Fatal Claw News

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Hello, everyone![/p][p][/p][p]Fatal Claw has countless scenes and features, but among them, there are some that our team feels especially attached to.[/p][p]Today, we’d like to share some of those “favorites” with you and tell you why we love them.[/p][p][/p][p]Who knows? The part that makes you think, “Huh, I can’t explain it, but I like this” when you play, might just be somebody’s favorite. 😍[/p][p][/p][p]So, let’s dive in together![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]🔷 The Most Impressive Exploration Area?[/h3][p][/p][p]If we had to pick, we’d confidently say the “Giant Guardian chase” near the end of the Upper Elord Castle.[/p][p][/p][p]This section demands every skill you’ve learned so far—dash, wall climbing, Silver Claw, and a mix of different abilities.[/p][p]You can’t let your guard down for even a second.[/p][p][/p][p]But escaping by the skin of your teeth brings an overwhelming sense of accomplishment like nothing else. [/p][p]Discovering such a secret place deep inside the castle also sparks wonder, and even makes you think: “Were the beings guarding the castle actually created here?” [/p][p]It's not just a map; it becomes a piece of worldbuilding that fuels your imagination. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🔷 Most Fun Boss & Memorable Monster[/h3][p][/p][p]Our favorite boss has to be Irbes, found in the Ashen Valley.[/p][p][/p][p]True to his cheetah tribe background, his unpredictable charges and relentless attacks feel impossible to react to at first.[/p][p][/p][p]But after several encounters, you start thinking, “What if I dodge this pattern this way?” [/p][p]You naturally get pulled into that trial-and-error loop, and when your choice works, that thrill is unmatched.[/p][p][/p][p]The best part is how clearly you feel your control skills improving, and the patterns unraveling one by one. That’s why we still believe Irbes is a fun boss to fight even when you come back later.[/p][p][/p][p]As for monsters, the Metal Frog in the Higasha Tundra stands out the most. At first, it seems harmless, but combined with slippery terrain, it becomes a real nuisance.[/p][p][/p][p]Over time, though, you get used to its leaping pattern and the rhythm of the sliding ground. When you finally beat it without taking a hit, it feels amazing. That’s why, even as a basic monster, the Metal Frog leaves such a strong impression.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🔷 What Best Defines Kisha as a Character[/h3][p][/p][p]Kisha has many Mutant Abilities and Engraved Skills, [/p][p]but our favorites are definitely the Golden Claw and Silver Claw.[/p][p][/p][p]As the name Fatal Claw suggests, the claws aren’t just weapons for combat—they’re symbolic elements that permeate the whole game.[/p][p]At first, you might just think, “Oh, these are weapons.” But as the journey goes on, the claws become keys to advancing the story, devices that reveal Kisha’s hidden secrets through interactions with characters and objects.[/p][p][/p][p]The Golden and Silver Claws represent more than power. They open up another journey into Kisha’s inner world.[/p][p]That’s why they’re still our favorite elements so far.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🔷 The Team’s Proudest Idea[/h3][p][/p][p]If you’ve played Metroidvania games, you’ve probably experienced this:[/p][p]“I can’t get here now, but with a new ability later, I should be able to.”[/p][p]But then you forget about it, and when you finally return, sometimes it’s just a dead end.[/p][p][/p][p]We always found that frustrating—so we created the Drone System.[/p][p]Instead of just marking a map, you can leave behind a drone that acts like a surveillance camera, letting you check that location in real time.[/p][p][/p][p]This way, you can see whether you’re ready to explore now, or if it’s still too early.[/p][p]Our goal was to reduce the tedious backtracking, while keeping the joy of discovery intact.[/p][p][/p][p]We hope this system helps players find convenience and new layers of fun all at once.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]🔷 The Most Striking NPC[/h3][p][/p][p]One NPC that instantly grabs attention is the antique dealer Ainjaff.[/p][p][/p][p]He appears fairly early in the game in a village shop, yet his presence is unforgettable.[/p][p]Covered in scars, with one eye hidden—whether by injury or by choice—he instantly sparks endless questions.[/p][p]And then there are the rumors… whispers of a powerful army made up of wolves and cheetahs. Could Ainjaff have ties to them?[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]That’s our little tour of the dev team’s favorites.[/p][p]We hope you felt the love and attention poured into even the smallest details.[/p][p]When you begin your own adventure, we look forward to you discovering those unforgettable moments that become your personal favorites.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ll continue working hard to deliver fun and thrills in every part of Fatal Claw.[/p][p]Until the next interview, where we’ll bring more behind-the-scenes stories![/p][p][/p][p]And don’t forget—our Kickstarter campaign is just around the corner, where your feedback can directly shape the game. You can also join our official Discord channel to chat with the dev team and get the latest updates first.[/p][p][/p][p]Here's the link for your convenience:[/p][h3]👉 \[Visit Discord][/h3][p][/p][p]Thank you always for your incredible support and encouragement! 🙏[/p]

