Photo credit: venturebeat.com
Elroy and the Aliens, a newly released hand-drawn point-and-click adventure, has captivated gamers with its nostalgic flair and engaging storytelling. Launched on Steam, the game draws inspiration from the beloved LucasArts titles and the engaging narratives of the 1990s.
The journey to the game’s release began in 2009 when two friends, Tadej Gregorcic and Jernej Kocjancic, conceptualized the project. Their passion led to sporadic development until a renewed focus emerged in 2014, culminating in a self-funded launch priced at $18 after 11 years of dedication.
In an industry dominated by large studios producing triple-A titles, the achievement of a small team delivering such a detailed game stands out. This feat is reminiscent of other indie successes, such as Stardew Valley, created by a single developer, and Balatro, another solo project. Billy Basso, known for his game Animal Well, shared at the Dice Summit that he spent seven years developing his game primarily on his own, winning best game direction at the Dice Awards this year.
Positive feedback has greeted Elroy and the Aliens, boasting a 97% positive rating on Steam and an impressive 4.8/5 on GOG, alongside endorsements from gaming review sites, according to Gregorcic.
Gregorcic reflected on their inspiration, stating, “We grew up on ’90s point-and-click adventure games from LucasArts and Sierra, like Monkey Island and Day of the Tentacle. These games created a cozy atmosphere, focused on exploration and storytelling rather than action. It’s like enjoying a season of an adventure TV show.”
He further elaborated on how storytelling influences came from his love of science fiction literature and films, including works by Peter F. Hamilton and Frank Herbert, along with classics like Stargate and Indiana Jones.
Set in the quaint town of Slope City in 1993, players engage as Elroy, a young engineer fascinated with rockets and troubled by the disappearance of his archaeologist father. He teams up with Peggie, an astute journalist with language skills, to embark on an expansive journey across two vibrant planets, exploring over 60 unique locations filled with fully voiced characters, including some speaking an exclusive alien language created for the game.
The adventure delves into themes of love and loss as Elroy grapples with his father’s fate. Players must solve complex puzzles, heed ancient legends, and interact with a variety of individuals—both human and extraterrestrial—while navigating a conspiracy driven by a nefarious mayor in Slope City.
Their journey kicks off with the unveiling of a mysterious crystal and an intriguing message, prompting an intergalactic quest that seeks not only to find Elroy’s father but also to address a looming existential threat to the universe.
Elroy and Peggie’s expedition presents moral challenges that affect each player distinctly, leading to varying endings based on the choices made throughout the game. An interesting note from early demos includes a character named Sierra, who humorously notes having been mistreated by a publisher while developing a game.
In discussing the lengthy development, Gregorcic revealed that the game is a heartfelt project financed entirely by their studio, Motiviti. Much of the production time was allocated to client work that sustained the studio, particularly partnerships with Supercell.
“Creating a game with high production values involves significant effort. Hand-drawing high-resolution art and recording approximately 10,000 lines of dialogue takes time. Additionally, we composed an original musical score,” he explained.
As the game evolved, the team expanded its scope after the initial years, ultimately pivoting to broader platforms than originally planned. “Our belief in the project and early positive feedback kept our morale high despite challenges. We initially aimed for smaller platforms but realized the game’s potential warranted a full-length adventure,” he mentioned.
Through the ups and downs, maintaining dedication was key. Gregorcic had remarkable interactions, including meeting Tim Schafer, the renowned creator behind many iconic point-and-click games during the development period, which served as additional motivation.
More than a nostalgic experience, Elroy and the Aliens tells a moving story of a son’s quest for his father, combining humor with emotional depth. With its original soundtrack enhancing the gaming experience, players can anticipate an unforgettable cosmic adventure upon its recent Steam debut.
Key Features
Launched on April 2, Elroy and the Aliens is offered on Steam at a price of $18.
This game revives the point-and-click genre with modern sensibilities, providing an enjoyable blend of nostalgia with a fresh sci-fi narrative.
Players can immerse themselves in a rich storytelling experience filled with humor, ancient lore, and alien languages while tackling intricate puzzles across its expansive dual-planet setting featuring over 60 distinct locations.
With the option to play as either Elroy or Peggie, gamers can explore the narrative from varied viewpoints.
The visual aesthetic features beautifully crafted, high-resolution 2D art and smooth animations, complemented by an evocative original soundtrack.
Furthermore, the game offers immersive English voice acting, with plans for translations in Spanish, French, German, and Brazilian Portuguese, among others.
Designed with accessibility in mind, the game includes thoughtful features like captions for color-based puzzles, extensive subtitles, and a variety of input options. Elroy and the Aliens is set to enrich the adventure gaming landscape with its heartfelt storyline and captivating gameplay.
Motiviti is an indie studio founded by Gregorcic and Kocjancic in Maribor, Slovenia, alongside co-developer Urban Breznik, who contributed significantly to the project’s art and animation. Despite side projects, the team prioritized this passion project for its entire development duration, which illustrates the deep commitment behind Elroy and the Aliens.
Source
venturebeat.com