Being & Becoming’s upcoming game was also a part of the Critical Reflex Time Showcase. Unlike it’s sister Grobnopolis this game is described in the trailer description as “ an atmospheric metroidvania, set in a dying kingdom held together only by the collective dream of thousands of would-be martyrs.”
The game’s themed on religious imagery and sacrifice, it’s set for 2027 on PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox on PC and Steam, but the demo’s already out. The game’s protagonist, wearing a gold diving helmet, with wispy limbs and a huge white suit decorated with chains, walks a barren but magical land. Coins fall and the protagonist is told that “For God’s sake, he rescued you from the watery depths, but kept your hands bounds.” This bible-like line is accompanied by imagery showing the protagonist falling into the ocean and waking up in the depths.
Now that his binds seem to have been explained. The protagonist walks on a dangerous journey where his faith, and religion collide. Immediately he dashes off, someone asks “How could you betray the faith.” From outside pathways, to dark paths to sky paths that the protagonist jumps through, the hands of faith never leave him. He fights against monsters and faith itself, as “The word goes stronger by the second.”
The protagonist works harder to complete his quest, climbing ropes, overcoming page rips, flying through the air with pointed jumps and fighting enemies. The protagonist unveils more complex spellwork and moves as he goes, meeting all sorts of adversaries as well as different creatures with unrevealed dialogue lines. He has a handy dandy book with his weapons, and the ability to gain new ones.
As he continues into the depths, castles, the underground and much else lots of the game’s layout is revealed, as well as voice lines that tease fun dialogue and reveal secrets. One voiceline in particular declares “All you’ve done is put a pretty coat of paint on a terrible mess” bringing questions to whether this line is aimed at the protagonist and his actions or another, or the actions of the God that brought them in? While the protagonist battles against human-like, monstrous and abstract beings. In the end, it stands to see whether the protagonist will win against the “dream,” that started it all.