The first public demo for The House of Hikmah has arrived! We’re so excited to bring you this initial look at our game. While you’re waiting for your download to finish, here’s a little bit about why we chose to showcase this portion of the game.
Download the Demo Now!
The Story So Far:
We begin our story with the introduction of the main character, Maya. She’s a fourteen-year-old girl whose father passed away on a recent voyage. Seeking answers about his passing and a mysterious device he left her called the Key, she has traveled to the House of Wisdom. Her first visit to the astronomer Mariam al-Astrulabi has shown her that this device is capable of transmuting elements, and she has already unlocked the first element, Ether.
When you begin your journey as Maya, you’re ready to venture into another realm of the House, where Jabir ibn Hayyan resides. You’ve been tasked with delivering a letter from the headmistress of the House.
A Balanced Experience:
We chose this level because we wanted players to get a genuine feel for the game mechanics while not spending too much time on tutorials. Maya has already unlocked one power, so players will be immediately able to use the Key to solve puzzles. As players unlock more abilities within the Key, they’ll see more possibilities in the ways Maya can interact with the elements around her. Players will need to think about how elemental properties affect items in the world around them to make it through this floating world of precariously balanced instruments.
Sharp Mind, Quick Wit:
It was important that the section we chose to showcase would also give a glimpse of the story, as well as the developing interpersonal dynamics and relationships, without giving away too much of the narrative. In our last blog, we introduced this level’s Scholar, Jabir ibn Hayyan, and how his aesthetic was inspired by patterns in chemical bonding to highlight his work in chemistry and pharmacy. Now, players will encounter ibn Hayyan himself for the first time and experience how precision isn’t just represented as a facet of his work but as a part of his personality in his exacting expectations for Maya.
The demo will also reveal how Maya herself reacts to ibn Hayyan’s sharp remarks and highlight her motivations. These dynamics will deepen as she encounters more scholars within the House, and begins to understand how each of them carries their grief.
Stop and Enjoy The Scenery
As we’ve often said, The House of Hikmah is a game that is to be experienced, not just rushed through. Players will have opportunities to pause, look out over the vast expanse, or find a cozy nook to wander through. These moments of serenity placed throughout the game hint at moments of reflection for both the player and the scholars.
Taking your time has some hidden benefits. As you traverse through the level, keep an eye out for unexpected pathways and hidden areas, which may hold some secret items and lore to give you a hint of what you’ll find in the full game.
While Maya has only just begun her emotional journey, there are indications of the deep emotional burden she carries with her. As she progresses throughout the full game, the challenges she faces require clever thinking and the willingness to be as malleable as the elements she transmutes. You’ll have to play the full game to find out how she overcomes her grief.
Enjoy our Demo!
We hope you enjoy this look at The House of Hikmah. We’re looking forward to hearing your thoughts, so please leave us a comment about your experience on Steam– it really helps us make a better game!
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If you’ve made it this far, your demo is likely done downloading, so what are you waiting for? Enjoy your first moments in The House of Hikmah!
