Review Fix Exclusive: Inside ‘Proto-G’

Review Fix chats with Michael Herman. Producer Benua Softworks, who discusses his new game, “Proto-G,” detailing the game’s development cycle, inspiration and its current IndieGoGo campaign.

About the Game:

Inspired by anime classics such as Gundam and top Hollywood movies such as Blade Runner, Proto-G is an astonishing futuristic cyberpunk single player hack and slash 3D brawler involving robots who fight for the honor of two brothers.

Review Fix: How was this game born?

Michael Herman: It was all started as a side project while we were doing our web development freelancing jobs, few months passed and it turned out to be a serious production. The ideas of the game also changed a few times in terms of design and overall art directions.

Review Fix: What was the development like?

Herman: At cofounding phase in early 2018 we are completely remote, as I live in Jakarta, and my cofounder in Perth, Australia. Then we start recruiting talents who are passionate about making video games as we are. Until now, we are still partially remote for the team outside the city and in the office for the rest of the team. The game itself was effectively developed in June 2018 although the idea and quick prototyping process had started since February 2018.

Review Fix: What makes this game special?

Herman: We are trying to introduce “Proto-G” (aka. ADAM) as the main protagonist/hero brand where the story of his origin is unique. More to it, In this game, we want to combine steampunk and retro futuristic element as part of the Mercurium City’s history. There is so much fantasy we want to give to players in this game and we hope they like it. You might also reminisce about the old school PS2 like games inside Proto-G’s art direction.

Review Fix: What games influenced this one the most?

Herman: I would say we would love to credit Furi, Kingdom Hearts, Devil May Cry and Dark Souls as major inspirations for us.

Review Fix: Any fun stories or wild moments during development?

Herman: Because we work on co-working spaces, we can still hear people talking if done loudly despite in a private room. Therefore activities such as voice acting, music composing and motion capturing have gotten us so much attention in the neighborhood.  Some are asking what we do and what equipment inside the room. Sometimes embarrassing but it is fun and positive.

Review Fix: Do you think preserving older gameplay mechanics in new games is important?

Herman: Always preserve what works for players regardless old or new.

Review Fix: What’s your favorite memory as a gamer?

Herman: In the 90s and early 2000s open world games are so rare. It always captivated me as a kid to saw what an open world game can do from stories, characters, buildings, and natures. Enjoying old open world games in the past such as GTA, KH, WoW, Crazy Taxi is my favorite memory.

Review Fix: Who will enjoy this game the most?

Herman: Last month, we also want to see how people react and to see who will benefit the most by participating in local gaming/pop culture events.

From kids https://www.instagram.com/p/BpeDlgWBfGp/?
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to teenagers https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpbw2suBrEZ/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
are enjoying Proto-G almost the same.

The age differences and preference of genre vary from one to another, and we are trying to adjust the game according to observations and feedbacks we got. If I have to say specific demographics, it would be gamers who have been playing hack and slash games with age around 13 – 30.

Review Fix: Bottom Line, why must someone play this game?

Herman: If you are up for challenging boss fights games under the indie game category, In Proto-G we provide fantasy world you want to see, carefully designed unique bosses, and at last you might want to know the underlying story of a great robot hero and clash between brothers and their philosophy. Good and bad Robots, could this be real in future humankind?

Review Fix: How do you want this game to be remembered?

Herman: We wish Proto-G can be remembered as one of great character/hero in the gaming world. We also wish that people remember the bosses and possibly make one of them their favorites (long live villains!). And of course, just like any other developers out there, we want people to remember that this game is fun.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Herman: Support our campaign guys! help us to make Proto-G a great game for all of us.

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