Fatal Claw News

[p][/p][p]Hello everyone! 🙂[/p][p][/p][p]Today, we’re bringing you a special Dev Sketch featuring one of the NPCs from Fatal Claw. [/p][p]In the world of Fatal Claw, you’ll encounter many "Beastkin" NPCs—each with their own backstory. [/p][p]And today, we’re introducing one of the dev team’s personal favorites: Nia. [/p][p][/p][p]Curious to see how she started, what concepts inspired her, and how she evolved into the Nia you’ll meet in-game? Let’s dive in![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]🎨 Sketches of the Day[/h3][p][/p][p]In Fatal Claw, it’s not just the protagonist, Kisha, who has a story—every NPC holds a little piece of the world’s lore. [/p][p]Even if we can’t show you every detail in-game, our goal is to make each NPC feel alive and memorable, so that you can grow attached to them. [/p][p]And among them, Nia has a special place in our hearts. Today, we’ll share how she came to life.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]💬 Dev’s Comment[/h3][p]Nia’s concept began with four simple keywords: #small, #cute, #lively, #cheerful. [/p][p]Among countless energetic animals, we explored goats, squirrels, and even dogs—finally settling on the energetic personality of a border collie as our starting point for her design. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Our first draft hit the keywords… but small details didn’t quite match the backstory we had in mind. So we refined the concept with these specifics:[/p][p][/p][p]* Small and cute, yet protective[/p][p]* Cheerful, yet fragile[/p][p]* Lively (O), but not rowdy (X)[/p][p][/p][p]With these in mind, the squirrel became the perfect inspiration for Nia.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]From there, we polished her design until she emerged as the bright, cheerful 8-year-old girl you’ll meet in Fatal Claw.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Nia may be fragile, but her lively nature often leads her to sneak around the village, exploring hidden nooks and crannies. [/p][p]One day, when her beloved older brother fails to return home, she sets out alone to find him… [/p][p]What happens next? You’ll have to experience it in the playable version! [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That’s a quick look at Nia’s design journey. [/p][p]Knowing how each NPC came to life might just make your adventure through Fatal Claw a little more immersive, don’t you think? [/p][p]When the time comes, we’d love to share the creation process of other NPCs you’ll meet in the game as well.[/p][p][/p][p]If you enjoyed this Dev Sketch, feel free to leave a like or share your thoughts in the comments below. 😊[/p][p]We’ll be back next time with more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of Fatal Claw.[/p][p][/p][p]And one more thing—our official Fatal Claw Discord channel is now open! [/p][p]It’s the best place to get development updates and chat directly with us. Come join the community! [/p][p]👉 Discord[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you. [/p][p][/p]

Hello, everyone!

Today, we’re kicking off our Dev Interview series, where we’ll share behind-the-scenes stories you don’t often hear—how Fatal Claw’s secret underground world was created, the challenges we faced, and the thought process behind each system.

For our first episode, we sat down with Fatal Claw’s Art Director to talk about the game’s visual style and art direction.
Let's hear about where inspiration came from, the details the team obsessed over, and how this unique world took shape.

[hr][/hr]
[h2]How Did Fatal Claw’s Underground World Come to Life?[/h2]

The dark yet mysterious world beneath the surface of Fatal Claw, and the glint in the eyes of our feline hero, Kisha—how did all these visuals come to be?

We spoke with the Art Director to learn how this beautiful world was brought to life.


[h3]🔷 A Fun Mix of Contrasting Elements – Where the Art Concept Began[/h3]

If I had to describe Fatal Claw’s visuals in one sentence, it would be: An intriguing blend of opposites.

• 2D visuals that feel almost 3D
  
• A world that’s eerie yet beautiful
  
• Old and decayed, yet full of style
  
• Cute but deadly
  

By combining these contrasting elements, we wanted players to feel that strange mix of tension and curiosity—the sense that the world is dangerous to step into, yet intriguing to explore.



When we settled on Metroidvania gameplay set in a sealed underground world, I already had a clear picture forming in my head.

We wanted to show a world that’s dark and unsettling, but also enchanting, and we carefully adjusted shapes, brightness, and density to make sure Kisha always stands out clearly against the background.

We thought, "This isn’t a game where the world is explained through text. The real fun comes from understanding the world through images and experience."
That’s why our design philosophy was all about clarity and intuition—we wanted players to grasp the meaning the instant they saw it.



