The new indie game Mystic will attempt to bring freshness to the survival genre through an unusual combination of action, RPG elements, and mythological themes inspired by the Middle East. The project is being developed by the studio ILHAM, and its release is planned for PC, with an Xbox version expected in the future.
The story will take place in a retro-futuristic world on the brink of collapse, where supernatural forces like djinn will take control over once advanced civilizations. Humans will be pushed to the edge of survival, forced to endure harsh conditions and rediscover lost knowledge. The player will find themselves in the midst of a conflict between humanity and mystical beings, with the option to choose their own path – whether to turn towards spiritual development or technological advancement.
The main focus of the game will be on survival. Players will need to gather resources, craft tools, build shelters, and manage basic needs such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Additionally, there will be a special emphasis on a "spirituality" system that will include rituals, symbols, and ancient knowledge, allowing for the unlocking of new paths and abilities that go beyond classic survival mechanics.
Gameplay will combine combat and stealth, offering different approaches to situations. Players will be able to confront enemies using weapons and mystical powers or avoid dangers using a stealth approach. This freedom of gameplay is expected to be one of the key features of the title, as there will not be a single way to tackle challenges.
A significant emphasis will also be placed on exploration. The open world will include deserts, ruins, temples, and underground tombs, while dynamic weather conditions and a day-night cycle will further affect gameplay and create unpredictable situations during play.
One of the more interesting elements will be the parkour movement system, which will allow for fluid exploration of the environment and emphasized vertical movement through complex locations. Players will be able to run across rooftops, leap over obstacles, and use the environment for quick movement or escape from dangerous situations. Inspiration from games like Assassin’s Creed and Prince of Persia will be clearly visible in this segment, as well as in the way Mystic will combine action and exploration.
Visually, the game will aim for an atmospheric depiction of a world inspired by "Arabian Nights" aesthetics, focusing on architecture and cultural elements that rarely appear in video games. This authenticity could be one of the main assets of the game, along with a strong emphasis on narrative and atmosphere.
Mystic will first enter Early Access, during which it will be developed with the help of the community. Gradual addition of new biomes, expansion of the story, and deepening of mechanics are planned, meaning that the final version of the game will significantly evolve over time.
