Yes! The whole thing kind of takes place in an in-between state using machine-like objects as stand-ins for people. Something to do with the effects of long isolation periods over this last year, and the sense of alienation this can create. It somehow felt appropriate to take this approach with the visuals/tone
Good questions about the gameplay - it's going be a mix of both
so you spend a lot of time just moving matter around because you always get interesting results/memories. But sometimes you discover a combination that will lead one machine to suggest you go and show it to another machine. Each machine has their combos that are important to them, and when you put the right combo down in front of the right machine:
- one: you could discover that this particular combo in this room is a 'portkey' leading to the discovery of a new machine (it will teleport you to a new room)
- two: you could bring about the end of this particular machine's story/existence in this world
- three: there could be other unforeseen consequences...
So in answer to your question, you can kind of figure it out - but you have to do it by learning the rule-system in-game. By listening closely to responses.
By learning what certain objects/combos mean to certain machines.
Haha, very much appreciate the comparison to Alchemy games.
Interestingly, the next game we are currently working on could be described as an alchemy game... Looking forward to announcing that one sometime in the future too.
