Fatal Claw News

[p][/p][p]Hello, everyone![/p][p][/p][p]For today’s interview, we wanted to open up about some of the toughest challenges we faced while preparing the current demo version, the struggles behind the scenes, and how overcoming them helped us grow stronger as a team.[/p][p][/p][p]A candid story of hardship, perseverance, and teamwork, straight from us.[/p][p]Let’s dive in![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]◈ The Hardest Moment? Building a Single Region[/h3][p][/p][p]Like any creative work, developing Fatal Claw hasn’t been smooth sailing. [/p][p]There were plenty of hurdles, but if we had to pick the most difficult moment for the entire team, [/p][p]it would be when we were building the Elord Castle region.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Before we get into the struggles, let us briefly explain how we usually create a region. [/p][p]The process goes something like this:[/p][p][/p][p]1. Region Planning: Defining events and stories, how Kisha grows, and the kind of fun we want players to experience.[/p][p]2. Concept Designing: Turning those ideas into visual and functional concepts.[/p][p]3. Path Testing: Using simple black tiles to test the flow of movement.[/p][p]4. Image Application: Adding final image resources to complete the visual look of the region.[/p][p]5. Other Refinement: Adding animations, FX, and sound to raise the overall quality.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Every step comes with challenges, but step 4, Image Application, was where we hit the biggest wall.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ The Most Exhausting Stage: Image Application[/h3][p][/p][p]Each stage of building a region takes effort, [/p][p]but applying images required far more time and creativity than we first imagined.[/p][p][/p][p]At the time, we believed this task should be handled by one person who had both strong artistic skills and a deep understanding of game design.[/p][p]And so, in the early days of Elord Castle, a single team member was responsible for the entire process.[/p][p]But the number of regions we wanted to create kept growing. Soon, it was clear one person couldn’t possibly keep up with the schedule we had set for ourselves.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]What we thought would be manageable quickly turned into something that demanded much more time and energy than expected.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ The Dilemma: Quality vs. Reality[/h3][p][/p][p]Facing this unexpected workload, we had some tough decisions to make:[/p][p][/p][p]“Should we lower the quality?”[/p][p]No. That would have meant abandoning the heart of Fatal Claw.[/p][p]Our goal was to maintain a consistent quality level from start to finish, and we didn’t want to compromise.[/p][p][/p][p]“Should we have multiple people work on different regions simultaneously?”[/p][p]Not really... We’re still a small indie team and couldn’t suddenly expand manpower.[/p][p][/p][p]“Should we reduce the number of regions?”[/p][p]Maybe the most rational choice, but that would mean cutting out stories we wanted to tell and experiences we wanted players to have. We didn’t want to sacrifice that either.[/p][p][/p][p]In the end, we decided to share responsibilities more flexibly: the game designer would focus on bringing out the story intent in each region, while the artist would refine the visual concept.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]It may look like a simple division of labor, but since Fatal Claw is a Metroidvania, where every background detail carries meaning and every event requires strong aesthetic feedback, it demanded teamwork that went far beyond standard task-splitting.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ Solution: Teamwork[/h3][p][/p][p]Finding a solution was never easy. At first, miscommunication led to creating spaces that didn’t fit together at all.[/p][p]Sometimes we disagreed sharply about each other’s results.[/p][p]But instead of giving up, we talked more often, tried to understand one another more deeply, and worked through the friction.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Through the struggle of building Elord Castle, we became more than just colleagues—we became a team that could trust each other completely.[/p][p]Now, without lengthy explanations, we can anticipate each other’s intent and build regions that hit the quality we’ve always aimed for.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ Moving Forward: Building a Bigger World[/h3][p][/p][p]Even now, we put the same care into every detail—whether it’s a background element in a new region or a single line from a passing NPC. Everything is crafted with teamwork and passion to reach the highest quality possible.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The demo version we’ve released is just the beginning—a small fragment of the vast world we’re building. About 1–2 hours of gameplay, just the prologue.[/p][p]We’ll keep refining and expanding until the full release, always asking ourselves how to deliver more stories in the most engaging way.[/p][p][/p][p]Our passion and effort will continue until the day Fatal Claw brings you unforgettable joy. We won’t stop moving forward.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That’s our story of the hardships we faced, and how we overcame them together.[/p][p]We hope this interview gave you a sense of the effort poured into even the smallest details.[/p][p]If you felt some of that tension and atmosphere we wanted to convey, then it’s already worth it.[/p][p][/p][p]From here on, we’d like to keep building the story with you.[/p][p]You can hear our voices most directly on Discord. It’s where we share updates, and also where you can just drop by for a casual chat.[/p][p]👉 \[Discord][/p][p][/p][p]We’ll be back with more exciting news in the next developer notes.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you![/p]

