A major draw of video games that they have historically used to interest players is the ability to take place in any location under any circumstances, including places that cannot really exist. One popular example is floating islands, commonly imagined landforms that defy physics in reality, but allows entire gameplay frameworks to be built around them in games. The upcoming title Atmosfar developed by Apog Labs and published by Shueisha Games promises to let players explore a world entirely made of these floating islands, with its latest trailer announcing the release date for the game’s early access.
The trailer begins with the explorer that players will control looking out over the vast expanse of islands, quickly transitioning into pure exploration as they enter a flying machine that the official website calls the Wasp. The designs of the flying vehicles vary, including vans with thrusters and wings, rotating circular aircraft, and wide jets built like gliders. All of these crafts are revealed to dock within the Cloud Cruiser, an airbase that players can both walk around in and use to repair their Wasps.
Along the journey, players are also encouraged to interact with what they discover during exploration. The sky islands are home to animals which the trailer showcases the camera closely following and caves that players will need to use flares to see properly in. After gathering new resources, players will also have the chance to craft new tools and modify the visuals and performance of both the Wasp and the Cloud Cruiser. Finally, the trailer shows off the ability to play in co-op and have multiple Wasps flying in formation together.
The concept of sky islands comes with both a lot of prior expectations and a lot of possibilities for creativity. Players will be able to experience the islands of Atmosfar when it releases in early access on Steam on October 29th.