Of course, we were inspired by highly acclaimed Metroidvania titles like Metroid, Hollow Knight, and the Ori series.
But instead of simply following in their footsteps, we aimed to honor that legacy while giving it our own unique Fatal Claw twist.


[h3]🔷Kisha - Designed on the Basis of Aesthetics and Functionality[/h3]

Kisha isn’t just a cute little cat.
Since players spend the entire game looking at him, we focused on giving him a clear silhouette and a body type that could express a wide range of actions.
At the same time, we fine‑tuned every detail to keep that youthful, kitten‑like charm intact.



And then there’s Kisha’s signature feature—the claws attached to his cape.
It’s not just a special attack tool; it also reflects Kisha’s emotions throughout the adventure.
Most of the time, he’s just an adorably cat‑like companion, but the moment he draws that claw... Wham!
He transforms into a deadly little warrior, perfectly capturing our "cute but lethal" design philosophy.


[h3]🔷Giving Each Area Its Own Distinct Experience[/h3]

One of our biggest challenges during Fatal Claw’s development was differentiating each region.
When playing a lot of Metroidvania games, one thing that sometimes felt lacking was how, at some point, the boundaries between areas could start to blur.
So we decided that, even if it required extra work, every region should offer a completely unique experience.

• E.g., Warm, damp natural caves > scorching, molten machinery plants > cool, lonely abandoned houses
  

We designed each zone to have its own theme, color palette, lighting, and even enemy interaction patterns.
To help players think, “Whoa, this feels totally different!” and immediately recognize, “Ah, I’m in that area now,” we also added distinct landmarks—like the colossal skull of a dragon or unusual structures that stand out in memory.
Many of these landmarks hide small stories and secrets for curious players to discover.



All these elements come together to make players feel like they’re truly traveling through the world of Fatal Claw with Kisha by their side.
That’s the real sense of adventure we want to deliver to our players.


[h3]🔷Perfecting the Claw Action: What We Focused On[/h3]

When it came to designing the claw action, our priority was to capture the speed and sharpness that fit the weapon’s nature.

• We emphasized quick, snappy motions to convey agility.
  
• Sharp, streaking claw trails visualize the flow of each attack.
  
• Camera shakes and recoil effects enhance both the juicy impact and that satisfying “feel” of control.
  

By carefully tuning all these elements, we made sure the attacks weren’t just for show, but a full, multi-sensory experience that defines Fatal Claw’s combat.


[h3]🔷The Most Challenging Yet Rewarding Task – Higasha Tundra[/h3]

If we had to pick the toughest part of development, it would be the Higasha Tundra.
It was a sub-region with limited resources and a tight schedule, so we had to find a way to make a strong impression with minimal assets.



The solution we chose was a silhouette-based design. We went bold and reduced characters and backgrounds to shadowy shapes, creating a striking visual style.

Thanks to that approach, we were able to produce a memorable, Eastern fantasy-inspired scene that left a lasting impact, even with less content. And honestly, we’re really proud of how it turned out.

When I design concepts, I actively use mind maps.
By freely laying out every image and idea that comes to mind, I often end up with designs that feel more organic and perfectly suited to their purpose.




[h3]🔷Wrapping Up – The Feelings We Hope Players Get Through Our Graphics[/h3]

Fatal Claw isn’t the kind of game that flaunts cutting-edge graphics technology.
Instead, we focus on that handcrafted, frame-by-frame, analog warmth—the kind you can feel in every scene.

I remember writing this line on our Steam page:
At the end of every challenge you face, you will always find something meaningful.

Some players will rush through, while others will take their time to explore.
But in Fatal Claw, there is no wrong path.

As you wander, you’ll stumble across unexpected locations and hidden stories.
And if, in that moment, players think,
"Wow, I had no idea this place existed—coming here was totally worth it!"
then that would be the greatest compliment our art team could ever receive.

Our challenge to create something fresh and fun will continue.
We’ll keep working to deliver a game where players can truly immerse themselves in the world of Fatal Claw.
Thank you for playing and supporting us!