[p][/p][p]Hello, everyone![/p][p][/p][p]After all the time and effort we’ve poured in, you can finally get your hands on ![/p][p]Experience tight, satisfying combat, living and breathing NPCs, and an underground world that only gets more exciting the deeper you go! 🎮[/p][p][/p][p]You can find the details below.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ Demo Schedule[/h3][p][/p][p]- Sep. 23, 5:00 AM - Oct. 23, 7:00 PM PDT[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ What's in the Demo?[/h3][p][/p][p]- Strategic battles using Kisha’s combat skills and abilities [/p][p]- Explore the early world of Fatal Claw with around 1 hour 30 minutes of underground adventure [/p][p]- Face off against 3 unique regional bosses plus a variety of monsters [/p][p]It’s a short but powerful taste of the full experience! Come feel the unique combat of ! [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ Your Feedback Matters![/h3][p][/p][p]We want to be a game built with our players.[/p][p][/p][p]- Demo Feedback: Share your thoughts freely on the Steam discussion board or our Discord channel. Whether it’s about combat, design, or quality-of-life, we’ll be listening closely and working hard to reflect your feedback.[/p][p][/p][p]- Kickstarter Campaign: Your support will directly help expand the game’s scale, deepen the story, and push overall polish to the next level.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ Quick Links[/h3][p]- Official Community: \[Discord Channel][/p][p]- Share Feedback: \[Steam Discussion Board][/p][p][/p][p]Stay up to date with the latest news on Kickstarter and by joining our Discord community—it’s the fastest way to hear what’s new and chat with us directly. [/p][p][/p][p]So what are you waiting for? Jump into the world of Fatal Claw today. [/p][p]This journey starts with you, and we can’t wait to build it together. 🙏[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you! [/p]

[p][/p][p]Hello, everyone![/p][p]Story is one of the most important pillars that defines Fatal Claw.[/p][p]For today’s Dev Notes, we’d like to share how you’ll discover and experience narratives throughout the world of Fatal Claw.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]\[Playing Through Narratives][/h2][p][/p][p]The world of Fatal Claw isn’t just about battles and exploration. [/p][p]It’s designed so that you feel like the protagonist of an anime, immersed in different kinds of storytelling woven into the game. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]# Compelling Moments Through Cinematics[/h3][p][/p][p]Cinematics are one of the most classic, and powerful ways to deliver story. [/p][p]Here, you’ll take a break from direct control and dive into movie-like scenes that draw you deeper into the core of Fatal Claw’s narrative. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]# Conversations with NPCs[/h3][p][/p][p]NPCs you meet across regions hold vital pieces of the lore.[/p][p]Through dialogue, you’ll uncover hidden secrets, learn the context of unfolding events, and slowly piece together the bigger picture.[/p][p]Sometimes, wondering “Which NPC will I meet next?” will be the reason you keep exploring.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]# Hidden Messages in Objects[/h3][p][/p][p][/p][p]Screens, stone carvings, or even a small patch of flowers in the underworld... [/p][p]At first glance, they may look ordinary. But they might just be someone’s last trace.[/p][p]Perhaps a sentence carved into stone is the last message they left behind.[/p][p]By finding these small fragments one by one, you’ll begin to uncover deeper layers of Fatal Claw’s world.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]# The Archive System[/h3][p][/p][p]Some stories can’t be fully told through gameplay alone. That’s why we’ve prepared an Archive System. [/p][p]As you reach special locations, defeat monsters, or encounter key moments, data will be recorded and stored. You can revisit it anytime.[/p][p]The Archive expands into a collection of records—regions, monsters, NPCs, and objects—giving you the fun of curating your own lore library.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]# Stories Told Through Items[/h3][p][/p][p]Items in Fatal Claw aren’t just tools for battle. [/p][p]What looks like a simple crafting ingredient might actually hide clues about the past, or hints about an unexplored area. [/p][p]Each item becomes a fragment of story, making your journey richer and more rewarding. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]# Storytelling Woven Into Gameplay[/h3][p][/p][p]If cinematics let you watch a story, in-game direction makes you live it.[/p][p]Backgrounds, NPC interactions, combat, and exploration all serve to naturally deliver narrative moments. [/p][p]It’s where you’ll truly feel like the protagonist breathing in the story as you play. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]Fatal Claw isn’t a game where the story ends at the finale.[/p][p]Every moment you face weaves into a living narrative, where combat, exploration, and hidden lore interlock seamlessly.[/p][p]Our goal is to make a game where you become the hero of the story.[/p][p][/p][p]As announced earlier, Fatal Claw will launch its Steam demo and Kickstarter campaign on September 23.[/p][p]Now, it’s finally your turn to step into the world we’ve been building.[/p][p][/p][p]Fatal Claw isn’t just our project. It’s a journey we’re creating together with you. [/p][p]We can’t wait to walk this path alongside you on September 23. 🙏 [/p][p][/p][p]And don’t forget—our official Discord channel is always open. [/p][p]Whether it’s game feedback or just casual chat, you’re more than welcome to stop by! [/p][p]👉 \[Discord][/p][p][/p][p]Thank you so much for reading today’s Dev Notes. [/p][p]We’ll be back soon with more stories from behind the scenes. 