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The concept of creating living spaces, whether it’s a cozy home or an entire community, alongside gathering and utilizing resources, has universal appeal. Many gamers find this theme incredibly satisfying. Now, Dreamlit Inc., an independent game developer, is poised to introduce a refreshing spin on this genre with their upcoming game, “Towers of Aghasba.” Set to launch in Early Access on the PlayStation 5 on November 19, this game promises to deliver a visually stunning experience in a vibrant, fantastical world. It combines open-world exploration, combat, and adventure with the resourcefulness and creativity found in life simulation games. Recently, we had the opportunity to preview some new gameplay and gain insights from the developers about this enchanting adventure.
### Rediscovering Aghasba
In the distant past, the Shimu people were driven away from their ancestral land, Aghasba, by a destructive force known as the Withering. However, fate takes a turn with a shipwreck on Aghasba, and the Shimu now have the chance to reclaim what was once theirs. As a player, you assume the role of the tribe’s Junior Architect, and your journey involves fulfilling multiple roles: adventurer, hunter, explorer, archaeologist, crafter, fisherman, planner, gatherer, and builder. All these skills, and more, will be essential in understanding the Withering and ultimately defeating this dark force.
While the land is plagued by dark forces and hostile creatures, the game does not thrust you directly into combat. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of cultivation and construction. By revitalizing the world’s ecosystems and building communities, you work towards reclaiming the Withered lands and creating vibrant, colorful new spaces filled with life.
### Building Your Own World
Your adventure begins on a small scale, with the selection of a parcel of land where you plant seeds. The first seed you plant gives rise to a peculiar, small plant creature and a Colossal Tree. This tree, along with over 120 different plant varieties, attracts other forms of life and provides resources for building and crafting. By introducing and planting various seeds, you can cultivate a local ecosystem, which can then be expanded into towns and agricultural establishments. The transformation of the land is entirely determined by your actions.
Player agency and choice are at the core of Aghasba’s gameplay. Beyond choosing what to plant, you can decide how to interact with the world’s fauna through activities such as hunting, fishing, feeding wildlife, rebuilding towns, and creating a wealth of customization items.
As you explore and cultivate, you’ll also uncover remnants of the ancient Shimu society and clues about why the people had to abandon this land. “There’s a narrative surrounding the group of people you arrive with,” explains Towers of Aghasba designer Dave Nguyen. “Together, you are all striving to restore the land, and along the way, there will be branching quest lines and numerous optional quests, as well as the freedom to explore. Through interactions with non-player characters (NPCs) and the discovery of relics scattered across the land, players will gradually piece together the history of this land and the older civilization that once thrived here.”
### Challenges Await
While the focus of the game is on rebuilding and exploration, players will sometimes be forced into conflict, whether it’s hunting for supplies or battling creatures corrupted by the Withering. At the start of the game, approximately 70% of the world is affected by the Withering’s blight, leaving you with plenty of work to do to reclaim it. Whether you prefer to take your time rebuilding to craft gear and items before facing the Withered monsters or opt for a more immediate approach is entirely up to you, as is typical for this game.
### Aghasba’s Enchanting Aesthetics
One of the most striking aspects of Towers of Aghasba is its visuals. The enchanting environments, peculiar creatures, and mysterious structures that dot the landscape create a world rich in appeal and intrigue. Best of all, you’re free to explore it as you wish.
During our preview session, the development team discussed the inspirations behind the game’s graphic design. They drew from ancient civilizations in Africa, as well as the Aztecs and the Jomon people, to give the game a unique visual identity. The team also expressed their admiration for the beloved anime films of Studio Ghibli, particularly Nausicaa and Princess Mononoke. There’s even a direct connection to Studio Ghibli in Towers of Aghasba: many of the game’s textures were hand-painted by Ghibli artist Yoichi Nishikawa.
PlayStation 5 gamers can look forward to an especially optimized sensory experience. The 3D spatial audio has been meticulously crafted to immerse you in the world as you explore. “You’ll hear insects buzzing around and waves crashing along the shorelines, allowing you to turn your camera and get a real sense of where the sound is coming from,” notes Nguyen.
Players can also expect the DualSense wireless controller to play a significant role in the Aghasba experience. “We use the controller lights to indicate low and critical health. Haptic feedback is employed during combat and various events to create an immersive experience, such as being near a large creature’s footsteps or feeling the power behind their roar. Adaptive triggers add a sense of weight when swinging different melee weapons and during the drawback of a bow,” Nguyen continues.
Towers of Aghasba is one of the promising titles launching in Early Access on the PlayStation 5 this November 19, with regular updates and new content planned to enhance the experience further. For more information, you can visit the original website.
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