[p][/p][p]Hello, everyone![/p][p]In our last developer interview, we mentioned that we added distinct landmarks so that players can easily remember them.[/p][p]For today’s Dev Notes, we’d like to introduce some of those hidden landmarks scattered across the world of Fatal Claw.[/p][p][/p][p]Each landmark was created with its own story, so that when you stumble across one in-game, you’ll instinctively think, "Ah, I’m in that area now!"[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]\[Stories Within the Landmarks][/h2][p][/p][p]The underground world of Fatal Claw isn’t just a backdrop.[/p][p]Every region carries the weight of time and story in the form of landmarks.[/p][p][/p][p]These places, where you may stop to gaze, whisper ancient breaths and lingering mysteries.[/p][p]We’ve compiled records of some key landmarks you’ll discover. Let’s explore them together![/p][p][/p][h2]#Kannir Drilling Site[/h2][p][/p][h3]Origin Screen [/h3][h3][/h3][p]Scattered across the underworld, these giant screens exist to broadcast something. [/p][p]You’ll often see flickering ads or broken messages, but age has reduced them to fractured signals. [/p][p]On the other hand, their very incompleteness sparks more imagination and stories. [/p][p][/p][h3]Automata Workshop[/h3][p][/p][p]From afar, you can spot automata tirelessly working to extract Kannir. [/p][p]Nearby, cylinders filled with Kannir fluid are stacked high, leaving no doubt: this is a true extraction site in full operation. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]#Ashen Valley[/h2][p][/p][h3]Nagaraja’s Corpse[/h3][p]The colossal skull of a mythical beast lies here, enduring centuries of erosion.[/p][p]Those who approach the entrance are struck by an uneasy fear, unable to take a step forward.[/p][p]Yet this fear is precisely what provokes a burning urge to challenge it, serving as the intersection of dread and curiosity.[/p][p][/p][h3]The Well[/h3][p]Chains hang at its mouth, and strange fluid has seeped deep into its stones, radiating an ominous aura. [/p][p]Though small and unassuming, the moment you face it, you can’t help but pause and think: “Ah… right, there was a well here.” [/p][p]A minor landmark, but one that fixes itself as a waypoint of memory along the path. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]#Strigine Quarry[/h2][p][/p][h3]Hydrangea Field[/h3][p][/p][p]At the edge of a wind-lashed cliff lies a blooming field of hydrangeas.[/p][p]A flower field in the desolate underground world feels out of place, a strange beauty that doesn’t belong.[/p][p]And at its center, crouched low, lurks a bug-like silhouette... but what could it be?[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]#Elord Castle[/h2][p][/p][h3]Arcadia[/h3][p][/p][p]Deep inside the castle stands a mysterious high-tech device. [/p][p]Its mechanical structure and refined engineering prove that this world is far from ordinary. [/p][p]Nearby, remains of Owls suggest this device was never just ornamental—it had purpose. [/p][p][/p][h3]A Statue[/h3][p]Ensnared by infected plants, this statue looks like a forgotten memory left to decay. [/p][p]Step closer, and a strangely familiar face emerges, leaving behind an uncanny sense of déjà vu. [/p][p]Who does this statue resemble? And what hidden story does it hold? [/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]#Higasha Tundra[/h2][p][/p][h3]Shrine Entrance[/h3][p]Beyond the bamboo groves, on a snow-covered land, stands a silent shrine.[/p][p]Its entrance is carved with strange patterns, but it's unclear which deity it honors.[/p][p]But that very mystery ignites the imagination, stirring anticipation of the new adventures waiting ahead.[/p][p][/p][h3]Bamboo Grove[/h3][p][/p][p]Once you start seeing bamboo stalks appear, you know you’ve reached the grove. [/p][p]While bamboo may not seem like a grand landmark, here it becomes a natural guidepost. [/p][p]Spot the grove nearby? Follow its flow, and you won’t lose your way. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]💠Wrapping Up[/h2][p][/p][p]The landmarks we introduced today serve as witnesses of this world’s past. [/p][p]They act as memorable signposts for players, as well as stages for the unfolding narrative. [/p][p][/p][p]To bring you those moments of discovery, we continue to design, refine, and build with great care.[/p][p]When you finally encounter them during your own journey, we hope you’ll feel that instant moment of recognition.[/p][p]Look forward to seeing them in action during your adventures. 🙂[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for reading! [/p][p]We’ll be back again soon with more development stories. 🙏[/p][p][/p][p]And don’t forget to visit our official Discord channel! It's the best place to talk directly with us and get the earliest peek at what we’re working on: [/p][p]👉 Fatal Claw Official Discord Channel[/p][p]Your thoughts and feedback mean the world to us, so feel free to drop one.[/p][p][/p][p]Thank you![/p]

[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]