🙌[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hello, players![/p][p]Today, we’re excited to share some very special news we’ve been preparing for a long time.[/p][p]Mark your calendars: September 23 is the day you’ll finally get to experience Fatal Claw for yourself![/p][p][/p][p]We’ll be releasing the Steam demo and officially launching our Kickstarter campaign to begin an even greater adventure together.[/p][p][/p][p]Check out the details below.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]\[Fatal Claw Demo & Kickstarter Campaign][/h2][p][/p][h3]◈ When does it start?[/h3][p][/p][p]- Steam Demo Release & Kickstarter Launch: September 23, 2025[/p][p]- The exact launch time will be announced in a future update.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ What can I experience in the Steam demo?[/h3][p][/p][p]- The protagonist Kisha’s combat action and skill controls[/p][p]- The early world of Fatal Claw and its nonlinear underground exploration[/p][p]- Battles against various monsters and a few bosses[/p][p][/p][p]This is your very first chance to feel the atmosphere and combat style of Fatal Claw.[/p][p]It’s a short but powerful journey that will give you a true taste of what’s to come.[/p][p]Just one step in, and you’ll be immersed in the world of Fatal Claw! 😍[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]◈ When is the Kickstarter campaign?[/h3][p][/p][p]Our “Kickstarter Coming Soon” page is already live.[/p][p]The campaign itself will officially kick off together with the demo release on September 23, so stay tuned![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]This Kickstarter campaign and demo aren’t just about testing.[/p][p]They’re a new starting point to build a better game together with you.[/p][p]We’ll be back soon with the official opening notice on September 23.[/p][p][/p][p]In the meantime, feel free to drop by our Discord channel anytime.[/p][p]You can get all the latest updates, including Kickstarter news.[/p][p]👉 Discord[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hello everyone![/p][p]In our last Dev Sketch, we introduced you to Nia.[/p][p]Today, we’re sharing something a little different: the story of an NPC who was created in an unusual way.[/p][p][/p][p]From the very start, he looks like shouting, “I’ve been through a lot!”[/p][p]So how exactly was this NPC created, and what sets him apart? Let’s dive in.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]🎨 Sketches of the Day[/h2][p][/p][p]The world of Fatal Claw is full of NPCs, each carrying their own unique backstory.[/p][p]Even though we can’t showcase every detail inside the game, our team carefully builds each one so that you can grow attached to them. 🙂[/p][p][/p][p]And among them is one NPC who radiates mystery at first glance—Ainjaff.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]💬 Dev’s Comment[/h2][p][/p][p]Unlike many characters, Ainjaff's backstory came before his appearance. His concept was then shaped to reflect that story:[/p]

• [p] Once a renowned warrior, now retired and running a small shop.[/p]
• [p] Wears a blindfold and seems to carry trauma from his warrior days, though the details are left unknown.[/p]
• [p] Shows little enthusiasm even for his own business.[/p]
• [p][/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Ainjaff's journey began with the word “warrior.”[/p][p]Because Fatal Claw is a story-driven game, we believed his design needed to embody narrative, not just aesthetics.[/p][p][/p][p]He’s not just any mercenary—he was once a celebrated fighter. His face and body bear the marks of countless battles.[/p][p][/p][p]At first, we considered portraying him as an old, weathered veteran.[/p][p]But as the story developed, a middle-aged warrior felt far more fitting. To deepen his mystery, we added the idea of blindness, along with the notion that his true circumstances are never revealed. 🤫[/p][p][/p][p]As for his indifference toward business, we let that shine through in his dialogue: [/p][p]“If you’re done with your business here, leave. Your pawsteps are annoying.” [/p][p]“Browse if you’re interested.” [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Through this process, Ainjaff took shape with the following concepts: cool-headed, muscular, mysterious, and lazybones. 🙌[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]\[Ainjaff's in-game appearance][/p][p][/p][p]Ainjaff is one of the first NPCs you’ll encounter in the early game.[/p][p]At first, he may look like nothing more than a shopkeeper with a dark past.[/p][p]But as the story unfolds, you’ll discover layers of hidden charm behind his stoic exterior.[/p][p][/p][p]Why does he cover his eyes? What path did he walk during his warrior days?[/p][p][/p][p]The answers are left for you to uncover within the game. And unraveling those mysteries is one of the unique joys of Fatal Claw. 😉[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That’s it for today’s Dev Sketch! What do you think of Ainjaff?[/p][p]Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or in the community. Your feedback and support mean the world to us.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ll continue sharing the journeys of Fatal Claw’s NPCs, including how they came to life and the stories they hold. So keep watching this space![/p][p][/p][p]Fatal Claw isn’t just our project; it’s a story we want to create together with you.[/p][p]With our upcoming Kickstarter campaign, we hope to expand this adventure even further. Your support will make this journey truly special.[/p][p][/p][p]And don’t forget, you can always connect with us directly and get the latest news first on our official Discord.[/p][p]👉 \[Discord][/p][p][/p][p]Thank you again for all your encouragement and love! 🙏[/p]