[hr][/hr]
This has been our chat with the Art Director of Fatal Claw.
Metroidvania games live and die by visual immersion, just as much as gameplay.
We hope today’s behind-the-scenes look gave you a glimpse into the passion and thought behind the game’s visuals. 🙂

And we’re not done yet!
We plan to keep sharing more stories from the dev team—from character and environment art to map design and world-building.
Please stay tuned for our next interview.
Thank you! 🙏

[p]Hello everyone,[/p][p]Today, we’re diving into one of Fatal Claw’s most exciting systems—Mutant Abilities. These unique [/p][p]powers let Kisha absorb enemy abilities and use them to survive, explore, and dominate the [/p][p]underworld![/p][p]Ready to see what powers are waiting for you? Let’s take a look![/p][p][/p][h3]🐱‍🏍Kisha’s Mutant Abilities[/h3][p]As we mentioned in our previous dev notes, Fatal Claw features a wide variety of interconnected [/p][p]regions and stories. You’re free to explore both linear and non-linear zones your way.[/p][p][/p][p]But exploration isn’t just about finding the right path. Each area offers its unique design, traps, [/p][p]puzzles, and monsters. With every new region, a fresh experience awaits—and that’s where Kisha’s [/p][p]Mutant Abilities shine.[/p][p][/p][p]As you unlock these passive skills, your interaction with the same areas or monsters can feel [/p][p]completely different on your next run, depending on which abilities you've picked up.[/p][p]In short, they deliver the true Metroidvania experience where every player carves their own path. [/p][p]Now, let’s check out some of Kisha’s awesome abilities![/p][p][/p][h3]#Mirkam’s Sinew[/h3][p]"Air or ground, I’m dashing through!"[/p][p]Use this dash skill before or after a jump to quickly cover distance with a satisfying burst of speed. [/p][p]Simple, fast, and fun to use.[/p][p][/p][h3]#Irbes’s Claws[/h3][p]"Up or down, the wall’s my friend!"[/p][p]This is your classic wall-climbing ability! Whether scaling up or sliding down, Kisha can cling to [/p][p]surfaces—even when platforms are nowhere in sight. Handy for navigating cliffs with perilously deep [/p][p]drops.[/p][p][/p][h3]#Lyani’s Claws[/h3][p]"Slippery ice walls? No big deal!"[/p][p]Unlike Irbes’s Claws, Lyani’s Claws let you climb icy walls without slipping. You can even cling to [/p][p]vertical surfaces to prep your next move. These two skills may be similar, but this one opens new [/p][p]tactical options.[/p][p][/p][h3]#Jayma’s Wings[/h3][p]"Falling? Nope. I’m gliding."[/p][p]With Jayma’s Wings, Kisha can slow his descent and ride air currents to soar farther. Even when [/p][p]jumping from high ledges, you’ll float gracefully and land safely. Perfect for areas with air currents [/p][p]where you can ride them to navigate both horizontally and vertically![/p][p][/p][h3]#Kuram’s Caudal Fin[/h3][p]"Water? Bring it on!"[/p][p]Kisha hates water—he’s a cat, after all. But with Kuram’s Caudal Fin, he can finally dive in! Swim [/p][p]freely and battle enemies underwater. Entire submerged zones will now be yours to explore.[/p][p][/p][h3]#Automata Power Source[/h3][p]"Crouch, roll, and go full speed!"[/p][p]This ability lets Kisha curl up and roll fast. Normally, crouching slows your movement, but this skill [/p][p]allows you to go through narrow paths. It even lets you pass over traps or gaps without falling![/p][p][/p][h3]✨Wrapping Up[/h3][p]Each of Kisha’s Mutant Abilities opens up new ways to explore the world. Some players will scale [/p][p]walls. Others will glide across gaps. And some? They'll swim right through. It’s all about forging your [/p][p]own route and playstyle![/p][p]We’re also working on more exciting powers, each one crafted to make your adventure even more [/p][p]dynamic. So stay tuned![/p][p]Which of Kisha’s mutant abilities are you most excited about? Or maybe there’s a power you’d love [/p][p]to see added? Share your thoughts in the comments! Your ideas and imagination always inspire us.[/p][p]See you in the next notes! 🐾[/p]

