Devlog#4
In this development log, we want to talk about the design process and role of the zombie, Screecher, in The Midnight Walkers.
Click the image and zoom in to see the details!
[h2][Design Concept][/h2]
Screecher is designed as a female character, with distinctive features such as her face, body, and hands, all carefully crafted to leave a strong impression on survivors.
[h2][Visual Features][/h2]
● Face and Head: Screecher’s face is severely decayed, with a metal device attached to her mouth. This detail hints at a disturbing experiment she might have undergone before becoming a zombie. Ultimately, the depth of the design aims to evoke a sense of dread when survivors encounter Screecher.
● Body: Screecher's body is covered with significant wounds and deformities. Her skin bears deep scars, and some organs are exposed. All these details reflect her painful transformation process.
● Clothing: Screecher wears either a hospital gown or patient attire, hinting at her life before she became a zombie. These outfits connect her past and present, allowing survivors to speculate about her human life.
Screecher modeling image (without clothing applied)
[h2][Mutated Physical Features][/h2]
● Hands: Screecher’s hands have been elongated and sharpened, designed to deliver a deadly strike to survivors. The length and sharpness of her fingers further emphasize Screecher’s terrifying nature.
● Skin Lesions: Screecher’s skin is covered with grotesque, tumor-like lesions. These lesions appear almost parasitic, further amplifying the abnormal mutation caused by the zombie virus.
[h2][In-Game Abilities and Design Intentions][/h2]
[h3]- In-Game Abilities[/h3]
● Zombie Calling: If possible, avoid entering Screecher's detection range. If you spot Screecher alone, it’s recommended to take her out quickly. Screecher lets out a distinct screech, a result of extreme mutations in her throat and vocal cords, calling nearby zombies.
● Debuff: Screecher can also debuff survivors with her screech, so be careful not to get caught in its range. Her screech debuff can obscure a survivor’s vision or slow down their movement, significantly impacting their survival chances.
[h3]- Design Intentions[/h3]
● Challenging Disruptor: Screecher can be a very powerful disruptor in certain situations. Her screech can call nearby zombies, becoming a major threat to players. If not dealt with appropriately, the circumstances can quickly turn against the player. We designed Screecher to require quick and precise responses from survivors.
● Encouraging Detours or Route Changes: The presence of Screecher is intended to make survivors consider detours or alternative routes instead of facing her head-on. We wanted Screecher to stimulate strategic thinking by offering the choice to avoid or bypass the area she occupies.
● Less Threatening Physical: Screecher is a zombie that can be neutralized with proper handling. If a survivor understands her patterns and responds accordingly, she can be subdued relatively easily compared to other zombies. This design choice underscores that Screecher is a conditional threat, not a mandatory one.
Our development team doesn’t view zombies merely as in-game farming elements or monsters. In a zombie world, it’s crucial to minimize noise when dealing with zombies to avoid attracting more, or better yet, to avoid them altogether. We believe that zombies should be truly zombie-like, and humans should be able to deal with them efficiently to survive. Screecher was designed with this concept in mind, encouraging survivors to make careful, situation-based decisions.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube] Screecher’s screech sound is currently in development.
[h2][Development Progress][/h2]
Screecher is still in development, but we are doing our best to ensure you can face her as soon as possible. Her screech will bring new tension to Liberty Grand Center, and her grotesque appearance will deliver an unforgettable sense of dread.
We will continue to incorporate your feedback to provide diverse content in the future! Look forward to Screecher’s appearance in Liberty Grand Center :)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2795540/The_Midnight_Walkers/
Click the image and zoom in to see the details![h2][Design Concept][/h2]
Screecher is designed as a female character, with distinctive features such as her face, body, and hands, all carefully crafted to leave a strong impression on survivors.
[h2][Visual Features][/h2]
● Face and Head: Screecher’s face is severely decayed, with a metal device attached to her mouth. This detail hints at a disturbing experiment she might have undergone before becoming a zombie. Ultimately, the depth of the design aims to evoke a sense of dread when survivors encounter Screecher.
● Body: Screecher's body is covered with significant wounds and deformities. Her skin bears deep scars, and some organs are exposed. All these details reflect her painful transformation process.
● Clothing: Screecher wears either a hospital gown or patient attire, hinting at her life before she became a zombie. These outfits connect her past and present, allowing survivors to speculate about her human life.
Screecher modeling image (without clothing applied)[h2][Mutated Physical Features][/h2]
● Hands: Screecher’s hands have been elongated and sharpened, designed to deliver a deadly strike to survivors. The length and sharpness of her fingers further emphasize Screecher’s terrifying nature.
● Skin Lesions: Screecher’s skin is covered with grotesque, tumor-like lesions. These lesions appear almost parasitic, further amplifying the abnormal mutation caused by the zombie virus.
[h2][In-Game Abilities and Design Intentions][/h2]
[h3]- In-Game Abilities[/h3]
● Zombie Calling: If possible, avoid entering Screecher's detection range. If you spot Screecher alone, it’s recommended to take her out quickly. Screecher lets out a distinct screech, a result of extreme mutations in her throat and vocal cords, calling nearby zombies.
● Debuff: Screecher can also debuff survivors with her screech, so be careful not to get caught in its range. Her screech debuff can obscure a survivor’s vision or slow down their movement, significantly impacting their survival chances.
[h3]- Design Intentions[/h3]
● Challenging Disruptor: Screecher can be a very powerful disruptor in certain situations. Her screech can call nearby zombies, becoming a major threat to players. If not dealt with appropriately, the circumstances can quickly turn against the player. We designed Screecher to require quick and precise responses from survivors.
● Encouraging Detours or Route Changes: The presence of Screecher is intended to make survivors consider detours or alternative routes instead of facing her head-on. We wanted Screecher to stimulate strategic thinking by offering the choice to avoid or bypass the area she occupies.
● Less Threatening Physical: Screecher is a zombie that can be neutralized with proper handling. If a survivor understands her patterns and responds accordingly, she can be subdued relatively easily compared to other zombies. This design choice underscores that Screecher is a conditional threat, not a mandatory one.
Our development team doesn’t view zombies merely as in-game farming elements or monsters. In a zombie world, it’s crucial to minimize noise when dealing with zombies to avoid attracting more, or better yet, to avoid them altogether. We believe that zombies should be truly zombie-like, and humans should be able to deal with them efficiently to survive. Screecher was designed with this concept in mind, encouraging survivors to make careful, situation-based decisions.
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube] Screecher’s screech sound is currently in development.
[h2][Development Progress][/h2]
Screecher is still in development, but we are doing our best to ensure you can face her as soon as possible. Her screech will bring new tension to Liberty Grand Center, and her grotesque appearance will deliver an unforgettable sense of dread.
We will continue to incorporate your feedback to provide diverse content in the future! Look forward to Screecher’s appearance in Liberty Grand Center :)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2795540/The_Midnight_Walkers/
