New Arc Line News

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

A most auspicious day has come, your ship has finally docked at the port in the New World! Are you ready for your journey to the city of New Arc and become the first to find a cure for the Iron Plague? Will you join the side of Technology or Magic?

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]State of the Game[/h2]

Now, before you rush off to make your fortune, it is important to note that the game is launching into Early Access - you will not be able to complete your hero's story yet. We are grateful beyond measure to all who decide to support us and join us on the development journey. We will do our best to listen to all your feedback, suggestions, and criticism - please let us know your thoughts about the game either here in Steam Discussions, or even better, join us on the New Arc Line Discord server!

In the Early Access Launch version of New Arc Line, you will get to experience around a quarter of the main story, and a third of the overall content we plan for the game - depending on your chosen difficulty and playstyle, it should take you around 10-12 hours to explore it. You will meet and be able to join up with 3 companion characters, each with their unique storyline, and you yourself will be able to create your own character as either a Diesel Engineer or a Voodoo Shaman and either a Human or an Elf.

[h2]Early Access Development Plans[/h2]

One of the main areas we want to focus on is the optimization and technical state of the game. Based on various benchmarks and early feedback we've received, we have managed to improve it noticeably since last month’s demo. But we need your help to improve the optimization even further - if you experience framerate drops or any other performance issues, please share as many details about your PC, where in the game it happened, how long you've been playing, what was the framerate at the time, etc. This will help us tremendously in making the gameplay experience as smooth as possible.

Of course, we plan to release several large content updates throughout the Early Access period, bringing new quests, companions, classes, abilities, and gear. We do have an internal schedule set up for these, and we look forward to being able to share that with you in the near future. We absolutely expect our plans will need to change based on your feedback - that is the whole purpose of Early Access, after all!

[h2]The Full Release[/h2]

The game’s largest update will come with the full release, which we estimate to take about a year to achieve - besides new playable races, abilities, spells, and crafting recipes, quests, and locations, we also plan to add various new gameplay systems and features - the subclass system to further customize your characters, a hub for you to hang out in and of course, the ability to romance your companions. Naturally, you will be able to complete the main story from the start to its multiple endings, depending on your choices.

We cannot thank you enough for your support, whether you decide to buy the Early Access launch version and dive into the world of New Arc Line right away, or just wishlist and follow the game here on Steam to follow our development, we couldn't have made it this far without you.

Until next time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

As a famous author once said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” Well, Mick Mortinsen, the first companion you will meet in New Arc Line, is a giant by birth – but let’s see what he has achieved, and what fate has thrust upon him. While Mick isn’t the largest of his race you will ever meet, he still towers over any human or elf. However, even for a giant, he shows exceptional physical prowess in terms of strength and endurance; making him seem almost invincible at times, which is also thanks to the air of confidence that he projects. But is he truly the self-assured, optimistic and upbeat guy he appears to be, or is there more to him than meets the eye?


He spent his youth toiling away in one of the many coal mines that are feeding the industrial revolution in New Arc. The physical labor was brutal, and he had no choice but to endure, with no other way to pay off his debts. Mick felt like a prisoner there, with every day filled with torment, stretching on for what seemed like an eternity in the darkness, with no light or end in sight. His immense strength allowed him to easily break even the toughest rocks, but with each swing of his pickaxe, he was digging himself deeper and deeper into despair.


To cope with that daily grind, Mick turned to the substance called "Orphum", a potent stimulant, for the first time. At first, it was just a way to help ease the pain and fatigue, to keep his strength and productivity up, and, of course, to experience at least some measure of joy, to hold on to the hope that one day he would escape this hell. As it often goes, however, he started seeking chemically-induced bliss more and more.



As in every story worth telling though, there came a moment when everything changed for our hero. One day, a dwarf by the name of Red Simon arrived at the mine, looking to hire some extra muscle for a job. For Mick, one-off side gigs like that were nothing too unusual - when you’re in as desperate a situation as he was, any opportunity feels like a chance at salvation, and you don’t tend to be picky, and you don’t ask too many questions. And so, already wired on stimulants after a long shift, Mick agreed without thinking twice about it.

It turned out that Red Simon, a man of grand ambition, abundant connections and no scruples, needed some “assistance” in resolving a ‘dispute’ with his former business associate. The job soon turned sideways - the negotiations between the two gangs quickly escalated into a bloodbath. That’s when Mick revealed his true self: in a fit of rage and fueled by the stimulants, he took down a dozen opponents as if they were nothing more than chunks of coal he smashed in the mine every day.

