Greetings from the bottom of the Abyss, fellow punks!

We're diving into the process of working on a new level for our public demo. It's not our first rodeo, but making a solid level has proven to be a tough nut to crack for our team. So, we've decided to open up this development journey to the public, seeking your feedback to refine our approach.

The main aim of this level is to showcase our existing game mechanics, play around with some new ideas, and give players a taste of the world we're building. Today, we'll kick things off by discussing the basic concept behind the level. Your input is crucial as we navigate this development path together.

Backstory

The level will unfold the story of a dire incident at the Solomon’s Company Warehouse. The administration chose to keep a lid on news regarding worker illnesses and the unsettling rumors surrounding the discovery of "gray dust" within the facility. Management's aversion to handling negative information triggered a devastating chain of events, resulting in a tragic scenario where a staggering 80% of the workforce fell ill. Consequently, the Warehouse had to shut its doors for an indefinite quarantine.

Stripped of proper security measures, the once bustling Warehouse turned into a magnet for smugglers, looters, and various scavengers. Yet, venturing into this perilous territory proved to be a one-way ticket for many, as numerous souls who dared to enter never made their way back.

Seems like Solomon is quite the controversial figure, to say the least.

Main Goal

The protagonist embarks on a journey to Solomon's Company Warehouse in search of a spare shaft for the barge's engine. The barge is barely holding together, and the urgency to replace the shaft is paramount to resume the journey. Rumors circulate about the site being tainted with "gray dust," urging caution. The protagonist not only needs to be careful but also explore the possibility of devising a solution to cleanse the contaminated zone.

Scheme

The level will consist of several separate parts, between which the player can move freely without loading screens.

The Ship is moored to the Solomon's Company Warehouse Docks. Here, players can craft and enhance their equipment while also taking on extra tasks.

To get to the Warehouse, the player needs to walk along the Docks. This is a safe space, at first. Here the player can get comfortable with the controls, find some consumables, resources for crafting, fragments of the story, and feel the underground world's atmosphere.

And what the player will encounter upon entering the Warehouse - you'll find out in the upcoming diary series. Thanks for your attention!

Stay tuned and pray to the Abyss!