Description
"Realm of Unrest" is an immersive first-person horror adventure game that combines the mystical arts of alchemy and necromancy with modern university life. In this game, players are thrust into a chilling narrative as a group of students who unintentionally unleash an evil entity during their group studies. The game revolves around their harrowing journey to rectify their error, delve into the dark mysteries of their academic institution, and ultimately confront the evil entity they've unwittingly set free. Complex puzzles and an immersive gameplay experience with various challenges and obstacles await those who dare to explore the Realm of Unrest. Will it be you or the entity that returns from the vast unknown void known as the Ether Realm?
In conjunction with the game project, a 3D animation film, “Echoes from Beyond”, was created to visualize the story of what happened before the game’s narrative. The videos are spread throughout the game and need to be unlocked while progressing. Discover Davian’s research and his actions that led to the current game story events. Additionally, a web project titled “Realm of Unrest: Web Experience” was developed for marketing purposes, promoting the game, and providing more content for players to explore. This project marks a collaboration of three different sub-projects, melded together into one sharp ether blade.
Lore and Worldbuilding
Game World
The world of "Realm of Unrest" is based on our own Earth, with one crucial exception: the science of alchemy has been further explored and has rapidly advanced in recent years. Transmutation, communication with the death, the creation of potions, and the manipulation of chemical elements are now recognized and established scientific disciplines.
The game's plot focuses on a university known as Trismegistos University, specializing in the research and teaching of alchemy and related fields of study. The university is somewhat isolated from the city, as early developments in alchemy and the associated mysterious experiments unsettled the population. The relationship between the university and the town is ambivalent, as many people remain suspicious of alchemical research.
Game's Story
Our tale unfolds on a Thursday evening at 21:30. Aiden and Noa find themselves heading to the university as they are diligently working on a group project assigned by their professor. This project spans multiple disciplines, aiming to enhance communication among students.
In the library, their designated meeting point, Aiden and Noa are the last to arrive, joining Cynthia, Pino, and Davian. While some are already familiar with each other, Davian appears detached and unenthusiastic about the group. He is working independently on the project and is reluctant to involve others. After some negotiation, Davian reluctantly suggests that, if they insist on helping, they should go to the greenhouse and fetch a herb for him called "Shimmerleaf."
The friends, irritated by Davian's demeanor, propose swapping the herb. Shimmerleaf looks identical to Glimmer Herb, but Davian's experiment would result in a foul odor if Glimmer Herb were used. Glimmer Herb tends to emit a foul smell when exposed to air for an extended period—a harmless prank for the friends.
Back in the library, Pino attempts to distract Davian with a bad joke to prevent him from noticing the swapped herb. However, Davian, confident in his project and intelligence, dismisses any possibility of things going awry.
Yet, when Davian inserts the herb into his machine, an unexpected event unfolds. The experiment goes awry, and Davian screams in pain. Panicked by the darkness and eerie sounds filling the air, the friends flee, realizing something has emerged from Davian's body—something infused with malevolence, transitioning into the game's starting point.
Core Gameplay
Character Switch
Although "Realm of Unrest" is primarily a single-player game, it introduces a unique character-switching mechanic. Players can switch between four different protagonists, each with their own specialized skills. This can be done at specific "Safe Zones" within the game. Each character excels in their respective field, and their unique abilities are essential for solving particular puzzles. This means players must strategically change characters to access their capabilities and advance in the game. For example, Aiden may be on the ground floor and discover a locked door connected to a cable leading to the first floor. The player can switch to Cynthia to attempt to open the door from the first floor.
Smartphone
Each character carries a smartphone, a versatile tool. Players can take notes, capture photos, communicate with other characters, and track their progress. This tool assists in solving puzzles by allowing players to jot down hints for future challenges. The smartphone also functions as a flashlight to illuminate dark areas, but its use attracts the enemy creature, increasing the element of danger. It is essential to manage the smartphone's limited battery life, which can be recharged in Safe Zones. Strategic and thoughtful smartphone usage is crucial to optimize resources.