Impressed by the performance, Simon made Mick an offer he couldn’t refuse: paying off all his debts, freeing him from the mines, and giving him plenty of new “career opportunities”. Mick didn’t hesitate long and agreed; and soon Red Simon became something of a mentor and protector to him.


Thus began a new chapter of Mick’s life. He fully understood that he was still in just as much debt, if not more, and that while benevolent to him, Red Simon now “owned” him. Yet Mick was no longer shackled in the darkness of the mines; his life was now spent in the daylight, and for the first time in what seemed like forever, he felt a sense of purpose. And if you ask about Mick down at the port, you’ll hear that he’s one of Red Simon’s most reliable employees.

However, deep down, Mick believes that it’s all thanks to the stimulants, that it was only the drugs that had made him what he was: strong, fast, and confident. And so, addiction has become a constant companion to Mick, an ever-present shadow that follows him even in his brightest moments, when he seems completely carefree and surrounded by friends. It’s not just the stimulants either – their long-term use is taking its toll on Mick’s health, and he seeks out even more substances to cope with the stimulants’ side-effects.

Despite his rough appearance and reputation, Mick is a giant with a kind heart. He loves to have fun, support his friends, and he always has their back – you will be hard-pressed to find a more loyal ally. Even in the most dangerous situations, he can drop a witty remark that eases the tension. But once the stimulants kick in, a different Mick emerges: harsh, irritable, ready to explode at the slightest provocation. To a large extent, the stimulants that once helped him cope with pain and survive in the mines, have now taken over his life. And it’s all because Mick believes that it’s the drugs giving him strength and control. It is his greatest fear that without them, he would turn back into the powerless guy, trapped in the mines with no hope of rising from the darkness.

Maybe, with the help of the player and their character, Mick will finally realize that his strength and the control over his life do not come from the drugs, but from his own self; and that when all is said and done, Mick is more than just a pumped-up giant with strength in his fists. But the choice, as always, will be up to you - help Mick break free from his addiction or indulge and exploit his weaknesses, even if it leads to tragedy.

So, what will you choose, partner?


Thank you for joining us on another brief foray into the world of New Arc Line – we hope you enjoyed it! We cannot wait for you to dive into the game's world when we launch into Early Access on November 26, 2024 - stay tuned, don't forget to wishlist & follow the game here on Steam and join the New Arc Line Discord server, so you stay up to date on all news and announcements!

Until next time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

Previously, we have talked at length about the role of magic in New Arc Line, and it's high time we discussed the role technology plays in our world and its future. After all, imposing steam-powered exoskeletons, weird, crackling tesla-powered weapons or ultra-reliable diesel engines can be just as enchanting as any magical incantation! But not all in the world of New Arc Line is shiny and running like clockwork, despite the engineering and scientific elite ruling it.



[h3]The Rise of Technologists[/h3]
We will not repeat our history lecture about the Weavers and Reus the Lawbringer and how he made scientific progress possible - you can read all about it in "A Brief History of Magic." Suffice to say, after the Mago-Technology wars, science and engineering became the ruling principles. This triumph catapulted the Technologists to power, and nothing stood in the way of industrialization and inventors becoming the new sorcerers, the ones shaping the world and society alike. Steamboats took over the seas, zeppelins conquered the skies and wands and magical staves were surpassed by guns, grenades and other technological implements of death.



[h3]Automatons' Revolution[/h3]
A recent invention kickstarted yet another paradigm shift - Wayne Zindo's breakthrough, the creation of automatons, didn't just cement his leadership among the Technologists - it transformed society as a whole. These efficient, low-cost machines can perform all kinds of tasks, from logging to babysitting, driving unprecedented economic growth. After all, automatons do not tire, falter or complain, and so they allow people to enjoy their lives, instead of toiling away in menial jobs. The innovation paved the way for Mr. Zindo to head the Eastern Technology Syndicate, which is at the heart of the action in New Arc Line.



[h3]The Downside of Progress[/h3]
But trouble is brewing beneath the surface. As you might have guessed, the rise of automatons has led to massive layoffs in industrial plants, leaving countless families without a source of income. Ironically, the very workers who once cheered for the suppression of mages are now being crushed by the wheels of the technological revolution they helped create. Industrialists still promise a bright future, and who knows - perhaps they will turn the world into a utopia in the end. But as of the beginning of the story of New Arc Line, the poor, the tired, the huddled masses still yearn to be free and it seems that one form of tyranny has simply replaced another.



