, creating a unique narrative experience. The game begins with you waking up in a cold, dimly lit room, your senses slowly adjusting to the surroundings that feel oddly familiar. A strange sensation lingers, reminding you that something is not quite right. As you find your bearings, your attention is drawn to a peculiar item on the ground—a notebook labeled "CLeM."
As you delve into its pages, filled with intricate sketches of insects and vague symbols, you find a cryptic message: "Bring me BEAUTY." Lost in deciphering the contents, a voice interrupts your focus.
Key Features of CLeM
- Solve Puzzles and Find Your Way: The game offers a unique narrative experience, weaving a shadowy story with countless challenges to overcome.
- Craft Enchanted Toys: Craft magical toys to unveil hidden secrets, access unreachable spots, and reclaim items from the past.
- Discover a Cute and Dark World: Investigate a seemingly desolate house accompanied by an obscure voice and a notebook full of annotations on alchemy, insects, and other creepy crawlies.
- Embrace Your Destiny: Choose your fate in this dark story of manipulation, pride, forgiveness, and redemption.
Conclusion
The intricate details and real-world inspirations behind the design of CLeM’s house add layers of depth and authenticity to the game. From the architectural elements to the personal touches and art, every aspect has been thoughtfully integrated to enhance the player’s experience. Explore CLeM today and immerse yourself in this captivating puzzle adventure.
For more information and to purchase the game, visit the Xbox Store.
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By understanding the real-world inspirations and meticulous design choices behind CLeM, players can appreciate the rich, immersive environment that Mango Protocol has created. Whether you are a casual gamer or a puzzle enthusiast, CLeM offers a unique and engaging experience that is sure to captivate you.
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