Apocalyptic scenarios are a dime a dozen in popular media. From television shows, to movies, to video games, we have seen the world end countless times in countless different ways, to the point where the medium has gotten stale. After all, there are so many different ways we can watch the world get destroyed before we grow tired of the narrative all together.
That is, unless someone can put a brand new spin on it.
Enter "Apugalypse", the punly titled indie game that gives players a brand new perspective on the end of the world. The game follows around Sushi, a pug who is trying to help people while giant mechs attack and destroy New York City. While the game is in the early stages of development, game designer Athena Hollow has released some early concepts about the game on Twitter, including art designs and game mechanics. Hollow previously made and released "Betrothed", which is currently available for free on itch.io, and recently announced the foundation of her game development studio Twisted Wonderland.
The incredibly unique perspective offered in "Apugalypse" is the biggest benefit that the game will offer. While other forms of media have shown how an "end of the world" scenario would affect individual human beings, such chaos would also affect the smallest creatures in the world, and that perspective is rarely seen in most forms of media. For Sushi the Pug, it's not so much about survival as it is about saving those around her while giant machines pose an immediate threat to her safety. Most games and movies want to show humans as either inheritably selfish or heroic in dire situations, but what about human's best friend?
"Apugalypse" is currently a one person operation, with Hollow creating the story, developing the game, and operating at the game's public relations. She also is currently working as the game's art director, though with the proper funding, she announced she would work with Moondragon Studios on the art for the game.
"Apugalypse" will be a free game upon release, but the length of the game will depend on a variety of factors. Hollow, who recently has incurred financial hardships, has set up a GoFundMe page to help support herself and her family during the development of the the game. Unlike most crowd funding campaigns, which go towards the development of a specific project, the donations of the GoFundMe campaign go directly to the game's developer. This not only allows a donor to see directly where the money is going, but also directly effects the game, as well, as financial hardships being lifted from the developer will allow for added time and effort to be placed on the development of the game.
The initial goal of $1000 has already been met. The next goal, $1500, will allow Hollow to hire Moondragon Studios for the art of the game, which will allow for a longer story and, in turn, a longer game.
Hollow is currently expecting a six week development time, but a release date is currently unannounced. Twisted Wonderland will release the game for free on Hollow's itch.io page upon completion, and the game will be free to play. Twisted Wonderland also has a Patreon page to support the game studio directly.