[h3]Never say die![/h3]
Nevertheless, talented enthusiasts can still make their dreams come true, even in this rapidly evolving world - if they show a real work ethic, that is! Opportunities abound in three technological areas in particular: Tesla, Diesel, and Steam. Each field requires a unique skillset from its practitioners, but gives them access to specialized weapons and equipment, granting powerful abilities on par with actual magic. In the game, this translates into the option to select out of three playable technological classes*:

Diesel Engineer
Often seen sporting leather coats with many pockets and utility belts to store the tools they need for their constant tinkering, Diesel Engineers are experts in firearms and skilled creators of cutting-edge diesel gadgets - you never know when a Jetpack might come in handy to bail you out of a tight spot!

Steam Mechanic
These are the most hands-on of the technological classes, preferring to face any problem and obstacle head-on. To that end, they utilize the awesome strength of highly reliable steam engines, powering wearable gear that enhances their own physical abilities; the most skilled Mechanics construct and operate full steam-powered exoskeletons, transforming into nigh-unstoppable behemoths when the need arises to bash some skulls in!

Tesla Scientist
Practitioners of the most mysterious, almost ethereal of the technological disciplines can often be seen with strange, buzzing and sparkling instruments strapped to their bodies, nervously fidgeting as they strive to control lightning itself. The more superstitious folk would say that Tesla Scientists are playing with powers beyond their understanding that are better left alone, but the most accomplished of these scholars are rumored to be able to even reanimate lifeless bodies - what could go wrong?

*Diesel Engineer will be available at Early Access launch, Steam Mechanic and Tesla Scientist will be added as playable classes later.



Thank you for joining us on another brief foray into the world of New Arc Line – we hope you enjoyed it! We cannot wait for you to dive into the game's world when we launch into Early Access on November 26, 2024 - stay tuned, don't forget to wishlist & follow the game here on Steam and join the New Arc Line Discord server, so you stay up to date on all news and announcements!

Until next time!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/

Greetings, Magicians and Technologists!

We have some big news for you today: New Arc Line will release in Early Access on November 26, 2024!

We’ve been contemplating this decision for some time, but the feedback from the Steam Next Fest demo has been so invaluable that we’ve chosen to opt in for the Early Access launch model. Simply put, we want to work closely with you, our fans, to make the full version of New Arc Line a truly unforgettable RPG experience.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

We know there are some players who are hesitant about a story-based game being released this way. Don’t worry though - the initial Early Access launch will only contain about a quarter of the main storyline. While we will be adding more areas and quests in several content updates leading up to the full release, we plan to bring in more side-quests and world-building content rather than progressing the main story too far. We will primarily focus on adding more classes, abilities, companions, and gameplay features and working with the feedback we receive to make the underlying mechanics as balanced and fun to play as possible - so that when the full launch comes next year, everyone will have a reason to pick the game up again and make their mark on the New World.

In the coming weeks, we will keep sharing more details about the Early Access launch content and the game's world. For now, we have decided to take down the Steam Next Fest demo - it’s become outdated and does not represent the current state of the game. Thanks to your reports and suggestions, we have already made significant improvements, especially to the optimization and general technical state of the game. Keeping the demo updated would take away from development time, and we want to spend more time working on the game's launch version.

If you wish to support development and help make New Arc Line the game of your (and our) dreams, we would be incredibly grateful. Your purchase of the Early Access version, feedback on our Discord server and Steam discussion forums, are invaluable to us. To show our appreciation, the early access version of New Arc Line will be available at a significantly reduced price - 19.99 USD/EUR, which we will be raising later on. Of course, you are absolutely welcome to wait for the full release. However, please be sure to wishlist the game and follow it on Steam, so you can stay up to date at all times!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2458310/New_Arc_Line/

Greetings to both Technologists and Magicians!

We are tremendously excited by the interest you've shown in the New Arc Line Demo, which is currently available during Steam Next Fest, until October 21.

We are closely watching both our Discord server and Steam discussions for all your feedback, and thanks to you, we've been able to implement an update to the demo version - so please keep all the comments and constructive criticism coming, it is truly invaluable for the further development of the game!

The update fixes the issue with lagging dialogues many of you have reported, and we've managed to improve the overall optimization; thus the game should run smoother for you now, although that will of course vary based on your individual PCs. Rest assured, we will keep working on improving the optimization before we launch the game.

We hope to see you in the demo soon!