[p][/p][p]Hello everyone!🙂[/p][p][/p][p]Today, we're excited to hold our first-ever Dev Sketch session.[/p][p]In this series, we'll be sharing a variety of early-stage concept art, character ideas, and behind-the-scenes development insights.[/p][p]And the first character to receive our spotlight is... Sommar![/p][p]
[/p][h3]🎨 Sketches of the Day: [/h3][p]Here’s a look at the concept sketches of Sommar, showing how his original design evolved into what you’ll see in-game.[/p][p]In the world of Fatal Claw, the Owl Tribe is a mysterious and intelligent faction serving the royal feline family for generations.[/p][p]Curious to learn more about how this character was created?[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p] [/p][h3]💬 Dev's Comment:[/h3][p]Sommar is an enigmatic and wise guardian of the royal family. Many Owl Tribesmen held prestigious roles in the royal court, thanks to their expertise in magic and technology.[/p][p]This gave us the challenge of where to begin.[/p][p]
[/p][p]While exploring ideas, we took account of owls' mystique, stealth, and beguiling charm perceived by many cultures. We believed these traits aligned perfectly with what we envisioned for Sommar.[/p][p]Some key concepts of Sommar include: #not-so-owlish, #mysterious, #intelligent, #wisdom, #archmage, and so on. With those in mind, we were able to define our early design.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]What did you think of Sommar’s design journey?[/p][p]
We'd love to know what comes to your mind when you finally face this boss. More stories of this strigine boss will be revealed in the game, so don't miss it![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][p]We'll continue to deliver the world of Fatal Claw—from characters to systems and maps—through future sketch sessions. Every session will be filled with interesting behind-the-scenes stories, so watch this space![/p][p][/p][p]🔥 Last but not least, don't forget to let us know about what you enjoyed from this session and what you're looking forward to next![/p][p][/p][p]Thank you.[/p]

[p][/p][p]Hello, everyone![/p][p]We’re back with the third round of our developer’s notes for Fatal Claw, the Metroidvania adventure we’re currently developing.[/p][p][/p][p]In our first and second dev notes, we shared details about our feline protagonist, Kisha, and the world of Fatal Claw. This time, we’re diving into something just as exciting—the survivors and monsters that live in the underground world of the game, and the thought process behind designing them.[/p][p]
[/p][h3]Characters of Fatal Claw[/h3][p]Fatal Claw tells the story of Kisha, a demi-beast cat on a bold journey.[/p][p]From the very beginning, we’ve put a lot of thought into making every character in the game—whether monsters or NPCs—feel alive and captivating.[/p][p][/p][p]We wanted each character to have a distinct animal identity, original design, and color palette that reflected their personality. Even if we couldn’t tell every backstory within the game, we made sure that every character had one. These small details help us shape them into characters players can truly care about.[/p][p][/p][p]In the massive underground world, you'll encounter Ancients from the restored Elord civilization, Commoners who once studied them, and their descendants—each living out a story of their own. From a passionate fennec fox, a chatty gator, a timid lion, to a simplehearted rhino—these survivors all carry hope even in the darkest of times.[/p][p][/p][p]Curious yet? Let’s introduce just a few of them![/p][p]

[/p][h3]Nia[/h3][p]A fragile but cheerful young girl[/p][p]“My big bro promised me to catch him. So I won’t give it away for now!”[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h3]Mark[/h3][p]A crocodile running the hardware shop Gatorware in the survivor village[/p][p]“I’m Mark, the third-generation owner of Gatorware and the best underground inventor. This business’s been around for over 100 years!”[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h3]Lara[/h3][p]A bright and bubbly Commoner[/p][p]“Hey, just the paw-son I was looking for. Look, the water’s boiling. Means the power is back!”[/p][p][/p][p]
[/p][h3]Masa[/h3][p]A radiant Ancient who survived the plague[/p][p]“Ah, you’re lucky to be here, little wanderer! Come take a look at this!”[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]In Fatal Claw, each region has its own unique monsters with distinct looks and patterns. But these monsters aren’t just enemies—they each have their own personalities and backstories, explaining why they’ve become hostile to the player.[/p][p][/p][p]Ever wondered what turned them into monsters? Or what kind of lives they lived before? Let’s meet a few of them.[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h3]Satin[/h3][p]It appears to be the strongest infected in the area... Could it be the one that caused the spikes to grow on the collectors’ bodies?[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h3]Mirkam[/h3][p]An infected rhinoceros clad in sturdy armor, found in the Drilling Site Control Room. Whatever the reason, it seems he’s been stuck here for a long time.[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][h3]Irbes[/h3][p]Swift and elusive, this one moves through the shadows. What could’ve caused its infection?[/p][p]
[/p][p]We’ve got even more survivors and monsters coming your way, each with individual backstories. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of Fatal Claw![/p][p]See you next time![/p][p][/p][p]
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