Skulls of the Shogun: A Strategy Game to Die For
Summary
In this week’s episode of Game Life, we discuss “Skulls of the Shogun,” a strategy game coming to Xbox Live, Windows, Windows Phone, and the Surface. The game takes place in the afterlife, where the player assumes the role of General Akimoto, a samurai seeking revenge on a traitorous lieutenant who betrayed him in life and death. We spoke with Jake Kasda, CEO of 17-Bit Studios, about the game’s design, gameplay, and Microsoft’s involvement in its development.
Table of Contents
- The story behind 17-Bit Studios and Skulls of the Shogun
- The gameplay mechanics and design philosophy
- The innovative features and cross-platform compatibility of the game
- The role of Microsoft in developing the game
- Conclusion
The story behind 17-Bit Studios and Skulls of the Shogun
Q: Can you tell us a little about the concept behind 17-Bit Studios?
A: I grew up playing classic NES and Super Nintendo games, and I wanted to bring back some of the core gameplay concepts of yesteryear with modern innovations. “Skulls of the Shogun” is one such game that draws inspiration from arcade-style strategy games.
Q: What’s the backstory for “Skulls of the Shogun”?
A: You play as General Akimoto, a renowned samurai general on the cusp of his greatest victory. However, one of his trusted lieutenants betrays him on the battlefield, and Akimoto wakes up in the afterlife to discover he’s been betrayed there too. The game follows his quest for revenge and rightful place as Shogun of the Dead.
The gameplay mechanics and design philosophy
Q: What were some of the design decisions for “Skulls of the Shogun”?
A: We wanted the game to be easy to learn and quick to play. It’s very arcade-like, with no menus or inventory management. We wanted players to be able to dive right in and start playing. We also incorporated cutting-edge AI technology to enhance gameplay.
Q: Can you describe the gameplay mechanics of “Skulls of the Shogun”?
A: It’s a turn-based strategy game where players move units across a battlefield to eliminate opposing forces. Units include samurai warriors, cavalry, archers, and even monks. The game features both single-player campaigns and multiplayer modes.
The innovative features and cross-platform compatibility of the game
Q: What are some of the unique features of “Skulls of the Shogun”?
A: We’re excited to offer asynchronous gameplay, where players can take turns and send them to friends. The game also supports cross-platform compatibility, meaning players can compete against one another on different devices, including Windows Phone, Surface, and Xbox Live Arcade.
Q: What role does Microsoft play in the development of the game?
A: We’ve been working closely with Microsoft to bring “Skulls of the Shogun” to new platforms and offer innovative gameplay features. The game will be available on Xbox Live Arcade, Windows, Windows Phone, and the Surface.
Conclusion
“Skulls of the Shogun” is an exciting new strategy game that combines classic arcade mechanics with modern innovations. Players will enjoy the story of General Akimoto and his quest for revenge, as well as the fluid, fast-paced gameplay. With its innovative features and cross-platform compatibility, “Skulls of the Shogun” is sure to be a hit among strategy game enthusiasts.
